YO! News
TREATY UPDATE Yo community, Starting soon the Treaty Office will begin to host family meetings again. We held a second one with the Charlie Family in July. There was a good turnout! Thank you Auntie Marion Wamiss, you are a great cook!
At the meeting I described as clearly as possible what the two governments have offered the Gwa’sala‘Nakwaxda’xw so far in treaty negotiations. There is a lot of different and difficult language used in negotiations. As much as possible the treaty team – Chiefs Paddy, Tom and Willie help to give examples in an effort to clarify what governments are saying to us. The family members raised really good questions and concerns. For example, the question of land and what amount should we discuss or counter propose? Regarding a cash component in a final agreement – what is enough to help to rebuild what has been taken or lost? It is not easy to come up with numbers or amounts because our people do not like to measure and tally what the Creator gave. However, we have agreed to negotiations and it is important to speak about our rights, our title and what we need for the future of our people. It has been good to have dialogue with community members at the family settings; attendance includes representation of youth, parents, and elders. In the future we would like to find ways to more fully engage youth and small children to help promote a greater understanding of the histories
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GWA’SALA-’NAKWAXDA’XW NATIONS YO! NEWS
09/4/2015
September 4, 2015 3 G-N CCP Update 4 Eke-Me-xi learning Centre/ G-N School Opens 5-6 Education Update/ Forms for p.o School Supplies 7-9 Port Hardy Secondary School 2015-2016 Calendar Events 10-11 School District no.55/ Rout Description 12 G-N Recycle Depot Update 13 Food Security & Nutrition Coordinator Update 14 Aquaculture Invite 15 Shain Jackson Artist Statement 16 Artisan Opportunity 17 Skipper Position 18 News From Andrea Walkus-Andrew 19 FYI Housing 20-21 Many Thanks From Cathy Swain/ Flea Market 22 Canoe Way Sacred Journey 23 Patient Travel 24 On Call Secretary Job Posting 25-28 Local Job Posting 29 Birthday/Requests
and why we are negotiating a treaty for the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations. In the next short while, we wish to continue round two of family meetings. In addition, we will host information sessions in evenings for individuals that cannot make it to the family meetings but would like to learn more, voice their concerns and have input on the content of the negotiations. Our Treaty Team is very honored and grateful to family participants for stepping forward and speaking out for the future. In this way we can listen and hear your voice as we prepare to negotiate toward a Treaty that will work for all of our Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw members. Gila’kasla
SUBMITTED Negotiato
BY:
Colleen
Hemphill,
Chief