May 26, 1972 – “HAINES JUNCTION – Power from the proposed $15 million Aishihik River hydro project ‘may not be as cheap as you anticipate,’ Northern Canada Power Commission representatives were warned here Thursday. Speaking to the second and last day of territorial water board hearings, Chief Ray A. Jackson of the 177 member Champagne Aishihik Band reminded members that his people lay claim to the Aishihik area.

‘The whites are forever making plans – we will have to plan ahead too,’ he said. ‘We hope to show future generations we are not in full agreement with the project and cannot give consent,’ he declared, saying more environmental research will be needed for his band to give developers a go ahead.

Similar concern for native rights was voiced by Chief Elijah Smith, who presented the Yukon Native Brotherhood brief. ‘I have been employed by the government to reassess the needs of Indian people. No one has asked the Indian people in northern towns whether they want the project.’

Recalling previously unsettled land claims, he said his group could not approve the project either.”

(The Vancouver Sun – Vancouver, B.C.)