with the archaeologist present in the fall. In addition an overview has been conducted at Smith Inlet to determine future locations for an archaeologist to do work as well as at Deserters Island. Accompanying the archaeologists we were our GN Watchman crew who went along to gain further training to help them in their work.
Treaty News Update Here is a brief report of activities since that last update in July. Treaty Negotiations: Negotiations with the governments of Canada and BC continue as we discuss the next offer of land and cash that they will make to our community. We have stated very clearly that we expect something much better than the last offer they made in November 2014. We have given the governments clear instructions that they must recognize that we owned and managed our territory for 1000’s of years prior to relocation and dislocation from our GN Homelands and that they must work to insure injustices and mistakes of the past are remedied, the Homelands repatriated and a better future is created for our people. The next offer from BC and Canada must also include de a focus on services that will continue and include funding, programs, governance powers, management and protection in our territories, resources and waters, economic opportunities, etc. Also that health, education and social services will continue to receive ceive necessary funds to serve our people. These are just a few of the items that we are demanding to be included by the government in the next offer. Treaty Related Measures (TRM):: we completed the archaeology study at Ba’as and a report will be prepared for the Nation to review
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Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Yo! News
Another treaty related measure we achieved was toward helping to resource our communications initiative. As you know, Wade Charlie and Katrina Johnny, under guidan guidance of Melissa Quacksister (communications consultant), have been working since June to develop their communications skills, and to develop a communication strategic plan. The team has also been developing their events planning ability and are helping to ho host a large community feast to be held in a couple weeks. FutureBighouse:: The treaty office continues to help facilitate to move this long awaited initiative forward. Working closely with our Economic Development Corporation as well as members of Chief and Council we have achieved some commitments of funding to help cover costs of planning, land clearing and prepping, carving and construction of the proposed Bighouse. There are a number of proposals for necessary funds submitted and we are waiting to receiv receive confirmation for the full amount required before we will commence carving and construction. We also have received three Expressions Of Interest submitted at our request from potential carvers that would like to work on the carving required for the proposed ed Bighouse. At the time we learn that all funding necessary is in place, the carvers will be notified and considered by meetings called of BighouseCommittee members. Attendance to Bighouse Committee meetings is open to those interested in helping to volun volunteer knowledge and support toward the construction of the Bighouse.
September 7 / 2016