Periodical
Nesika: The Voice of B.C. Indians -- Vol. 2 No. 5 (May 1973)
- Title
- Nesika: The Voice of B.C. Indians -- Vol. 2 No. 5 (May 1973)
- Is Part Of
- 1.06-01.02 Nesika: The Voice of BC Indians
- 1.06.-01 Newsletters and bulletins sub-series
- Date
- May 1973
- volume
- 2
- issue
- 5
- Language
- english
- Identifier
- 1.06-01.02-02.06
- pages
- 16
- Contributor
- G McKevitt
- Lia McGookin
- Margaret Woods
- Cindy Wilson
- George Povey
- Lou Demerais
- Linda Shackelly
- Peggy Terry
- Type
- periodical
- Transcription (Hover to view)
-
If undeliverable, please return to Union of B.C. Hiden © Chiefs,
2140.West 12th Avenue, Vancouver 9, B.C., Can:
POSTAGE PAID IN VANCOUVER:— 2nd CLASS MAIL REG. No. 3025
Waiting for “go” s
FLASH
OTTAWA — The federal
government has agreed to
turn. over the Coqualeetza
complex to the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs, according to
MP Len Marchand, parlia-
mentary secretary to Indian
Affairs Minister Jean Chre-
| tien.
VANCOUVER (Staff) — The
Coqualeetza Centre proposal has
reached the stage where the “go
signals’ from the federal and -
provincial -governments are ex-
pected by May. 31.
According to Bill Horswill,
LIBERAL PARTY LEADER of B.C., David Ander-
son talks earnestly with Mrs. Agnes Bourque, exec-
utive director, Quesnel Tillicum Society; and with
executive secretary of the
Roger Obonsawin,
NESIKA
(Chinook meaning “US”)
THE YORCE OF B.C. INDIANS
Vol. 2, No.5
PROPOSED COQUALEETZA MULTI-CENTRE
UBCIC special consultant to the
feasibility study of the centre, ‘‘We
now await Minister Chretien’s final
word. It is also expected that we
will receive a definite. com-
mittment. guaranteeing the -
. provincial ~“government’s
assistance.
Horswill recalled that Education
Minister Eileen Dailly’s proposal,
made at the 4th Annual Chiefs
Conference, of Multi-Services
Indian Resource Centre is ‘‘closely
compatible’’. with the Union’s
. proposed Coqualeetza Centre.
But, while waiting for the
governments’ final say on the
Union’s proposal, Horswill
~ suggested thinking about the next
step — “hiring the best staff
possible.’’ (See advertisement of
job. openings in this issue.)
ENTIRELY NEW IDEA
“For quite a few of the positions
there will be simply no one around
with even closely identical ex-
perience to draw upon, because
this sort of Centre is so entirely
new to this part of the world,” said
the consultant. .
But Horswill stressed that ‘‘the
most important qualification for
these jobs is the ability to develop
terested persons submit brief
applications now!”
At this stage applications may
include a short resume of skills and
even a few thoughts on the concept
of the Centre, said Horswill.
INEXPERIENCED CAN APPLY
Horswill said that
education and some related ex-
perience in similar types of em-
ployment are desireable but not
absolutely essential in all cases.’’
Emphasizing the need for “a
strongly committed staff who will
igna
“formal.
and direct totally new program-
mes.”
A formal application form is not
needed at this time, he said, but
‘we would strongly urge that in-
National Association of Friendship Centres.
Anderson spoke briefly before delegates at the
NAFC 2nd annual conference held at Totem Park,
UBC. (Staff Photo).
New president, directors for NAFC
VANCOUVER — The young
National Association of Friendship
Centres held its second annual
conference, at the UBC campus,
May 14-18, and elected a new
president and a new board of
directors.
Lloyd Sutton of Alberta was
elected president along with other
officers for the association:
Walter Schoental, Saskat-
chewan, Ist vice president; Xavier
Michon, Ontario, 2nd _ vice
president; Marj Cantryn, B.C.,
secretary; and Rick Marshall,
Manitoba, treasurer.
The new members of the board
are: Agnes Bourque, George Lee,
Cliff Starr, Melba Bourier,
Marilene Pierre, Doris MacLean,
and Philip Awasish.
Author and painter George
Clutesi. and Secretary of State
Hugh Faulkner headed the guests
at the banquet and dance held at
the Ponderosa.
A STANDING OVATION
Clutesi received a standing -
ovation for giving an inspirational
talk, laced with humour as he
spoke of his experiences.
“You can do it! It can be done! If
you try and try again, you’re going
‘a clean, strong, vibrant voice.
to knock down the barriers,”’ said
Clutesi as he pointed out his own
success as an example.
He congratulated the younger
native people for speaking out
where before people were ‘‘so
afraid to speak.”” But now, Clutesi
noted, native people are speaking
“the Queen’s language’? much
better than their forefathers did.
He told his audience to pray often
as he himself often prays:
“I do not beg,” Clutesi said. “I
ask when I pray. I say, ‘I want to
have a clean heart, ‘I want to have
yo
MORE EFFECTIVE WAYS
Secretary of State Faulkner
congratulated the friendship
eenters for a ‘long and tireless
effort” in showing the special
needs of people moving to urban
centers, and showing the way to a
more effective solution to unique
problems. .
Citing the ‘position that
“sovernment has seen its role as
essentially supportive,’ Faulkner
named the use of the system of
core-funding as a way of making
“small grants to help them (native
people) work on their problems
and seek other resources.’
Faulkner expressed a hope for a
time when the government will not
be considered ‘‘an alien force,
something to have to fight all the
time, but maybe something which
can be an effective partner’’ in the
work of friendship centres.
Of other State assisted programs
for immigrants and other ethnic
groups who need special assistance
“to bridge the gap between their
native countries and Canada’’ and
(Continued on Page 4)
See APPROVED
be able to endure heavy demands
to be placed upon them,”’ Horswill
said that the staff ‘must. be
prepared to accept heavy
VANCOUVER If informal
preliminary talks with Indian
Affairs Minister Jean Chretien are
any indication, B.C.’s 50,000 native
Indian people may be a step closer
to reaching a land. claims. set-
tlement..with the federal govern-
ment.
‘But, cautions Philip: Paul of the
“Tsartlip: Band on Vancouver
sland, there is still quite a way to
} go and the federal government has
‘yet to formally recognize a claim
presented to Ottawa last July.
Paul, a member of the Union’s
executive committee and recently
appointed co-ordinator of land .
claims. research by the Union
-made the statement in mid-May
after returning from Ottawa where
he led a delegation to meet with
Mr. Chretien.
According to Paul, the meeting
was informal and was held to
discuss matters arising out of the
submission which was made to
Prime Minister Trudeau.
WANT EARLY DECISION
At the meeting, said Paul,
members of the Chiefs’ Council
made it clear they desire a decision
at the earliest possible date, while
also indicating a willingness to
enter into detailed discussion and
negotiation with a view to set-
tlement as soon as a decision is
obtained from the government.
And, the meeting also allowed
Union representatives to clear up a
major point with Mr. Chretien.
