October 2014 by Salish Sea Sentinel

Volume 10 • Issue 9

OCTOBER 2014

PIPELINE AGAINST OUR LAW! COAST SALISH TREATY SIGNED PAGE 8

DIGITAL MAPPING A POWERFUL TOOL PAGES 4-5

BC GATHERING A CHIEF REPORTS PAGES 6-7

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EDITORIAL ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

here was a lot of power in the room when BC’s First Nation leaders met with Premier Christy Clark and her cabinet in Vancouver on Sept. 11. A power shift had occurred in the province a few weeks earlier with the landmark Tsilhqot’in Nation decision by the Supreme Court of Canada. But when the so-called ‘historic day of dialogue’ had ended, many were left wondering if there was real substance to all the talk. A statement from the First Nations

Leadership Council said that it was disappointed that the BC Government did not commit itself to a brief four-point statement that it said was key to moving forward. Others in the room asked whether the gathering at the Hotel Vancouver was just another government photo op. After all, the 20-plus year BC treaty process is littered with many words, but little action. First Nation leaders remembered the 2009 Recognition and Reconciliation Act that was abandoned by her predecessor, Gordon Campbell. They also recalled the 2005 Kelowna Accord scrapped by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Instead of being leaders, the BC Gov-

ernment seems to be waiting for business and the public to get on board with the Tsilhqot’in decision. But, as Klahoose Chief James Delorme says in his account of the gathering (Pages 6-7), First Nations have waited long enough. Away from the head table in Vancouver, many were cynical about all the talk and the lack of action. One said that First Nation leaders in the room were there on behalf of their people and not business interests: “Time is not our friend… we have community members who have expectations.” Dialogue is a two-way street. Governments need to know that.

NAUT’SA MAWT TRIBAL COUNCIL NATIONS Editorial: Mark Kiemele, Editor editor@salishseasentinel.ca 250-246-3438 Cara McKenna, Reporter cara@salishseasentinel.ca 604-366-6215 Advertising: Manoj Sood ads@salishseasentinel.ca 604-723-8355 Publisher: Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council 1921 Tsawwassen Drive, Tsawwassen BC V4M 4G2 Gary Reith, CAO 604-943-6712 | 1-888-382-7711 The Salish Sea Sentinel is published monthly, eleven times a year, by the Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council, incorporated as a non-profit society in 1983 and governed by a board of directors from our eleven member First Nations located around the Salish Sea. About 6,500 people hold membership in our nations.

www.salishseasentinel.ca Deadline for editorial and advertising is the 15th of every month.

1. HALALT (250) 246-4736 chief@halalt.org www.halalt.org 2. HOMALCO (250) 923-4979 richard@aboriginalaquaculture.com 3. KLAHOOSE Qathen Xwegus Management Corp (250) 935-6536 www.klahoose.com 4. MALAHAT (250) 743-3231 lawrencelewis@malahatnation.com www.malahatnation.com 5. SLIAMMON (604) 483-9646 clint.williams@sliammon.bc.ca www.sliammonfirstnation.com www.sliammontreaty.com 6. SNAW-NAW-AS (Nanoose) (250) 390-3661 administrator@nanoose.org nfnbandmanager@nanoose.org www.nanoose.org 7. SNUNEYMUXW (Nanaimo) (250) 740-2300 johngwesley@shaw.ca www.snuneymuxw.ca 8. STZ’UMINUS (Ladysmith) (250) 245-7155 Ray.Gauthier@coastsalishdevcorp.com www.stzuminus.com 9. TSAWWASSEN (604) 948-5219 chartman@tfnedc.com www.tsawwassenfirstnation.com 10. TSLEIL-WAUTUTH (604) 929-3454 bbaptiste@twnation.ca www.twnation.com 11. T’SOU-KE (Sooke) (250) 642-3957 administrator@tsoukenation.com www.tsoukenation.com

