$1.00 + HST Vol. 26 | No. 25 Thursday, December 23, 2010
Michael Wigle photo
Merry Christmas to all!
Nuxalk Nation signs Coastal Reconciliation Protocol BY CAITLIN THOMPSON The Nuxalk Nation has become the sixth nation to sign the Coastal Reconciliation Protocol with the province. “We were very hesitant to sign with the Province, given that the courts have repeatedly ruled that the Province has no jurisdiction over unceded land in what is currently known as BC,” said Chief Councilor Spencer Siwallace. “But with Canada endorsing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s and the Province finally acknowledging that Nuxalk rights, title, and interests exist,
we are cautiously optimistic that the ‘new relationship’ may have some merit.’ After nearly a year of deliberation, Nuxalk Elected Council voted unanimously to sign the protocol last August and the signing took place in early December. The protocol outlines a new format for communication and shared decision-making, or as Siwallace describes it, an ‘agreement to disagree.’ “This protocol in no way means that Nuxalk people give up their claims as a sovereign nation,” he said. “It just provides a platform for consensus-based decision-making on activities in
our territories.” However, if talks reach a stalemate, the protocol certainly doesn’t provide either side with a veto power. “If we cannot reach consensus then it moves into proceeding at your own peril,” said Siwallace. “The protocol doesn’t give one side more leverage than another. It is simply supposed to facilitate better dialogue and shared decisionmaking.” Traditionally known for their anti-treaty stance, many were surprised to see the Nuxalk sign such a protocol with the province. Siwallace, while acknowledging he was hesitant to do so, believes that the Nuxalk Nation
has nothing to lose. “We understand the reality of the current situation and it isn’t working,” said Siwallace. “For us, signing this protocol is another step towards gaining complete Nuxalk control over our ancestral territory.” The Nuxalk join other coastal nations the Kitasoo, Wuikinuxv, Metlakatla, Heiltsuk, and Gitga’at in signing the protocol, which the government claims will ‘enhance local economies by focusing on areas of shared and strategic economic interest.’ So far, the protocol has resulted in several community-based projects, such as the new ferry terminal in Klemtu.
Siwallace is now focusing on how the protocol can work for the Nuxalk Nation, with his first priority being a clean energy project. “”We would like to take a close look at exactly what infrastructure exists, consumption and usage and how to alleviate the diesel,” he said. “Through the protocol we can pursue these types of projects.” As the protocol was initiated by former premier Gordon Campbell, it remains to be seen whether or not it will be impacted by the change in government. Either party is permitted to leave the protocol agreement at any time as long as they give 45 days notice.