“Although no decision has yet
been made by the Government of
Canada on our claim,” Chief Paul,
“Statements have been made in
public by government authorities
including the Prime Minister,
MAY, 1973
Is
responsibilities with only moderate
salaries.”
The Union submitted its proposal
for Coqualeetza to National Health
and Welfare Minister Marc
Lalonde on March 21, 1973.
The proposal outlined how the
buildings will be converted into a
central resource facility and
training centre for the Indian
communities throughout B.C.
PROPOSAL IS IMPRESSIVE
Minister Lalonde and DIA
Minister Jean Chretien both
agreed that the Union’s proposal
was ‘‘impressive,’’ and the
(Continued on Page 4)
See PLANNING
A STEP CLOSER?
Preliminary talks held
suggesting that the position of the
Indian people in B.C. is totally
unreasonable, and includes a
demand for the whole province to
be returned to them. We therefore
considered it necessary to take the
opportunity to clear up what is in
- fact the Union’s position.”
MAINLY FOR COMPENSATION
‘He said that while basically the
claim does include some
requirements for adjustments to
reserve boundaries, and for set-
tlement of foreshore rights, it is a
claim for compensation for the loss
of benefits of the use and oc-
cupancy, including hunting and
fishing rights.
“It is not a claim for present title
to B.C., and it is not a claim that
the white man has no rights here,”
Paul said.
Chief Paul, a member of the
Senate for the University of Vic-
toria, said that the claim for a final
settlement is based on principles of
justice and equity which have been
applied elsewhere.
He pointed out what he considers
as a valuable precedent in the
settlement now being concluded
with the native people of Alaska by
the U.S. government; and he also
mentioned the claim presented by
the Yukon Indians, which has been
approved in principle by the
federal government.
BASE FOR CONFIDENCE
“If accepted, our claim will lay
the basis of a new and fruitful era
of relationship and .confidence
between the Indian people of B.C.
and their fellow citizens, enabling
our people to live and determine
their future and dignity,” said
Chief Paul.
Kamloops Band decide to fight
B.C. government on amalgamation
FLASH!
KAMLOOPS George
Leonard, recently elected
chief-of the Kamloops Indian
Band, said he will start with a
campaign against the in-
clusion of part of the reserve
with the city.
KAMLOOPS (Staff) — Members
of the Kamloops Indian Band,
already caught up in the middle of
a controversial election, have
found themselves involved in yet
another hot issue — this time with
the provincial government.
As a result of a meeting held May
16, the Band wilh fight the
provincial government in court
over the inclusion of the Band’s
industrial subdivision in the new
boundaries for the City of
Kamloops.
On an order from B.C. Municipal
Affairs Minister James Lorimer
the City of Kamloops and its many
outlying areas were amalgamated
into one big municipality effective
May 1.
While Lorimer has termed it an
“imaginery line’ the extended
boundary runs through the
Kamloops reserve and takes in a
large portion: of the reserve con-
taining the industrial park.
(Continued on Page 4)
See BAND
/
Page Two
N ES 1 K A
May, 1973
Indian people to run own schools —
OTTAWA — Indian and Northern
Affairs Minister Jean Chretien
announced on May 24, a new policy
for Indian education to allow
native peoples to run their own
schools and select their own
curriculum.
It was reported that this would
involve transferring up to $100
million — about a third of the
annual budget for DIAND — to
native control.
The new policy will affect about
73,000 Indian pupils.
In making his announcement
Chretien cited the need for Indian
people to take more direct part in
their children’s education as well
as the well known high dropout
rate among Indian students.
“To the extent that Band
councils and local Indian education
committees desire, they can
assume control. of, the Indian
education program and can give it
the direction they wish with
assistance. and support from the
department,’’ the minister
declared to the Commons.
During the gradual turnover of
control from the department’s
education section, the department
role will change from ad-
ministration of school programs to
provision of professional services.
Chretien, at the same time, also
assured Indian people that there
will be no transfer of the federal
education program ‘to provinces
without the consent of Indian
people.
In line with the new policy
Chretien added that ‘‘Band
councils may at any time negotiate
terms anew with provincial school
CHEMAINUS ELECTION PROTEST
Residence status questioned
By G. McKEVITT
LADYSMITH — The Chemainus
Band held their elections recently
and voted in Larry Seymour by a
sizable majority, and replaced all
but one of the four councillors. Or,
at least, they thought they had.
It appears now that the Band
may face another election soon.
When the results of the vote was
known a petition was circulated,
with 30 signatures, and submitted
to Ottawa protesting Larry
Seymour’s election.
Irene Harris, Chief-candidate,
Eva Seymour and Alphonse
Harris, all of whom formulated the
petition, also submitted formal
protests to the Department of
Indian Affairs.
The basis for the protest, ac-
‘cording to Mrs. Harris, is’ that
Seymour was not living on the
reserve long enough to qualify for
nomination.
VOTER IS DISQUALIFIED
They were also incensed with the
fact that Alphonse Harris, a long
time resident on the reserve, was
struck off the voters roll because
he was forced to leave shortly
before the vote when his house was
condemned.
After the initial protests a
recheck was done of the voter’s roll
and nomination list to investigate
the validity of the group’s con-
tentions.
At this time it was discovered.
that two of the unsuccessful can-
didates for Council positions were
ineligible, having been nominated
by persons living off the reserve.
Larry Seymour’s election as
chief, however, was upheld.
According to the Indian Act there
is no time period set as long as the
candidate is living on the reserve
at the time of. the election.
CHIEF’S POSITION
Also -it was discovered that
chief’s position is one that could be
nominated by a Band member
living off the reserve.
The protesters, however, have
not withdrawn their complaints
which are now being processed by
Indian Affairs in Vancouver.
Whatever happens it seems
likely that there will be another
election for Council at least, for
although the two ineligible can-
didates were unsuccessful, the
votes they drew could have had an
effect on the election’s cutcome.
According to Chief Larry
Seymour there will most likely be a
full election.
“Tf I feel the people want it, then
lll calla new election, just to clear
the air once and for all,” said Chief
Seymour.
2
. LARRY SEYMOUR
... Chief, Chemainus Indian Band
(Photo by G. McKevitt)
boards” regarding existing tuition
agreements.
The new policy is the result of
consultations over a period from as
far back as 1971, when Indian
people’s demand for control came
to a head with a boycott of white
schools on reserves in northeastern
Alberta.
The boycott was the’ parents’
way of rejecting ‘‘totally
inadequate” federal schools which
are not only very old, but also able
to take in only the earlier grades.
The parents also rejected the
alternative of transporting Indian
children from reserves. to
provincially operated schools in
nearby communities; the parents
said then that provincial’ schools
were ‘‘white’” schools with no
regard to the special needs of
Indian pupils. _
It was the apparent feeling then
of the government that the demand
for control by Indian people
amounted to a separate schools
system on reserves. ,
| Chretien had then also expressed
hope that provincial governments
would “respond to requests ‘by
Indian parents for modification of
school curricula and texts to meet
the particular needs of Indian
pupils...”
In B.C., at least, Chretien’s hope
is coming to a reality with recent
developments.