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 1

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

HOUSING ON MENU AT MALAHAT NATION Malahat Nation hosted a one-day information session in early September on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s new approach to housing support. The approach aims to align AANDC funding in a way that supports First Nations in developing and implementing long-term, viable housing strategies that reflect community needs. The session was facilitated by representatives of Naut’sa’mawt Tribal Council. The current fiscal year is the first year for the new funding. Preparations are now underway for the 2015/16 fiscal year. Later in the day, Lawrence Lewis, Malahat Nation’s manager, talked about the nation’s experience, challenges and successes with housing. Since 2012 Malahat has built ten new homes and the Kwunew Kwasen Cultural Center (where the info session was held). Along the way, it also reduced construction costs and provided training and capacity development through a partnership with Vancouver Island University. Eric Blueschke, NmTC’s housing policy advisor, also spoke about the tribal council’s Housing Policy Development Tool-Kit. It is designed to provide a starting point for the comprehensive development or enhancement of onreserve rental housing documents. More Toolkit info is available by visiting www.nautsamawt.org, clicking on the Resources tab and then OpenSource Policy Development Tools.

People from First Nations throughout Vancouver Island heard about housing matters

2 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Chief Williams looks ahead after final Indian Act election Chief Clint Williams signed the Tla’amin treaty earlier this year

lint Williams was elected Sliammon chief for his fourth term on Sept. 13 by a narrow margin. With 199 votes, he defeated Gloria Francis who had 180 and Vern Pielle with 65. Chief Williams spoke about his narrow victory as work continues toward the Tla’amin treaty effective date in April 2016. He said there will be a near 50/50 split on the new council in terms of accepting the treaty and other governance issues. While treaty was always near the surface during the nation’s last Indian Act election, Williams said the subject was not brought up much during the campaign. The treaty has been acrimonious and divided in Sliammon. The treaty question was brought before community members in June 2012, but a blockade postponed that vote for several weeks. The final tally was 318-235 in favour of the treaty. “So many things that we do and deal with are for the community, so there will still be unity on that side,” he said. “But there will be some issues on treaty specific things…I know there will be squabbles.

“I hope there will be professional opinions and decisions. I hope for a good productive term and I am sure it will be.” Once treaty is in place, the nation will have up to six months to hold another election, this time under Tla’amin laws. A governance working group is currently discussing whether a three or fouryear term will be most suitable. “Living under the Indian Act, there was never any potential to develop any type of meaningful operations,” Williams told an all-candidates meeting prior to the vote. “We were always underneath the thumb of the government.”

Elected to Council: Chief Clint Williams and councillors (in order of votes) • • • • •

Lori Sparrow Larry Louie John Hackett Gloria Francis Dillon Johnson

• • • • •

Eugene Louie Shawn Louie Walter Paul Sandy Point Brian Hackett

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

CALENDAR

HOW YOU CAN VOTE IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS Do you want to vote in November’s municipal elections in your area? This is what municipalelections.com said when asked if on-reserve First Nation people can vote. If the reserve is within a municipality and you are otherwise eligible to vote, you can vote in the municipal election. If the reserve is not within a municipality, but within a regional district and you are otherwise eligible to vote, you can vote for the electoral area director in the election held by the regional district. This applies to non-aboriginal leaseholders as well.

LOG DUMP AND SORT IN SLIAMMON LAND DEAL Sliammon First Nation and the City of Powell River have purchased Catalyst Paper’s share of the pulp and paper company’s surplus lands. In the Sept. 19 deal, Tees’kwat Land Holdings and the city’s development arm paid $3 million for eleven acres of waterfront property. Chief Clint Williams said the purchase re-establishes a connection to lands that are economically important to his nation and the city. He said the deal met a longterm goal of Sliammon “to secure land to establish a log dump and sort for its forestry operations. It secures the lands necessary to ensure the success of Thichum Forest Products.” Representing Tees’kwat on the limited partnership’s board will be Williams, councillor Walter Paul and Sliammon Development Corporation president Roy Francis.

