Periodical
UBCIC News - volume 2, number 7 (October, 1979)
- Title
- UBCIC News - volume 2, number 7 (October, 1979)
- Is Part Of
- 1.06-01.03 Nesika: UBCIC News
- 1.06.-01 Newsletters and bulletins sub-series
- Date
- October 1979
- volume
- 2
- issue
- 7
- Language
- english
- Identifier
- 1.06-01.03-03.10
- pages
- 48
- Table Of Contents
-
ditorial 2
Indian Government Reality 4
President's Message 5
Muriel Joe's Blockade 8.
"Let it Rot": Wildlife Officers say leave dead elk 10
C.P.R. Pays Fare 11
Gas Pipeline Terms and Conditions Hearings 12
Transmountain Oil Port and Pipeline: More Hearings 14
And Then There's the Uranium Hearings 15
Okanagan Elders Refuse Guilt by Association 16
Up-Dates 17
Owikeno Proposal for Cost Recover Program for Salmon Enhancement 18
Our Own Fish Management Systems 19
Russell Williams Wins 19
International Fishing Agreement Between Indian Governments 20
Tribal/Conservationist Conference 20
Resolutions from Eleventh Annual General Assembly 21
No Longer a Troubled World: Alkali Lake 29
Health 32
Inquest Finds Initiation Ceremonies Did Not Cause Death 33
Education 35
Secretariat 36
W.I.A.C. Workshops 38
Resource Centre 38
I Think 40
Youth Page 41
Fish Lake Gathering 42
Columbia Lake Bell Stolen 44
Letter to the Editor 45
Help Wanted 46
Assembly Evaluation 47 - Contributor
- George Manuel
- William Walkus
- Janice Peters
- Archie Pootlass
- A. Fowler
- Val Dudaward
- Lillian Basil
- Violet Birdstone
- Gene Joseph
- Barbara Kuhn
- John Rogers
- Herman Thomas
- Leslie Pinder
- Maxine Pape
- John Warren
- Debbie Hoggan
- Darryl Watts
- Angela Matilpi
- Dinah Schooner. Beth Cuthand
- Pualine Douglas
- Penny Goldsmith
- Mary Scendlinger
- Type
- periodical
- Transcription (Hover to view)
-
ALKALI: INDIAN STREN
ELEVENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
MURIEL JOE’S BLOCKADE
a OCTOBER, 1979 $1.00
.
EDITORIAL
The theme of this year’s UBCIC conference was
once again Indian Government. But this year a new
format was introduced where Elders, Delegates, and
Observers had an opportunity to participate in the
open discussions during the first day of the
conference.
Throughout the four days of the conference dele-
gates expressed their appreciation of the Elders as
they led the meetings with their guidance and
wisdom. A renewed sense of Indian nationhood was
experienced by all the communities participating
actively especially in the evening events in the Indian
Expressions by sharing of the Elders, feasting, Indian
ceremonies, Talent Show and dancing by Kwakwelth
Nation and the Bella Coola Dancers.
The Kwakwelth Nation honoured George Manuel
by Chief Peter Smith of Gilford Island presenting
George with an Indian blanket, announcing him
Honorary Chief and giving him a Kwakwelth Chief-
tain’s name, with an invitation to attend a Potlatch.
George Manuel’s leadership was unquestioned and
he was returned as the President for a second term.
After his acceptance speech George received a second
standing ovation as the delegates expressed their
appreciation and respect for our leader.
One of the most painful issues was about losing
our children to assimilation in white homes. George
declared the Provincial Government as Public Enemy
Number One. The Provincial Government has stolen
over one thousand of our Indian children from
Indian homes and placed them in white foster homes.
The delegates mandated the Health Portfolio to
develop an Indian Child Welfare Act for their Indian
Government to oppose this act of cultural genocide.
There were also exciting moments, though, when
we could see we had taken some strong steps since
our last Assembly. The Fishing Portfolio was
directed to work directly with the Indian Govern-
ments in the state of Washington in the development
of Indian Fisheries. The Indian Government Port-
folio’s Aboriginal Rights Position Paper that was
originally introduced for study two years ago
received final endorsement this year. The Portfolio
was further mandated to strengthen Indian Govern-
ments in all our communities across the Province.
This year we talked about the role of communica-
tions as an active part of strengthening of the Indian
Government. Now we have more communications
systems than ever before. A lot of these are new to us
and we have to learn to use them in our own ways.
The development of our own communications
systems that express the needs and dreams of Indian
people is a mandate that I take very seriously.
Vice-President in charge of communications,
Archie Pootlass
\.