For one, the NDP government
appears sympathetic from its
moves to hire an Indian director of
education and its offer to set up
No dams on
VANCOUVER — Of the 85 Indian
Bands whose reserves are on or
near the Fraser River system,
about 31 per cent of the people still
depend on fishing for the major
portion of their food supply; many
object to having dams built on any
part of the system.
According to a study of Indian
fishing and its cultural importance
in the Fraser River system, 96 per
cent of those people who answered
questions’ during a recent survey
are opposed to dam building.
The study was carried out for the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and for
the Fisheries Service, Department
of Environment, by Bob Pasco and
Marilyn Bennett.
Findings of the study indicate a
high degree of awareness of the
environment implications of dams
in a river system.
FLOODING HAZARDS
According to the report, while
impacts upon the faunal resources
> .$tudy started to encourage
fire prevention awareness
SARDIS The following
questionnaire was sent by the
Chilliwack Area Indian Council in
connection with a resolution on fire
prevention passed at a Coqualeetza
re-union meeting.
-The resolution states: ‘Be it
resolved that the Coqualeetza
pupils and staff undertake to en-
courage fire prevention, fire
fighting and fire education on
British Columbia reserves; also,
be it resolved that we cooperate
with any other organization which
may undertake such a plar.”
Please return completed
questionnaire to:
Mrs. Ruth Smith,
Box 488,
Chase, B.C.
QUESTIONNAIRE:
1. Do you know of any plans to
put any fire fighting equipment on
your reserve?
2. If so, when are these plans
due?
3. What kind of fire fighting
equipment is planned? Do you
think it is.adequate?
4. Do youhave any suggestion in
this connection? (This could be in
regard to houses being built to
code, or any other, pertinent
suggestion.)
5. Has there been any fire
education on your reserve?
Cree Indians in protest
hike over James Bay
MONTREAL — Two Cree Indian
women who live in Victoria, B.C.
hitch-hiked their way across
Canada to add their support to the
fight against the James Bay hydro-
electric power project. i
The two, Dolly Seed and Betty
Thompson said. they had little
trouble in thumbing their way
across the country.
Fraser, say Indian fishermen
of the river are of prime concern,
the hazards posed by flooding of
lands and the threat of resset-
tlement ‘are'even-greater.. ~
Although the. threat.-of dam
building has somewhat lessened
since the NDP assumed: power in
the province — and since the study
was..started: — the report, ac-
cording to UBCIC officials, is still
highly relevant because it clearly
points out the social significance of
fishing to a good proportion of the
total registered Indian population
in B.C. ;
“Fishing forms a part of all
major facets of their lives, says the
report, ‘‘... and is considered by
many as an essential element of
their ‘Indianess.’ ’’.
Bands surveyed during the study
included those situated along the
Fraser, as well as a number on the
Thompson, Chilcotin, Nechako and
- Stuart Rivers, all of which empty
into the Fraser.
WHY A SURVEY?
A spokesman of the Union
pointed out that the survey was
done in order to have a better
understanding of what might
happen to a large portion of its
members if dams or other large
industrial projects were con-
structed. ,
“We felt that the study should be
done because very often the Indian
people are not asked for their
opinions before these projects are
-built,” said the spokesman.
Compared to hunting and berry
picking, the report says, fishing is
much more of a family activity and
is also a highly important social
activity because it often brings
together families from different
Bands who fish at the same fishing
places. /
The report, which also points out
many economic. aspects about
Indian people fishing, says that a
lesson in sharing could be learned
by non-Indian members of society.
Almost. all of those interviewed
said that they often give. some of
their catch to old or sick members
who cannot go to their favourite
spots. .
THE SALMON CATCH
Of those who do make it
regularly to the river or to one of
the adjoining rivers or streams,
the average catch per year is 146
fish, mostly salmon of one variety
or another. : =
About 61° pounds of fish. per
person each year are consumed by
the Indian people.
According to the report, most of
the people feel very strong ties to
the land on which their reserves
are situated, and if they were ever
moved the. resulting problems
would be very serious.
Health hazards
close schools
PINE, FALLS, Man. — Parents
of 590 Indian children are keeping
their children home from school
and four schools on the Fort
Alexander Indian reserve have
been closed because- of health
hazards. .
Philip Fontaine, chief of the
Band said that the children will
remain out of school until the Band
gets a written guarantee from the
Department of Indian Affairs that
construction of a new school will
begin this year.
He said that 23 children had been
treated for diarrhea, five for
hepatitus and numerous others had
suffered joint and arthritic-type
illnesses between last December
and March of this year.
The reason for this, the chief
said, was inadequate school
buildings and a contaminated
water supply.
Meanwhile in Ottawa, Len
Marchand, parliamentary
secretary DIA Minister Jean
Chretien and MP for Kamloops-
Cariboo told the House of Com-
mons that action had been taken to
improve facilities at Fort
Alexander.
Replying to a question from a
Conservative member, Marchand
siad, ‘“We are very much aware of
the situation and we have taken
measures to correct certain things
that we could correct.”
The Indian MP admitted that
there is still a shortage of proper
facilities in certain areas.
While facilities are particularly
good and adequate at the south end
of the reserve, Marchand said, the
same isn’t true for the north end.
multi-services Indian resource
centres.
In addition the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs is finding some
measure of success with its
proposed multi-centre concept for
the Coqualeetza complex in Sardis.
With the support of the Union,
the Williams Lake District Council
has proposed the re-opening of the
former Chilcotin Forest Indian
Training Centre for Indian people
to run a centre where they can feel
most comfortable with the learning
‘environment.
Angie named
to general
school board
VICTORIA — Angie Dennis, a
Vancouver Indian woman, was one
of 25 people named to serve on
advisory boards throughout B.C. to
help bring about change in B.C.
schools.
According to John Bremer, the
man chosen by education minister
Eileen Dailly to head a special
commission on needed changes in
the B.C. school system, Mrs.
Dennis will serve on the general
advisory board of citizens at large.
She represents the Native Indian
Centre of Vancouver. Other
members of the board are Stanley
Burke, broadcaster, two university
of Victoria students, a high school
student from Delta and a student
from Vancouver City College.
More people will be selected at a
later date, Mr. Bremer said.
Mrs. Dennis has been active for
many years in the affairs of Indian
people. First as a teacher, then in
the Fred Quilt Committee ‘last
year.
In December of 1972, she ran for
mayor of Vancouver, becoming the
first Indian woman in Canada to
ever to try for the position ‘of
mayor in a large city.
Mr. Bremer. also announced
names of 17 people who will serve
on another specialized advisory
board consisting of school trustees,
teachers, uniiversity professors
and others involved in education
and said that more would be ap-
pointed later.
Nwics
Hattie swings
Victoria Fair
By LIA MeGOOKIN
Recording Secretary
With a cut budget it looked like
the Victoria Fair was going to be a
disaster before it even started.
But with her usual determination
and zest, Hattie Fergusson
grabbed the proverbial bull by the
horns and turned it into a suc-
cessful and most appreciated
venture. :
I’m sure Hattie would agree that
sales “could have been a little
better, but as fairs go, we got our
share. .
We wish to thank the Bakers and
Tempo for supplying all the stock.