THIS MONTH IS HWISULENHW IN THE HUL’QUMI’NUM LANGUAGE, THE TIME FOR LEAVES FALLING OFF TREES. OCT

7-9

OCT

15 OCT

22-24

OCT

24 OCT

24-25

OCT

25 OCT

29-30 NOV

Comprehensive Community Planning workshop at the Songhees Wellness Centre in Victoria. Celebrating 10 years of the CCP model. Contact bc-ccp@aandc.gc.ca or call Carla at 604-775-7214 or Colette at 604-775-7110

Sixth annual BC Aboriginal Business Awards gala at the Vancouver Convention Centre. www.bcachievement.com

Joint Gathering 2014 at the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver hosted by the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of BC. Attendees will engage in a series of dialogues related to ‘Preparing for Emerging Opportunities and Reconciliation of Aboriginal Rights’. www.afoabc.org

‘Women as a Catalyst for Growth’ is the theme of a BC economic forum sponsored by the Vancouver Board of Trade. Details at boardoftrade.com

The 7th annual Vancouver Island Traditional Foods Conference will be hosted by tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht) First Nation in Ucluelet. Organizers still looking for some presenters and for people and organizations who are interested in setting up booths or poster presentations. Online registrations at indigenousfoodsvi.ca and more info from coordinator Norine Messer at 250-735-4111 or norinemesser@hotmail.com

Xwémalhkwu (Homalco) First Nation election for chief and councillors

First Nation economies will be among the items on the agenda at the State of the Island economic summit in Nanaimo. Details at www.viea.ca

Malahat First Nation presents Shoot for the Moon – Catch a Star 2nd annual gala with singer Crystal Shawanda and astronaut Dr Robert Thirsk at Brentwood College, Mill Bay. More info from 250-743-3231 or www.malahatnation.com

Land deal economically important for Sliammon forestry

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 3

SENTINEL FEATURE

A screen shot from a collage of Hul’qumi’num place names by UVic students – Courtesy of UVic Ethnographic Mapping Lab

DIGITAL MAPPING A POWERFUL RIGHTS AND TITLE TOOL

By Cara McKenna

uring a four-day Indigenous mapping workshop at the University of Victoria, representatives from over 100 aboriginal organizations shared stories and ideas about using Google technology in their territories. Combining old and new knowledge, First Nation groups are creating territory maps, doing environmental monitoring and charting traditional place names. Anthropology professor Brian Thom, who co-organized the workshop, said that the maps lend a powerful voice and knowledge set for nations fighting against, or looking at, development. “These maps are powerful and really become a common language that focuses our minds and gets us thinking about the potential impacts of developments on the exercise of aboriginal title and rights,” he said. “Part of what’s really exciting is that indigenous communities have been really taking a leadership role in investing in their communities to build, in-house, the capacity to do this research themselves and manage the map data and present it. There’s a real critical mass of First Nations who are leaders in these projects.”

4 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

Ray Harris of Stz’uminus and Brian Thom in a video that was part of a digital mapping feature in the Globe and Mail

SENTINEL FEATURE

Stz’uminus First Nation, for example, has recently been mapping traditional place names, a project that has allowed elders and youth to collaborate and learn from one other. “The youth are out talking to the elders about these important places and they live the importance of these areas through mapping,” Thom said. “These maps are such a powerful way to assert, you know, this is our territory. I think the nations who have made these efforts of documentation will really see the benefit of being able to speak with a powerful voice. I think the other benefit is really the engagement of the youth.” Pano Skrivanos, the protocol and agreement co-ordinator at Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, added that “knowledge is power.” Skrivanos worked with a team to compile almost 700 place names within Tsleil-Waututh’s territory and has often been able to use the information when it comes to the nation’s fight against big oil in its territory. “The more information that you know about a given place, it’s only going to help you,” he said. “I can use the pipeline as an example. Trans-Mountain wants to twin their existing pipeline, so we did some analysis on the areas that would be impacted by that pipeline and right away you can see (from the maps) that those areas are important.” Tsleil-Waututh has also mapped historical travel routes, among other projects. During the UVic conference, Skrivanos was one of many presenters who also did ‘deep dives’ into Google Earth technology with Google engineers to learn specifics of more complicated controls. Thom said that nations can get involved in mapping by accessing training toolkits through UVic’s ethnographic mapping lab, or by going through consulting firms. “But there are many nations that have been doing these projects since the mid-‘90s,” he said. “Some might be in storage somewhere. I would really encourage people to see the value of those old tapes and maps and bring them into computer systems where people can use them. “Bring them into Google Earth, bring them into the hands of the people who help make decisions. Because this kind of mapping can really empower First Nations governments.”

