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Company News Releases...
Pacific Booker Minerals Inc. Responds To Lake Babine Nation News Release Of October 14 And Continues Efforts To Consult
Vancouver BC, October 15, 2008
On October 14, 2008, the Lake Babine Nation (“LBN”) issued a
media news release stating that “it is withdrawing from dialogue”… “due to
serious concerns regarding Pacific Booker’s conduct”.
This statement is not premised on any substantive or accurate facts. It is also
surprising since at virtually the same time of issuing the release on
October 14, 2008, the LBN sent a letter to Pacific Booker Minerals Inc. (“PBM”)
with the following contrary message: “We look forward to confirming a meeting to
first discuss an agreement that establishes a framework for us to engage with
both you and the regulators in respect to the project.” The LBN’s letter goes on
to ask that PBM contact Chief Betty Patrick to coordinate the meeting and
concludes by saying that “We look forward to developing a stronger and mutually
supportive relationship.”
PBM has for several years been attempting to engage the LBN in developing a
framework agreement, related consultation protocols, funding arrangements and
proposals for employment and training. Offers to do so over the past few years
have often been met with LBN silence. PBM’s latest efforts included a letter
dated September 19, 2008 and subsequent unreturned telephone calls.
The LBN asserts that “PBM continues to offer us capacity funding but we haven’t
seen a dime.” The truth is that PBM has offered capacity funding on numerous
occasions in the past, going back several years, but has often been frustrated
by LBN’s lack of communication.
The LBN further accuses PBM of improperly questioning “our members about our
confidential traditional uses without asking permission”. With respect, we have
never been made aware of this allegation. If there was a breach of protocol or
expectations, we would have been pleased to discuss them.
The LBN further asserts:
Gone are the days when First Nations are not entitled to legal representation
and we are not going to let them dictate to us who is on our team. These are
examples of their [PBM] self serving intention to move the Project forward
without demonstrating a real commitment to relationship building. Their actions
to date are disrespectful and do not encourage us to trust them.
PBM has never at any time suggested, let alone dictated, who should be on the
LBN team. PBM is therefore offended that LBN imputes improper intentions. At
most, PBM intended to not bring its lawyers to meetings, as a gesture to allow
for a friendlier and less adversarial exchange of views.
PBM prefers to respond to the positive invitation in LBN’s letter of October 14,
2008, and considers it highly unfortunate that its press release issued the same
date conveyed a contrary picture.
To view information regarding Pacific Booker Minerals Inc., please visit our
website home page and reports section at http://www.pacificbooker.com,
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Erik Tornquist,
Director
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