Also, a big hearty thanks to Phil
and Grace Janze who went over
with Hattie to set things up and
work, demonstrate, etc., for the
first three days. They certainly
gave everybody a real boost in
Spirits! ~
Now we must get down to the
nitty gritty of planning for Indian,
Days IF our loving powers that be
come across with some ‘‘do-re-
mi”!
Could all the groups and
organizations contribute a
calendar of events so that all the
craftsmen know when and where
the shows are? We'll put it into the
June issue of Nesika and then
we're all set for the summer!
See you next month!
Page Four
Built at the turn of the century in a beautiful
clearing along the banks of the Luk-a-Luk Creek
near Chilliwack, the old but stately building shown
above was the first major stage in the history of the
Coqualeetza Centre which, as proposed by the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, is on the verge of being
turned back into the hands of the original owners of
photograph
room,
the property — the Indian. people of B.C. The
Planning, hiring staff start June 1
(Continued from Page 1)
provincial government is equally
impressed. ,
Lalonde and Chretien, however,
further required that exact sources
of funds for basic operation and
maintenance costs be identified.
“These costing details have
since been worked out,” said
Horswill.
The consultant said, as set out in
the proposal, that the Union would
like to start planning and hiring by
June 1,
“The Coqualeetza complex of
buildings and houses, on 58 acres of
cleared agricultural land, offers a
great deal of opportunity for
creating a major training and
information centre for all Bands i
B.C.,” said Horswill. :
The Union’s present service
operations will be transferred from
Vancouver to the Coqualeetza
Centre. ‘
Apart from this the Centre will
also include an Indian Research
and Resource Centre, a Native
Training Centre, an Indian
Cultural Education Programme
base, a Native Publishing House, a.
Native Foods Restaurant, a Native
Museum, and the Stalo Tribe’s
Heritage Centre for the neigh-
boring Bands of the Lower Fraser
Valley. . ”
“Many people who took part in
preparing the proposal are excited
by the prospects of being able, once
again, to make this beautiful site
into the central meeting place of
above
photograph published in the 1903 Annual Report of
the Department of Indian Affairs. The. building
contained, according to the report, the kitchen,
dining rooms, dormitories, parlours, office, school
laboratories,
clothes and furnace room, and dairy!
NESItIKA
was teproduced from a
recreation room, laundry,
Indian people in B.C. today,” said
, Horswill.
AN HISTORIC SITE
The consultant pointed to the
historical background of the site
which, before the arrival of the
white man, served as a meeting
ground and campsite for all Indian
people travelling through the area.
Coqualeetza was built at the turn
of the century on the clearing in the
woods along the. banks of the Luk-
a-Luk Creek, near Chilliwack.
Walkout against
CHURCHILL, Man. — A group of
native people walked out of the
Arctic Corridor conference of the
Great Plains Project being held
here in early May.
The conference dealt with
development of northern
resources, with about 250 experts
on transportation and natural
resources.
Joe Mercredi of the Metis
Approved grants to centres
welcomed, Faulkner thanked
(Continued from Page 1)
help them take part in nation
building, Faulkner noted that the
experience and leadership of the
' friendship centres are useful.
Faulkner had expressed earlier
that he was ashamed of the delay
in government action in solving
problems that native people face,
but he said he takes
satisfaction, ‘some pride” that it
was. the. department of the
Secretary of State that started a
program to assist.
CENTRES GET GRANTS
Two friendship centres which
had received grants from the state
department thanked Faulkner
through their representatives.
George Lee of the centre in.
Edmonton announced the receipt
of a grant of $100,000.00, and said
that the government should be
thankful “‘to help at such little
cost.”” ,
Marilene Pierre of the centre in
Thunder Bay thanked the minister
for the grant of $90,000.00.
Faulkner was accompanied by
his deputy minister, the assistant
deputy minister, and divisional
assistants.
The minister explained the
reason for bringing a_ full
delegation “to. give a chance~for
“some.
native people to speak to govern-
ment on a personal level.”
MORE UNDERSTANDING
MP Grace McInnis, MLA Daisy
Webster, and Vancouver lawyer
and alderman Harry Rankin and
his wife were also present.
B.C, Liberal Party leader David
Anderson spoke to the delegates at
the first day of the conference.
Anderson noted the success of
the friendship centres in
“removing barriers’ between
native people and non-Indian
Canadians, and in promoting
“more understanding at a time
when people are becoming more
selfish.” .
The conference delegates
passed, among others, a resolution
to set up meetings with the
National Indian Brotherhood and
the Native Council of Canada
regarding relations with friendship: '
centres.
The delegates voted to set up the
association office in Ottawa and
confirmed the newly created
position of executive secretary,
now held by former NAFC
president Roger Obonsawin.
The friendship association of
Saskatchewan extended its in-
vitation for the next annual con-
ference to be held in Saskatoon.
“Toronto Eskimos”
Association of the Northwest
Territories reportedly charged
that the conference was ignoring
the “human aspect” of Arctic
development.
Mercredi said that native people
at the conference was paid only
“token” attention, and that they
had had enough of listening to
“Toronto Eskimos and 24-hour
experts on the North.”
Another association official, Al
Wilson, supported Mercredi’s
statement saying, “As far as I’m
concerned, it’s cut and dried.
We’re here just to make a show
that they have Indians here.”’
Dr. V. H. Atrill, chairman, the
Great Plains Project, commented:
“Tf the native people: want to make
a judgment of themselves that they
have nothing to offer to the
meeting, I can’t help that.”
The Great Plains Project was set
up in 1970, as a ‘‘think tank” to set
out long term development con-
cepts for the west and the north.
The Project chairman, Dr.
Atrill, reportedly gathered more
than 50 experts drawn from
government service, universities,
and corporations.
As a “think tank” it was under
the auspices of the prime
minister’s office.
As to the Project’s role on im-
plementing its proposals, a study is
being done by a_ special in-
terdepartment group reporting to
Martin O’Connell who heads the
prime minister’s office.
The ‘‘think tank’’ has now
proposed eight projects about
applying advanced technology on
resources development.
Among these proposals is
commercial fish farming on the
Prairies.
Meanwhile, the Project is
planning a conference on
agricultural technology to be held
in this fall.
A previous conference held in
November in Winnipeg noted the
need to include native people in
discussions. ,
May, 1973
Band members aren’t so sure
of city’s “imaginary line”
(Continued from Page 1)
Lorimer has said the subdivision
has been included within the new
boundaries strictly for taxation
purposes, although he did not
consult with members of the Band
before ordering the amalgamation.
TAX WITHOUT SERVICES
Businesses located on the
reserve’s subdivision are subject
to provincial taxation, but do not
receive any services from the
province. such as road_ main-
tenance, fire protection, sewage
disposal, etc. :
By having the industrial park
within the new Kamloops boun-
daries, according to Lorimer,
taxes can now be collected from
the businesses by the city which
will then have to provide adequate:
services in return.
But, imaginary line or not, many
Band members are not convinced
Lorimer and the new city’s fathers
haven’t got something else up their
long-range sleeves. Lorimer has
said the extended boundary won’t
give the city any jurisdiction over
the land and that it. will remain
federal crown land held in trust for
Indian people, but the Band
members feel that they have heard
this before, somewhere.
