Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, BC – The First Nations Summit today released the attached letter to David Hahn, President and CEO of BC Ferries. The Summit has urged BC Ferries to reconsider their decision not to rename the vessels on its northern routes in honour of the people of Hartley Bay who were instrumental in the rescue efforts following the March 2006 sinking of the BC Ferry vessel Queen of the North off BC’s northern coast.
“I find it hard to comprehend the notion put forth by Mr. Hahn that renaming the vessels in honour of the heroes of Hartley Bay would “hurt” the long term marketing strategy of BC Ferries. Unselfish heroic deeds and marketing are generally a match made in marketing heaven; except it seems when it comes to the President of BC Ferries”, said Grand Chief Edward John, a member of the First Nations Summit political executive.