Title: Vancouver Island First Nations win protection from pesticide spaying
[Watershed Sentinel 28 Sept by Zoe Blunt] -- In a victory for ecosystems on northeast Vancouver Island, herbicide spraying was almost completely eliminated last year in Ma’amtagila and Kwakwaka’wakw Nations territory. This comes after Indigenous chiefs, elders, the public, and environmental groups spoke out against the practice of spraying glyphosate on previously-logged forestlands. In 2023, Vancouver Island's Kwakwaka’wakw leaders and food and medicine harvesters raised the alarm about toxic herbicides on their lands. They called on the Province to update its Integrated Pest Management Act and give nations a veto over planned spraying. Studies of glyphosate – the main ingredient in Roundup weed killer – show it harms species at risk, especially bees and amphibians. It’s likely to cause cancer and may also trigger mutagenic and genotoxic effects. The logging industry sprays it on unwanted trees and plants to speed the growth of tree farms. Wildlife, traditional foods, medicines, and ecosystems rely on these “unprofitable” native species that are killed by toxic herbicides. -- It remains to be seen whether this victory is permanent or a one-off. “We spent a significant amount of time and money investigating and opposing glyphosate spray plans. It worked to halt most of the spray last summer, but what about the coming years?” asked Gigame Pudlidagame, Chief Brian Wadhams of Ma’amtagila First Nation.“The government must meet with us to address the lack of consent from First Nations for operations impacting our territory". Original article