Len Marchand, Liberal Member
of Parliament for Kamloops-
Cariboo . and parliamentary
secretary to Indian Affairs
minister Jean Chretien, has been
involved in the dispute from the
time that Lorimer first announced
that the subdivision would be in-
cluded in the new city limits and he
says that the extended boundary
weakens the band’s future
bargaining powers.
The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs,
meanwhile, has been following the
situation closely and is’ worried
about the possibility of’a precedent
being set for all other B.C. reserves
which border on municipalities.
MARCHAND’S ADVICE
Marchand has said that either
the Band or the Union should take
legal action against the province of
B.C. to have the inclusion declared
illegal, and has even offered to
have the Department of Indian
Affairs pay all legal costs involved.
Although it has been pointed out
that legal action should come from
the federal government, as trustee
of all registered“Indian people, the
Band members themselves, at
least the ones who showed up at the
the May 16 meeting, want
something started immediately
and aren’t worried about who does
it, or who pays for it.
Their thinking is that if the
federal Department of Indian
Affairs won’t take the B.C.
government to court they them-
selves will and they’ll hold Mar-
chand to his word about having
Ottawa spring for the tab.
Since the Band did not have a
chief and council when the meeting
was held for ail members, it was
decided that the Union of Chiefs be
asked to instruct lawyer David
Rogers of Kamloops to proceed
with the legal suit.
Although the Band’s leadership
has been up in the air, Rogers
agreed to take the case since he
has never been officially informed
that he no longer is the Band’s
legal representative. Rogers was
appointed several years ago as the
Band’s lawyer by a Band Council
resolution.
BRITISH NORTH AMERICA ACT
It is expected that the Band -
will base its case on a section of the
British North America Act, the act
which first laid down jurisdiction
and authorities for the federal
government and_ provincial
governments,
Under the BNA Act, the federal
government was given ‘the
responsibility of looking after
Indian peopie and was also given
title to all reserve lands to be held
in trust for use by Indians.
Centre Manager
Centre Administrator
PROGRAMME PLANNING
son Staff
Librarian and Staff
nomic Expansion
housekeeping.
Coqualeetza Centre.
APPLICATIONS
of the following:
JOB OPENINGS
‘GOQUALEETZA GENTRE
MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATION
Clerical and Stenographic Staff
On-site Training Programmes Director
Extension Programmes Director
Cultural Education Programme Coordinator and Field Liai-
Educational Resources/Curriculum Development Coordinator
Research/Resource Centre Director and Staff
Outreach Work (Department of Manpower)
ARDA Extension Worker (Department of Regional and Eco-
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS
Carpentry Supervisor-Instructor
Landscaping/Gardening Supervisor-Instructor
Kitchen/Catering Supervisor-Instructor
ASSISTANTS AND APPRENTICES
Openings under many of the positions (adminstration, pro-
grammes, maintenance), as well as in other employment areas
like general office management, janitorial services, and hotel
Openings also in the traditional native arts and crafts, con-
ducted as part of the interior decorating work at the ©
On-the-job training for assistants and apprentices are to be
.provided through Manpower, Indian Affairs, etc. :
Formal applications not required now. Submit brief resume
of skills and, if possible, ideas on concept of the Centre to any
Bill Mussell, UBCIC Executive Director
Lou Demerais, Assistant Executive Director
W. J. Horswill, UBCIC Special Consultant
UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS
2140 — 12th Avenue W., Vancouver 9, B.C.
Telephone 736-6751
Page Six
NES 1K A
May, 1973
Tsartlips rich
By G. McKEVITT
“Cut out the middle man’’,
If any phrase could sum up the
directing philosophy behind the
Tsartlip Band, this might be it.
Situated on the Saanich
Peninsula, 12 miles from Victoria,
the Band is attempting to get full
value from their 475-acre reserve.
The key to this seems to be their
human resources.
Blessed with may talented
people — ranging from draught-
smen, carpenters, to building
foremen, they have been suc-
cessful in eliminating any DIA
involvement in housing con-
struction.
SHODDY HOUSING BY DIA
As Chief Dave Bartleman said,
“The. houses DIA built’ were
shoddy. The foundations crumbled,
the doors didn’t fit, the inside was
very roughly done and left un-
finished. Old flooring boards were
used for cabinets and any material
left over to finish the job were
.taken home by the carpenters at
the end of the job.”
And, this cost ‘the Band about
$4,000 in building material and
$4,000 in labour.
Now, using their own men from
beginning to end, the labour cost
has dropped sharply making more
money available to use better
quality building materials.
“There is also more incentive to
get the houses constructed in a
shorter time,’ said Bartleman.
“The wiring was inadequate when
DIA was building the homes, but
now we only put in 100-amp wiring
so that it would be able to take the
load of such things as washers and
dryers if they are installed.”
LOW PRIORITY
Band Manager Tom Sampson
summed up the attitude of DIA
towards Indian communities in
1969 by looking up money allotted
for various services that year.
“Five cents per capita for
sanitation. Why, that isn’t even
NATURAL RESOURCES are also a tremendous boost to the Tsartlip.Band’s human
resources. Shown above is a lush scenery of a campsite beach. Besides the campsite the
“THE STAFF of the Tsartlip
right: Audrey Sampson,. secretary; Tom Sampson,
enough to buy a half roll of toilet
tissue! Sanitation was obviously
one of the lowest on the list of
priorities for the community. This
year there is $10,500 allotted for
sanitation and sewers and. $37,500
for the water system,” Sampson
said.
Even the allocation of funds is
managed directly by the District
Pose:
Explosives Factory. nearby, and
construction. ‘
One project.that has kept many
Band members busy for the past
two years is construction of their
longhouse which is almost
completed. It is as close to the
design of the old longhouses as
possible.
manager; Councillor Samuel Sam; Councillor Simon
Council instead of the DIA.
There are at present 56 houses
for the on-reserve population of
290. The total Band population. is
362.: ‘There ‘are “also “30-50 -non-
members living on the reserve.
FIVE-YEAR PROGRAM
The allotment for this year is
seven houses, but the back-
allotment is 60 houses to be built
within the next five years.
The main employment for the
men of the reserve is divided
‘8
Before starting on its design the
council members collaborated
with the older members of: the
Band. who remembered . the
- longhouses of their youths; ».-~.
HAND-BUILT LONGHOUSE ©
Funded by a First Citizen and an —
LIP grant, the longhouse is built
almost entirely from trees logged
off the reserve, Other than a power
saw, there was no other power tool
used. . "
Most of the notched log beams
s a
Band also runs a store which is considered a “huge success.” Starting with $300-worth of
stock, the store now has $1,000-w
B.C. INDIAN COMMUNITIES:
were lifted into place by a hand
winch and man-power, and all the
shakes were hand split.
The longhouse is 160 feet long, 60
feet wide and 32.feet high at the
centre. It has three open fires. It
will also include a large kitchen
‘area which is not yet completed.
But, this is not the only ambitious
undertaking to date. In the last
Band office, left to Smith who is also the Band store manager;
Councillor Charles Elliot; Chief Dave Batleman.
three years the Tsartslip Band has
created a campsite for tourists, a
general store and a Band office.
STORE A SUCCESS.