Courtesy of UVic Ethnographic Mapping Lab

FIRST NATIONS ACROSS CANADA ARE LOOKING TO GOOGLE EARTH TOOLS AS A WAY TO ASSERT THEIR TITLE AND RIGHTS, CREATING WHAT AN EXPERT CALLS A “CRITICAL MASS”.

Stz’uminus place names available on mobile devices

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 5

SPECIAL REPORT

ONLY TIME WILL TELL IF ANYONE WAS LISTENING Many Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council leaders were in the room with colleagues from 202 BC First Nations when they met with the BC premier and her cabinet at the Hotel Vancouver.

Leaders from 202 First Nations met with the BC Cabinet

Chief James Delorme served as a ‘reporter’ on the proceedings for the Salish Sea Sentinel. Here is his report.

K Chief Delorme, right, with Sherry Mcintyre, a councillor from Skuppah Indian Band

6 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

lahoose First Nation appreciated the opportunity to witness the BC First Nations Leadership and the BC Cabinet summit on Sept. 11. I was expecting a status quo meeting with little value based on empty promises and weak speeches. I was wrong in my assumptions and was a witness to firm discussions related to tangible solutions by all the leaders. BCAFN Regional Chief Jody WilsonRaybould was the voice of resolve and her message was clear: “We take very seriously your comments premier,” she said in response to the Premier Christy Clark’s promise: “We have a lot of work to do and need to change history”. First Nations of BC have been waiting a long time for the BC Liberals to make

the change and the entire room of chiefs, leaders and organizations were speaking the same language of ‘now, not later’. The highlight of the gathering, of course, was the ability to see old friends and make new ones and create new relationships with neighbors and reinvigorate old ones. It is always a beneficial opportunity to gather as nations and converse for the greater good. The emotionally moving and pinnacle point of the meeting was not just the great words of Union of BC Indian Chiefs Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Summit Grand Chief Ed John and the always heartfelt stern and focused Chief Wilson-Raybould. The big event was the introduction of the chiefs of the newly-famed Tsilhqot’in

NEWS FROM OUR NATIONS

Tsilhqot’in Chief Roger William

Nation. Chief Roger William was greeted with a standing ovation and cheers from the floor. The room was charged with energy and good spirits because the great accomplishments of the Supreme Court case which started the entire conversation for this gathering. The Tsilhqot’in judgment gives First Nations a stranglehold on territorial rights and forces the government to finally take us seriously through precedent setting language. It was an inspiring moment to say the least. I was able to speak to Chief William on a coffee break I was taken aback by his candor and warm-hearted support for the Klahoose, all BC First Nations and Aboriginal folks across all territories. This was truly

a memorable event and a group of chiefs who really care and sacrifice for us all. I’m glad I attended on behalf of my nation and the Klahoose people. Our struggles are much the same as our neighbors and by joining together and discussing our issues we can resolve our common conflicts and bring solidarity among our peoples. After all, we have been doing this successfully without government approval for generations in our protocol ceremonies. My only advice to Premier Christy Clark and her cabinet is to take heed and make changes soon because the First Nations are no longer going to wait. Only time will tell if anyone was really listening.