OUR COVER: Lake La Hache is an important camp site for the Alkali Band who hunt there during the
day and fish by night.
UBCIC NEWS 2
areas
‘s
(a ) The UBCIC NEWS is the official voice of ee ‘
Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs. ;
It is dedicated to building a strong foundation ‘
for Indian Government by providing an awareness ;
; ; of the political and social issues affecting the | |
Indians of British Columbia. ;
Signed articles and opinions are the views of |.
the individuals concerned and not necessarily :
those of the UBCIC. ;
VOLUME 2, NUMBER 6. :
§
Editor: Beth Cuthand Assistant Editor: Pauline Douglas ;
. Written contributions: George Manuel, William Walkus, Janice Peters, Archie Pootlass, A. Fowler, Val :
Dudaward, Lillian Basil, Violet Birdstone, Gene Joseph, Barbara Kuhn, John Rogers, Herman Thomas, :
Leslie Pinder, Maxine Pape, John Warren, Debbie Hoggan, Darryl Watts, Angela Matilpi, Dinah ;
Schooner. ;
Photographs: UBCIC staff unless otherwise credited é
Typesetting: Mary Schendlinger and Penny Goldsmith
Se |
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
5
Batiotial se). bs hak Roce Oe Ee 2 ;
Indian Government Reality .............. Aeiehe end «iu cok week es 4 ‘
PPEMIIGH © IMICRSADO eck oa co he ei eta ela dae es HR ee RE 5 ;
Milriensoe Ss Blockade... ccs. sce neve ss Wi > cot oan ere oS Bes ok 8. ;
“Let it Rot’’: Wildlife Officers say leave dead elk..............000000 10 :
ee PAS RATC. out os oR Eek COOL. Oeale ct bee cba ees 11 2
Gas Pipeline Terms and Conditions Hearings ...............0...0005. 12 ;
Transmountain Oil Port and Pipeline: More Hearings................. 14 :
And Then There’s the Uranium Hearings. v.60. 0.06 0 chs os ee yea 15 :
Okanagan Elders Refuse Guilt by Association..............0.c00ee00% 16
RRR 52d ana GGT ECR e pe we peeve coe eee ek A gaiv 17 :
Owikeno Proposal for Cost Recover Program for Salmon Enhancement . 18 ;
Our Own Fish Management Systems. ..............eeeeeeeeee Sa 19
Russell Willidins Wiss 0. cdee. co. « ose eta betas eae teas geese 19 .
International Fishing Agreement Between Indian Governments ......... 20 ‘
Tribal/Conservationist Conference < 2360. fcc cscs bec cca Cock esdnwe us 20 ‘
Resolutions from Eleventh Annual General Assembly ................. 21 :
No Longer a Troubled World: Alkali Lake ............0cececeeeeeees 29 I:
Pe ACRN Gc sccte's aay 6 vc dodee CRU: LEE eee Sc PRE 32 }
Inquest Finds Initiation Ceremonies Did Not Cause Death-............. 33 ;
PEGUGBION 8 i rsh oje's < o <'k ae Ske pce ee a eR EES Le We ee oe ae | ;
SME MEARL 5 p25: 5 bse 0 Ved a aaa Wee ae Ace catia Wa ee ae «Ls ty ae swe 30 ,
Ra WOLKSRODS ou c-<iine cutie ude cchene vie eee tes Eels eels 38
Ree UCO CON. a ek rc Horie cieeares dtp ee cae dee ag ae. cue OL ae 38 ;
BMAP seis 00's bo ula win a cnnrp-g wasted Cee eae ee Ee Fae ce ie ea 40
pe RNR RMR oe g's Aig 1d wide: «nibcd's aoe WED ALU ae aan cE oa 41
[oO OES EE CTT a eR ee area ar eae ap a 42
Columbia Lake Bell Stolen............. ihe th Fee bees Vee bonus 44 , :
BCL CR Tate es EE Sgn kas’ yi die‘s 0 Paka Pre RAE Ge BUR eee bac bes 45. Emily Schooner carries on her
BCRP id iS 0 cay ba bic one ne Ce eee Bellary ie rtd 46 late grandfather’s Head Dance at’ }
ve PASSETI VA MBMUMIAC Ss 6 hie cccic ios Sas wih 4 5 REAR RAS IONE bas ure eed 47 the UBCIC General Assembly.
UBCIC NEWS 3
Eleven years. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs entered its
Eleventh Annual General Assembly on October 15, 1979, in a spirit
of optimism and energy. These two factors had been somewhat
lacking since 1976, but this year the collective spirit of Indian pagple
seems revived and strengthened.