~The store has been-a big success.
The ‘managers’ took courses in
small business management with
the Native Indian Program at
Camosun College.
“We started with only $300 worth
of stock at first,” said Simon
Smith, one of the managers, ‘but
“$f
in human resources
‘between the CIL James Island
now we have $1,000 worth of
handicrafts alone.” ‘
Most of the work, which includes
sweaters and beadwork, is from
the Tsartlip Reserve.
Works are bought by the store at
a higher wholesale price than the
craftsmen normally would receive,
and then sold with a smaller profit
margin to remain competitive with
Victoria shops.
ALSO SELLS GROCERIES
The store also sells groceries,
thus providing the Band with an
income from the campers . and
other non-Band members who shop
there and keeping money within
the community that would nor-
mally be spent outside.
There is also a boat ramp, built
over 15 years ago, which like the
store, serves both Indians and non-
Indians all year round. The Band
charges $1.50 for use of the two
lane ramp and it has been a money-
maker ever since it was built.
It has been suggested in previous
years to build a marina and boat
rental but the Council has always
rejected the idea.
The pollution and beach
degradation that would follow the
project would not make it wor-
thwhile, Chief Bartleman said.
_ LAST UNSPOILED BEACH
The beaches on the reserve are
among the last in the area that
offer safe, clean swimming. Most
of nearby Brentwood Bay beaches
have been ruined by the intensive
sports fishing. development.
The 38-site campground has
showers, outdoor toilets and_ its
own beach. The fee at present is
$2.50.a night.and has the Provincial
rating as Approved Tourist Ac-
commodation.
“The Band office has become a
centre for discussions and
grievances,’’ said) Sampson.
“There is-usually someone here,
(Continued on Page 8)
See BAND
Se - =
orth of handicrafts. Groceries are sold, too, and
campers are steady customers, The store thus has kept the money in instead of out.
(Photos by G. McKevitt).
Page Fourteen
N ES | KA
May, 1973
SECRETARY OF STATE Hugh Faulkner lines up at smorgasbord
flanked by, left, MLA Daisy Webster, and, right, new NAFC president
Lloyd Sutton. Behind Ms. Webster are the assistant deputy minister and
the deputy minister (with glasses). MP Grace McInnis is at foreground
THE NAFC PRESIDENT'S REPORT | |
Funding, more friendship centres needed
VANCOUVER — The outgoing
president of the National
Association of Friendship Centres,
Roger Obonsawin, made the
following recommendations in
making his report to the 2nd annual
conference:
Each centre, with the provincial
association. concerned, should
project plans for programs and
classify such plans so that different
sources of funds can be developed.
The association should study the
classification of centres by the
Department of State, and devise
ways of better arrangements for
more fair funding. ‘
Funding should be flexible s
that active centres would receive
funds over and above established
levels.
EVALUATION OF CENTRES ;
Centres should not be evaluated
since definite levels of funding
have been set; but a more flexible
system of funding that allows local
initiative and growth would need
an evaluation of centres.
The association should consider
funding for new centres because of
the much greater need than
allowed by the State department,
i.e. two new centres. per year.
Obonsawin explained his
resignation from the presidency of
the association to become the
executive secretary.
“Following the (first) con-
ference, the demands on me. in-
creased tremendously since the
work involved more than tripled
. . . [had to leave my position as
executive director of the Red Lake
Indian Friendship Centre because
the work of the NAFC was taking
me away more than I could justify
to my board,’’ said Obonsawin.
.UNSALARIED POST
But, because he does not feel that
the presidency should be a paid
position, Obonsawin resigned on
April 24, 1973, to become a full time
employee of the NAFC as
executive secretary, he said.
As executive secretary, Obon-
followed by Mrs. Lloyd Sutton. Faulkner was one of guests speakers
annual conference. (Staff Photo).
sawin said he worked without pay
for about two months.
Obonsawin touched on individual
centre operations and noted that
“too many centres. are tackling all
kinds of programs, especially since
the advent of LIP and OFY, and
forgetting about the day to day
operation of-the centre.’’
Obonsawin thus recommended in
his report that ‘“‘centres discon-
tinue their programs and activities
to a degree where they can begin to
build a good base for its
organization.”
RESPONSIBILITIES
“‘Obonsawin stressed earlier that |
centres must be both a ‘‘viable
recognized agency”’ and an agency
accountable for use of funds.
‘As an agency, we must be able
to organize like one,’”? Obonsawin
pointed out. ‘‘My experience has
uncovered many problems. Most of
these problems stem from a lack of
planning and organization.”
In stressing the need for the
“evolving role’’ of centres,
during the dinner and dance given for delegates to the NAFC 2nd
Obonsawin reported:
“It is obvious that there is a
major role to be played. . . many
centres have reached the point
where community development
and social action groups are some
of the areas to be involved in. We
must define, however, what we see
as social action, and how it can be
facilitated without the centre
becoming a political tool.”
New president
Is very aware
VANCOUVER (Staff) — The
newly elected president of the
association of friendship centres is
a fast-talking, fast-moving
dynamo.
Lloyd Sutton, who is also the
executive director of the Calgary
Indian Friendship Centre, sees his
role clearly as president of the
National Association of Friendship
Centres.
“TI think that there is an
obligation to us from all levels of
government,’’ he said. ‘‘Our
national office should be supported
because this is part of the ‘um-
brelia’ of the government’s
responsibilities. to native people.”
As chief spokesman for friend-
ship centres, Sutton feels that he
and the executive committee of
NAFC have ‘a definite respon-
sibility to see to it that the long
delay of funds is removed, and
there will be a continuous flow of
funding.”
Sutton brings to the NAFC
presidency a varied background
and a huge sense of curiosity.
Although he is. not an active
member of any Indian
organization, he said he takes
great interest in what’s going on.
“Pm aware of these
organizations,”’ he said. “I’m sort
of a fringe member.”
For this reason, he looks forward
to an NAFC meeting with the
National Indian Brotherhood and
the Native Council of Canada.
Sutton is a Metis with Assiniboin
blood who was born.and grew up in
Winnipeg. He has lived in Calgary
for the last nine years.
After finishing school, he went to
work with the Hudson’s Bay
Company ‘‘to learn the fur trade.”
This stint gave him occasions to
visit remote, isolated areas in
Quebec where he saw the native
people “‘living the lifestyle brought
down. for generations.”
Of these experiences, Sutton
says: “I could see the happiness
and the freedom, and the absolute
joy — the sweet innocence of non-
(Continued on Page 15)
See A DISCIPLINE
- Support is strong for nursery
CAMPBELL RIVER — If all
goes well, Indian children in this
city will be able to attend a nursery
school for and about Indian people
next September.
Discussions are under way to
make this ambitious plan a reality
right now. Supporters of the plan
have met with nothing but
wholehearted support.
The school, the first of its kind in
the Campbell River area, would
take in Indian ck ilcren between the
ages of three and five and teach
MEMBERS. OF THE B.C. NATIVE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Panels discussed cross-cultural education and the role of the university,
ponder on ideas during. panel discussion at the 7th semi-annual
conference held at the Jericho Hill school for the deaf and the blind.
and other areas of Indian life. (Staff Photo).
them Kwawkwelth language,
native dancing, crafts, foods,
medicine, and stories.