Regional Chief Puglaas ( Jody WilsonRaybould) of the BC AFN speaks during the gathering as Premier Christy Clark listens – BC Gov photo

Danny Norris from Halalt listened with his nation’s treaty advisor Jack Smith

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 7

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

CROSS-BORDER TREATY CHALLENGES PIPELINE

new international treaty effectively makes Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project illegal by Coast Salish law. The International Treaty to Protect the Salish Sea was signed by 11 North American aboriginal leaders during a two-day gathering at Tsleil-Waututh First Nation on Sept. 21-22, 2014. Signees included Tsleil-Waututh Chief Maureen Thomas, former TWN chief and spiritual leader Leonard George and Jewell James of Lummi First Nation’s treaty protection office. The signing followed a weekend of feasting, ceremony and private deliberations in the TWN community centre. Eugene Kung of West Coast Environmental Law said the treaty sets out in ‘unextinguished’ Coast Salish law the reasons for protecting the Salish Sea from 8 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

tar sands oil products and projects. “It talks about the connection to the sea itself and its importance to indigenous people of this area,” he said. “It makes the Trans Mountain project specifically illegal in Coast Salish law

One chief cited criminal acts against the environment as a groundbreaking treaty was signed at Tsleil-Waututh Nation. and opens it up to enforcement, again, in Coast Salish law.” He said the treaty is noteworthy in light of the Supreme Court’s Tsilhqot’in decision because the Crown’s goalposts have moved past mere consultation with First Nations towards requiring consent.

Kung said he can imagine the treaty coming up in a Canadian or international court as a threat to Kinder Morgan’s proposed pipeline expansion. “In terms of Canadian law and Kinder Morgan’s approach, this should not be ignored,” he said. “It’s a very serious, very far distance from consent.” Chief Darrell Bob of Xaxli’p First Nation near Lillooet, who also signed the treaty, said his nation offers its full support given the government and corporate world’s “criminal acts” against the environment. “We’re in denial,” he said. “We need to come together as a people to look after our Mother Earth. Without question, we have a duty and a responsibility.” Rueben George of Tsleil-Waututh Sacred Trust said the treaty will soon be “toured” to nations in order to gather more signees.

AROUND THE SALISH SEA

From left to right: Jewell James, Leonard George, Chief Phil Lane Jr., Robert Nahanee

Raising the pole at TWN in 2013

HEALING POLE TOUCHED BY MANY HANDS A seven-metre totem pole, carved by Jewell James of Lummi Nation, has been raised at Beaver Lake Cree Nation, 100 km northeast of Edmonton. The raising took place after the pole traveled for about 8,000 kms, including a Sept. 1 stop at Tsleil-Waututh Nation, in protest of Kinder Morganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trans Mountain pipeline. The journey took about one month and made stops at First Nations fighting oil development around the West Coast. The pole arrived at TWN on day 16 of the journey where another healing pole stands overlooking the terminus of the Trans Mountain pipeline on Burrard Inlet. James also carved the first pole. SALISH SEA SENTINEL 9

NEWS FROM OUR NATIONS

Chief Wesley welcomed guests to Snuneymuxw

Snuneymuxw elder Eleanor White opened the proceddings with a welcome song

Chief Thomas gave a welcome on behalf of NmTC

‘WE CAN DO’ RESONATED AT GATHERING When hundreds of Aboriginal economic development officers met in Nanaimo in late September, the name of the conference was also the message – CANDO

he theme of the 21st annual national conference of CANDO was ‘Collaboration: Realizing Opportunities’ and that’s exactly what occurred over four days in Nanaimo from Sept. 22-25. Snuneymuxw First Nation and Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council jointly hosted the gathering of Aboriginal economic development officers. Chief John Wesley, in his welcome to delegates, said collaboration was key to what was happening at Snuneymuxw. “Recognizing opportunities … that’s what we’re doing with the port authority, the City of Nanaimo and others,” he said. “It’s all about partnerships. We realize the road we have to go down, we

10 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

have to take those chances and take that deep staircase to success. “There are sacrifices we have to make, but if we partnership, we are going to be successful. We are going to break down the barriers and create jobs for our youth.” The Snuneymuxw chief said he was pleased to be associated with both the tribal council and CANDO because they are all about creating ‘champions’. “It’s all about creating role models for our youth and for our success.” The chair of the tribal council, Chief James Thomas of Halalt First Nation, mirrored that theme. “At the end of the day, what we’re developing is a legacy for our children so that we can leave sustainable resources for them.”

