Byron Horner is the Conservative candidate for the federal riding of Courtenay-Alberni.
He was also an executive producer on the Great Bear Rainforest IMAX film, which was filmed in Indigenous territory including the Heiltsuk territory.
Earlier in the year, the Heiltsuk became aware that footage of the film was being wrongfully used to promote Horner’s political campaign. This was done without the consent of the Heiltsuk and goes against the spirit and intent of the film. Which was education and sharing so that all can appreciate and understand why protection measures are paramount for the region.
“For the record, the Heiltsuk Nation would like to make clear that Mr. Horner’s actions are inconsistent with the spirit of his agreement with the Heiltsuk, that any references to the film and its images are being done without our explicit consent, and that we do not have a relationship with Mr. Horner, nor do we endorse his political campaign,” says Marilyn Slett Chief Councillor of the Heiltsuk Nation.
It is a region that should not be exploited for political purposes according to Slett.