“We want our children to be
aware of their culture,” a member
of the--committee behind the
scheme, Mrs. Sarah Johnson, said.
“The young people are forgetting
and most of them now can’t speak
our. own language,’ she added.
In the past month, committee
members have been engaged in a
door-to-door campaign ta try and
find out just how many parents
‘would be interested in sending
their children.
“We don’t really have a firm
idea as yet,” Mrs. Johnson said,
“but we would like to have at least
20 or 25.” :
Funding for the project is likely
to come from the provincial
government, either via the First
Citizens’ Fund or the day care
grants from the Department of
Rehabilitation and Social Im-
provement, or, according to
organizers, from the federal
government’s Local Initiatives
Program.
Plans for the nursery school
include having local native people
skilled in the various phases of the
Kwawkewlth culture come in to the
school to acquaint the students
with all aspects of their heritage.
Committee members figure that
the school would need one full-time
teacher and one supervisor on staff .
and would like to see a close, in-
dividual relationship between each
student and the staff members.
But such plans are still a bit
ahead of the committee’s presently
doing. They are still trying to find
out how many are interested and
informing the public about the
project.
Page Sixteen
N ES 1K A
Ma ys 1973
To restore Indian huckleberry trails
(Continued from Page 15)
supervised children’s recreation
and crafts, and construct a picnic
site for public use.
RADIUM
Shuswap Indian Reserve Youth
Organization Project: Land-
scaping and beautification of the
residential area of the reserve,
painting houses and buildings,
construction of fences and teaching
traditional Shuswap arts and
crafts. $3,155.
WINDERMERE
Columbia Lake Recreation Club:
Collection of artifacts and in-
formation of traditional Kootenay
Indian culture, building a ball field
on the.Reserve and development of
a recreational program for
younger children including Indian
crafts, hiking and swimming.
$4,750.
MERRITT
Indian Summer: Cultural and
recreational activities for children
on four Indian Reserves, with
trained leaders offering in-
“structions in arts and _ crafts,
hiking, camping and fishing.
$5,104.
Restoration’ of Indian
Huckleberry Trails: Restoration of
_overgrown trails for easy ac-
cessibility by hikers and riders.
Construction of a cabin, outhouse
and corral and publication of an
information pamphlet on the trail
area. $6,995.
VERNON
Salish Unity: Restoration of old
cemetery at Head of Lake.
Recreational program for children
six to 13 years on Reserve in-
volving instruction of Indian crafts
and lore, and day hikes over old
Indian trails while explaining their
use. $7,810.
CANIM LAKE
Youth Cooperative: a general
recreation project for young
people; as well as construction of a
safe swimming area, a softball
diamond, an adventure
playground, and repairs to the
skating rink. $6,100.
FRASER LAKE
Stellaquo Improvement
Program: construction of a
community hall, clean-up of
churchyard and cemetery, com-
pletion of baseball diamond and
provision of firewood for elderly
and handicapped. $9,900.
FORT FRASER
Nautley Cultural Research:
Collection and taping of legends,
stories and songs to illustrate the
cultural background of natives in
the Lakes District, for publication
in educational booklets. $6,990.
FORT ST. JAMES
Necoslie Recreation and Im-
provement Program: recreation
program for the youth of the
Necoslie Indian Band, offering
activities such as camping, Indian
beadwork, dancing and _ songs,
sports and field trips and a clean-
up of beaches and the Reserve.
$3,070.
QUESNEL
Library of Lower Carrier
Culture: recordings of films
pertaining to the culture, history,
and legends of the Lower Carrier
tribes. The final report. will be
available to the school board and
other local interested groups.
$5,420.
TAKLA LANDING
Youth Services: community
service program providing odd
chores and maintenance for the
elderly, organized sports and
tutoring for the young and a clean-
up for the village. $4,310.
WILLIAMS LAKE
Soda Creek Indian Reserve
Improvements: painting and
repairing the Reserve’s Church
_and renovating the cemetery
grounds. $3,940.
Nazko & Kluskus Summer Youth
Reserve Improvement: Clean-up
of both reservations. $6,770.
PAN
Resources: in Reserve: In-
structing eight persons from local
Indian communities in the theory
and practice of cooperative buying
and basic recycling to implement
these measures in the com-
munities. $17,200.
KITSILANO
O-Yes: a recreational and
cultural program for under-
privileged native children from
public housing projects. $9,423.
SARDIS
Skulkayn Native Youth-Com-
munity Recreation: organization
of recreational activities for
residents of the Skulkayn Reserve;
day-care centre and activities for
young teen-agers at the Cultus
Lake Festival. $4,158.
Skulkayn Native Youth-Stalo
Newsletter: production of a bi-
monthly community newsletter to
serve 21 Reserves. $8,000.
AHOUSAT ISLAND
Oosh-ya Kokth-Khin-Ulth (We
Value Them for their Service):
organization of a recreational and
educational. program for village
children, including trips off the
Island, and discussions with
village elders to plan future en-
vironmental care and Indian
language teaching in the com-
munity. $10,345.
ALERT BAY
Nimpkish. Historical and Visual
Library: research and compilation
of historical information kit on the
Nimpkish people using tapes,
slides, maps and documents.
Material available to libraries and
museums in Alert Bay and Van-
couver, $5,015.
GILFORD ISLAND
Whe La Lou Student Em-
ployment: community services to -
include repairing a light plant
generator, the village longhouse
and painting wharf. $2,240.
KINCOLITH
Community Project:
organization of arts, crafts and
other activities for the community.
KITAMAT
Youth Project: community
landscaping, house painting for
elderly and handicapped residents,
and office assistance for Band
Council. $6,460.
: KLEMTU t
Community Improvement: com-
munity services, involving pain-
ting houses of village elders. and
general cleaning in the village and
nearby beach. $6,020.
LADYSMITH
Canoe Shed Construction:
construction of a traditionally
designed canoe shed, a small
replica of a longhouse, to shelter
the Indian racing shells. $9,970.
NANAIMO .
Tillicum Theatre: intensive
training and _— performance
program for young Indian people
in theatre production, featuring
elements of dance design and all
crafts related to Indian culture and
theatre. $14,553.
PORT ALBERNI
PROMUF: promotion of com-
munication and social relation-
ships between Indians and whites
through hikes, field trips to
museums and excursions to Indian
villages. $6,555.
Tseshaht Cultural and Recrea-
tional Program: combined recrea-
tional and cultural program ser-
ving youth on the Tseshaht
Reserve by providing outdoor and
indoor sports, hiking and camping
trips, Indian cooking courses and
survival training. $4,180.
Cultural Education Training:
program of. cooperative work
between young people of the
Hesquiat Band and the B.C-
Provincial Museum to recover and
preserve Indian cultural data.
$7,970.
QUEEN CHARLOTTE
Graham Island Edu-Cycle:
clean- up of local beaches and
documentation of environment on
film and written material,
distribution of leaflets to promote
recycling. $9,390.
Kiusta: archeological ex-
cavation of a Haida Indian village
on Reserve land and using
volunteer participants to develop
interest in archeology among
residents of the Queen Charlotte
Islands. $13,904.