He spoke about the alternatives for people going away to work in the tar sands, saying that resource industries such as forestry and aquaculture “are in our own backyard. How do we capitalize on that?” The emcee for the event was Stan Wesley from Moose Factory, Ontario, a Cree community on the south coast of James Bay. He lifted spirits when he said: “We are here today against the odds; against all odds, we are here. We are thriving. We are getting the job done. We are CANDO.”

FROM THE TRIBAL COUNCIL

The board of directors of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council – leaders from our eleven nations – met at Snaw-naw-as First Nation in mid-September and heard reports from advisors on projects ranging from governance and housing to technical services and finance. The board also confirmed the appointment of Gary Reith (main photo, far left) as NmTC’s chief administrative officer. Pictured: Cara McKenna reported on the Sentinel magazine project

The day-long meeting took place at the Snaw-naw-as health centre

A NEW COUNCIL POST EYED BY YOACHIM Snuneymuxw First Nation councillor William Yoachim is taking a leave of absence to pursue a new political playing field — Nanaimo city council. He will run Bill Yoachim in the Nov 15 election for the city of Nanaimo. Yoachim, who has been on Snuneymuxw council for 12 years, said he feels the timing is right and his experience would be valuable. “You learn a skillset in First Nations politics where you deal with all levels, and forms, of government,” he said. “Right now I believe the city is in a position where there’s a need for some bridging. It’s about bridging the two worlds because, even though we live in such a close proximity, at times we’re complete strangers.” He said he is grateful that Chief John Wesley and other council members have supported his choice to run.

SALISH SEA SENTINEL 11

FROM THE TRIBAL COUNCIL

Special guests joined other drummers

MALAHAT YOUTH THE FOCUS OF NOVEMBER FUNDRAISING GALA

urbansystems.ca

12 SALISH SEA SENTINEL

he ‘stars’ will be out again on November 1st as Malahat First Nation holds its second annual gala event at neighbouring Brentwood College in Mill Bay. Last year’s sold-out event raised more than $100,000 to help build the Kwunew Kwasun cultural resource centre that opened earlier this year. “The resource centre has only been open a few months,” Chief Michael Harry said, “but it has already become the hub of our community for programs for our school-age children and as a meeting space for community events and gatherings. It is the cultural centre of our community.” He said that with “this amazing building” in place, Malahat is focused on this year’s gala to raise funds for much needed educational and cultural programs for our youth – “Our stars of the future.” The keynote speaker for the gala will be Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk. Featured entertainment will come from Juno award winning Aboriginal singer Crystal Shawanda. Another special guest will be Bob McDonald. The host of CBC’s Quirks & Quarks radio program will act as the auctioneer for the live and silent auction. Last year’s gala featured outstanding Aboriginal works and artists have again donatDancers entertained the crowd ed generously for this year’s event.

Attention All First Nation Artists! Show your support for the Kwunew Kwasun Cultural Resource Centre – donate a piece of your art to our live and silent auction. Each item will be featured in our colour catalogue and will be viewed by hundreds of potential buyers. This is a great opportunity to market your work. Please contact Lonnie Norris at 250.743.3231 or lonnie.norris@malahatnation.ca or for more information. Help our youth shoot for their moon All funds go to support our Kwunew Kwasun Cultural Resource Centre We are pleased to say our keynote speaker is astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk – whose childhood dream was to become an astronaut. He has lots of great stories to tell of his adventures in space as part of the NASA’s Expedition 20/21. And we delighted to have singer Crystal Shawanda – Crystal is the Juno Award Winner 2013 for Aboriginal Album of the Year. This is the first time Crystal Shawanda has performed on the West Coast of Canada. She has just released her new album “The Whole World’s Got the Blues” and will be singing these new songs at the Gala – now you don’t want to miss that, do you? This is a wonderful opportunity to show your support for the Malahat Nation’s Kwunew Kwasun Resource Cultural Centre. For sponsorship information, please contact Marni Jacobs at marni.jacobs@malahatnation.ca or 250. 743.3231.

For more information, please visit www.malahatnationgala.ca

Thank you to our 2013 Sponsors!

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