Four years ago a major political
event occurred in B.C.: Indians
rejected government funding. This
“rejection of funds’’ as it is called,
caused major political splits among
Indian people, Bands, and areas.
Some Bands suffered bad financial
setbacks and in 1976 resumed accept-
ing government funding. Others suf-
fered, too, but managed to maintain
“control of their financial affairs, to
one degree or another. It is four years
later, and we are beginning to be able
to look at our actions of 1975 more
clearly and with more depth. The
feeling of the people at this year’s
‘this year’s delegates:
**The rejection of funds-was the cry
for independence. . .independence
from frustrations. And to a very
large degree we're implementing
the intentions of 1975 through self-
reliance. Indian Government.”
This determination has resulted in
Indian Government. Last year we
talked about it, we examined it, we
made changes, and it began taking a
very clear form.
The people at this year’s Assembly
talked about how Indian Government
is already a reality in their lives, and
gathering. The walls of the meeting
hall were filled with Indian news,
Indian photos, Indian posters and
bulletins and quotes. Every morning
and at lunchtimes, Indian music filled
the hall. Artists and craftspeople sold
their work outside the meeting hall.
An impressive Indian Art Exhibit
attracted dozens of people. Inside the
meeting hall, 128 delegates and as
many as 700 observers talked and
listened, laughed and clapped, for
four days and nights.
Receiving a standing ovation,
George Manuel was re-elected by
acclamation as President for two
INDIAN GOVERNMENT
REALITY
Assembly seemed to be one of convic-
tion, conviction that rejection of
funds was important. Perhaps our
timing was off, maybe we moved too
fast, but we said something: We want
to control our own lives. As Union of
Chiefs President George Manuel told
how we can continue to take political
action which will result in its further
development.
The Assembly was held in Vancou-
ver, and an effort was made to
emphasize the Indianness of the
UBCIC NEWS 4
years. Three of the four Vice-Presi-
dents were also elected for two-year
terms: Phillip Paul, S. Island Re-
gion, re-elected; Saul Terry, Central
Interior Region, re-elected; and Arch-
ie Pootlass, North Coast Region,
elected. The North East Region will
hold their elections at a later date.
The Assembly opened with a prayer
and then an Indian Talking Session,
which gave every delegate the oppor-
tunity to talk about any issue or
concern. This forum was designed to
make people less inhibited about
going up to the microphone and
talking. Walter Leach. of Lill-
ooet brought a feeling of enthusiasm
when he gave a Warrior Cry and, still
at the microphone, talking freely
about his hopes for the Assembly and
the work we are all doing.
Indian historian Tom King, Joe de
la Cruz, Chief of the Quinault Nation
of Washington State, National Indian
Brotherhood President Noel Star-
blanket and Indian: lawyer Kirk
Kickingbird were the Assembly’s
(continued page 6)
fe = | >
| PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs’ Eleventh Annual
General Assembly is an outstanding example of how the
Indian delegates of British Columbia want to fit into the
Canadian mosaic. First of all, they want to be recognized
as the first aboriginal peoples of this country. Secondly,
they want to regenerate their hereditary right to
self-reliance and self-determination, not through indivi-
dual assimilation or Indian corporations, but they want
to achieve self-determination and their aboriginal rights
settlement through their own unique form of Indian
Governments.
The determination of the delegates for self-reliance
through their own Indian Governments can be seen in the
fact that there were mo high powered consultants,
provincial or federal government officials playing a role
in any capacity at this conference. The conference was
planned and organized by Indians. The speakers and
resource people were Indians, the delegates and registered
observers were all Indians. The clothes used at the
““Indian Expressions’’ demonstration was mostly Indian
clothes, certainly all participants and organizers were
Indians. The silk screens, carvings of silver, gold, copper
and wood, and all other art work at the assembly art
show room was done by Indian artists from various parts
of B.C. The organizer of the art display was an Indian.
That to me is Indian Government being regenerated back
to life: our aboriginal right to self-determination is being
gradually recovered and exercised by our people here in
British Columbia.
