Leading the way
On the eve of the Tla’amin (Sliammon) First Nation treaty ratification vote, I send greetings and best wishes from the In-SHUCK-ch Nation [“Treaty forges path forward,” May 16]. Our nation is currently awaiting a federal mandate (expected within days) in order to close final agreement negotiations in the BC Treaty Commission process. We expect to complete stage five by the fall of this year and to be ratifying in 2013. Then begins the real work of taking the new jurisdictions and lands and resources and removing the suffocating weight of the Indian Act.
Finally, real democracy is in front of Tla’amin. It represents freedom to enact the community’s own laws in culturally appropriate ways. It means true accountability to the people for decisions that their own government makes on their behalf. In this ratification vote they will be called upon to choose between the imposed limitations of the Indian Act, a band council that owes its first allegiance to the federal government, or true self-government. It’s for this fundamental reason that we, the In-SHUCK-ch Nation, have chosen to proceed with treaty.
Tla’amin’s band council and staff, negotiators and engaged membership can take pride in having directly faced the governments of Canada and British Columbia and, with them, chosen to begin a process of reconciliation. It’s now up to voters to choose the perceived safety of the status quo or the brave new path of self-realization in a new era that merges culture and traditions with new powers of authority and opportunities gained from the treaty. To be able to make such a choice should be viewed as a victory in itself.
I look forward to congratulating Tla’amin on a successful ratification vote.
Eppa (Gerard Peters), Chief Negotiator
In-SHUCK-ch Nation
Consider the vote
Do we want to stay under the Department of Indian Affairs for another hundred years, or do we want to move ahead [“Treaty forges path forward,” May 16]?
If we sign yes to the Tla’amin (Sliammon) First Nation treaty we could create jobs, employment for our people, through a seniors home, coop store, gas bar, trailer park, campground, tourism, canoes, hiking, recycling depot, apartments, fishing fleet, aquaculture, agriculture, logging industry. We will need electricians, plumbers, carpenters, maintenance crew, culture teachers, nurses and maybe paid firefighters.
We now have 1,900 hectares, we will get 6,800 more. The 1,900 we have is ours but Indian Affairs has first say on how this land is used. With the treaty, we will have first say. The government wants to abolish our tax exempt status in the next eight to 10 years. Treaty rights will be forever. The band office will still run as it is and the treaty will be another entity.
If we say no, we lose 6,800 hectares and building will continue in Okeover. The next treaty will be for less, so think hard about voting. Attend information sessions and don’t vote just because you are told to; vote what you think is right.
Phil George
River Road
Real people versus electronics
I do hope that Tom Hobbs has a great circle of friends with whom to share his kindle [“Libraries lose touch with reality,” June 6]. While the idea of being able to electronically upload books of all kinds at any time of the day or night is appealing, I would sure miss my trips to the library.
I have great conversations with the (real) librarians about books and other topics, and the books are all free. I also borrow movies regularly, and while I have a home computer, many people do not, so their library computer time is very important to them.
Yes, we could all make coffee at home, cheaper than going out, but why do (real) people enjoy a cup of coffee in a café? The social aspect and the ambience of the café make it a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Keep your kindle by all means, but don’t condemn those of us who prefer a bright, warm and enjoyable trip to the library, to a lifetime of electronics.
Alison Harding
Phillips Road