Archeology Digs and Helping
Elders in Haida: assisting local
archeological excavations, and’
helping village elders maintain
their homes. $7,740.
KIDEGATE
inventory of Artifacts and
Totems: inventory of artifacts and
art objects on the Skidegate
Reserve, to facilitate their
assessibility to the proposed
Provincial Museum. $9,300.
FORT ST. JOHN
Danayza Meet Moneeass:
organization of arts and crafts
activities on three Indian Reser-
ves. Encouragement of contact
and better relations between
native and white people through
participation in Reserve life.
$10,847. on
Sin’ fluleine 4 Gathering Place):
drop-in centre on Penticton Indian
Reserve to be used as a workshop
for cultural activities, culminating
in an all-Indian. Exhibition in-
volving arts and crafts, games and
story and legend telling. $6,610.
TON
Pasulko Lake Cultural
Recreation Project: summer
camp for 210 children in seven
sessions, offering Indian arts and
crafts, wilderness campaing and
survival training, fishing, canoeing -
and related activities. $7,970.
KAMLOOPS :
Anthropological Field Instruc-
tion for the Kamloops Indian
Band: three archeological students
to instruct four native people in the
study of their own heritage,
through teachings in ethnography,
excavations, and data analysis and
interpretation. $7,085.
Interior Indian Friendship
Society: provision of court worker
service and alcoholic treatment
referral for native people; legal
aid referral for Indian people
experiencing difficulties; and
special recreational facilities and
activities for native children.
$5,540.
Summer Camp: construction of
a camp site and program to con-
duct four two-week camps for 96
Indian children, emphasizing
Indian culture through arts and
crafts.
BARRIERE
Indian Summer 73: day and
overnight camping for native
children of Chua Chua to stress
. environmental awareness and
exploration of the native culture.
$3,180.
WEST COAST ISLAND
Nuchatlitz Youth Project: en-
couragement of youth on the
Reserve to participate in
management and community
affairs by working with the Band
Council during the summer. $4,780.
VI
CT
Tsawout Indian Band: im-
provement of Reserve conditions
focussing on house painting, day-
care for pre-schoolers, office
training, beach clean-up, swim-
ming courses, graveyard clean-up,
and services to the handicapped.
$9,700.
Dene (Carrier Indian word for
“man’’): young native artists
staging original plays to inform
and entertain the public con-
cerning the nature and rhythmic
beauty of traditional Indian
culture. $14,950. / :
Pauquachin Indian Heritage
Project: archeological excavation
on the Pauquachin Reserve and
instruction in field archeology.
$17,560.
NORTH VANCOUVER
Recreation for the Young of
Squamish Community: provision
of recreational and cultural ac-
tivities for the young of the
Squamish Band and a playground
program on the Capilano, Mission
and Squamish Reserves. Operation
of a camping program integrating
young and old residents. $8,545.
SKID ROAD
Periscope: out-camping and
urban recreation activities
program, designed especially to
meet the needs of native Indians
and children of low-income
families.
VANCOUVER
Indian. Herbal Remedies:
documentation of evidence for the
validity of traditional Indian
herbal medications, and
publicizing the information in
booklet form. $9,210.
CHIEF'S PROFILE
Cultural identity is important
Delbert Guerin, representative
on the Chiefs Council for the
Fraser West District, is optimistic
about the future of Indian people in
B.C.
He has always felt that Indian
people would catch up with the rest
of population in terms of standard
of living, but now he feels that
events in the past four years have
brought this belief a lot closer to
reality.
Unsatisfied with the idea of
Indian people having an equal
standard of living, Delbert: also
feels that cultural identity is also
important.
As he sees it, education and.
economic development are the
keys to ‘making us the in-
dependent people we were in the
days before the arrival of the white
men.’
The most important matters for
Indian people, according to
Delbert are the recovery of
identity and “finding a means of
living through self-employment or
employment with someone else.”
He feels that ultimately
economic development of the
reserves that would provide em-
ployment for band members
should be a main goal for Indian
people.
Delbert, also the chief of the
Musqueam Band and chairman of
the Fraser. District Indian Ad-
visory Council, is married and has
a family. He says his family wish
to keep their identity separate
from his politcal activities.
“Therefore, the only comment I
will make is that our prime goal is
to get them an adequate
education,” said Delbert.
His job as a longshoreman allows
him to make a good living while
still giving him sufficient time off
to attend to all the duties that his
involvement ‘with his. Band and
district entail.
Educated at St. Paul’s
Residential School which was
located on the Mission Reserve in
North Vancouver and at Lord Byng
High School in Vancouver, the
Musqueam chief would like to see
more emphasis put on cultural
education.
CHIEF D. GUERIN
... of Musqueam
(Staff Photo)
The Union, Delbert feels, should
always keep in mind that it is
working for the Indian people of
B.C. and avoid too close an in-
volvement with the Department of
Indian Affairs.
In order to meet the needs of
Indian people, Delbert adds, the
Union should be developing ‘“‘ways
and means of getting exact data as
to what the Indian people at the
home level, both on and off
reserve, want.”
While most of his time and at-
tention are taken up with his duties
as district representative and
Band chief; Delbert uses what
spare time he has in keeping
abreast of what’s happening in
municipal, provincial and federal
politics.
He enjoys bowling and canoe
racing.
When asked: what he thought his
role was in dealing with the needs
of Indian people, the Musqueam
chief replied that it was “fighting
with almost any means to acquire
the best deal for our people.”
And what does he plan to do in
the future?
“To continue along the same
line.”
Owikenos go into sports fishing
In July of. this year, the people at
Owikeno Village wiH see the
beginning of their long sought after
sports fishing venture called the
Owikeno Village Resort Ltd.
Rivers Inlet, which is known
continent-wide for its large
Chinook salmon, attracts wealthy
sports fishermen from all over
Canada and the U:S.
This is the first economic
development project of its kind in
B.C. — an Indian owned and
operated fishing lodge.
The project was spearheaded by
Band Manager Danny Walkus.
After lengthy discussion with Band
members, the DIA was finally
convinced of the Band’s deter-
mination to enter the sports fishing
business. UBCIC provided staff
member David Stevenson to help
the negotiations along.
The resort can accommodate up
to eight guests and will operate
from July 10, until the end of
September. The Band has bought
four 14-foot fibreglass boats with
new 20 H.P. motors and will
provide an experienced guide each
ay. “
A four-day, three-night package
is $425 and includes: return air
transportation from Vancouver to
Owikeno Village, meals and ac-
commodation.
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Applications are invited for the position of Financial Controller
with the National Indian Brotherhood.
The applicant will have experience in accounting and be prepared
to accept full responsibility for the financial accounting and
office administrative functions.
Please submit resume in confidence stating education, experience,
qualifications, personal background and three references to:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
NATIONAL INDIAN BROTHERHOOD,
130 ALBERT STREET,
SUITE 1610,
OTTAWA, ONTARIO K1P 5G4
Appointment will be based on salary scale of $9,000-$12,000 and
|) competition will close June 22, 1973.
Part of Nesika: The Voice of B.C. Indians -- Vol. 2 No. 5 (May 1973)