"Leasing our lands to foreign companies for commercial gain — without our free, prior, and informed consent — cannot be justified," said Teegee in the statement issued by the First Nations Leadership Council. The BC government says the National Outdoor Leadership School is seeking a "licence of occupation," not leases, and that such an application is not unique. But the First Nations Leadership Council said in its statement that the province should consult with them before granting access to 77 sites being eyed by the US company as potential overnight camping locations. The National Outdoor Leadership School said it had been offering wilderness education since 1965, including running sea kayaking courses in BC waters for almost 30 years. For the licence of occupation application from the National Outdoor Leadership School, this consultation is in its early stages," read the statement.