The Indian land claims question is being recaptured by
our people in British Columbia. The Indian songs,
dancers and the power of the drum is bringing back
strength to our Indian nations and declaring our identity
with our homeland. Kirk Kickingbird, a Kiowa Indian
lawyer from.Oklahoma, quoting from legal precedents in
United States courts, showed that whites did not give
governing powers or lands to Indians. It was the other
way around, he stated: ‘‘the Indians gave the whites the
governing authority, so they could protect the Indians
from foreign invasion in the event of war; the Indians did
not surrender their right to govern themselves; they kept
that right: but when a nation of people does not exercise
their sovereign right, then other nations exercise that
right for them. That is what has happened to a very large
Photo: J. Kruger
degree to the Indians of North America. Indians must >
assert their right to Home Rule.”’ i0
The priority of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs is the
regeneration of Indian Government. But Indian Govern- ,
ment does not lie in the lands of an organization. It lies in |
the hands of families, clans, Bands and in every reserve
community in British Columbia. It is the responsibility of
the local people to study, learn and implement the kind of
authority they want in their Indian Governments. Indian
communities all work at different levels in different ways,
therefore Indian Governments can only be developed at
the Indian reserve level. Every time a Band takes the —
‘initiative to make their own policies, regulations and laws ©
for their people, it is Indian government; and every time "’
we take an aboriginal right case to court, it is Indian *
government; and everytime Indian people stand together
to face the federal or provincial government on various ©
issues affecting our people, that is Indian Government in —
action.
The message presented by all Indian delegates and —
other participants at the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
Eleventh Annual General Assembly came loud and clear.
The message is ‘‘we are no longer prepared to live on our
knees’’. From now on we will fight on our feet for our
right to self-reliance through our Indian Governments.
This expression for Indian self-determination was being
asserted by all Indians at the Assembly. We are sick and
tired of the white man’s heavy handed control over our *
lives. We want to control our lives within the framework
of our beliefs and traditions in our Indian homeland,
British Columbia.
Sipe _ ae ee = fee am
Psa iets ee oe
ee a el ae ae ie
See tet pttier ee OP Pe eo a ee
SPP PPT CRP DEED Eee eee Pe
Yours in struggle,
UBCIC NEWS $5 |
“ee
te ae ee et 2 ae
*
-ieeceare
*.,
(from page 4)
guest speakers. The principles of
Indian Government formed the basis
of their speeches and the foundation
of the Assembly. It was encouraging
to learn that as far away as Washing-
ton, D.C., and as close as Washing-
ton State, Indian people are working
to make Indian Government a reality.
Panels representing portfolios with-
in the Union of Chiefs made their
presentations to the people through-
out the last three days, outlining the
work which has been done, our plans
for the next year, and encouraging
participation, discussion and direc-
tion from the delegates.
INDIAN GOVERNMENT
PORTFOLIO
The Aboriginal Rights Position
Paper was given final endorsement,
after being endorsed in principle at
two previous Annual Assemblies. The
result of the vote on the Position
Paper was greeted with enthusiastic
applause by the 700 people in the
meeting hall. The Indian Government
Flag and Symbol, which were a
prominent feature of the Assembly,
will be tabled until next year, after the
Bands have been given a chance to
UBCIC NEWS 6
discuss the flag and symbol.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT PORTFOLIO
The Blueberry Band and the Mow-
achaht Band are waging legal and
political battles to protect the health
of their people from industrial pollu-
tion. The Health Portfolio is commit-
ted to continuing their work with these
and other Bands in protecting the
health of our people. The Portfolio
will be helping Indian Governments
develop Indian Health Stations in our
communities, as well as continuing
the Indian Doctor Program.
LEGAL TASK FORCE
PORTFOLIO
The Union of Chiefs has done
research on more than 30 specific
claims projects this year and is
receiving <idditional requests from
Bands. However, DIA funding is
completely inadequate, so a five-year
guaranteed specific claims research
budget is being sought. Continuing
conflict between Indian people and
fisheries and law enforcement officers
over hunting and fishing has resulted
in many court cases being handled by
the Legal Task Force. Thirty-two out
of thirty-three cases were won by the
Task Force. However, the over-all
conflicts are still present, and Bands
involved in fishing conflicts want to
meet with the Minister of Fisheries
and Environment and the Minister of
Indian Affairs.
FISHING PORTFOLIO
An important agreement was signed
between the Union of Chiefs and
Washington State Indians to work
together in fisheries management and
protection of our fishing rights. The
Portfolio’s new mandate is to meet
with interested Bands to develop
Band Fishing Bylaws.
COMMUNICATIONS PORTFOLIO
The Indian Communications Po-
licy Paper presented to the Assembly
was adopted. This Paper stresses the
importance and necessity of Commu-
nications at all levels, from Bands to
the Union of Chiefs. Band Training
Workshops in Communications—
Band newsletters, press relations,
audio-visual and print—will continue.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
PORTFOLIO
The Western Indian Agricultural '
Corporation has developed from a
dream into reality, with fieldworkers
stationed throughout the province. A
Forestry Committee is to be estab-
lished within the Union of Chiefs to
enable interested Bands to plan
development in forestry. .
EDUCATION PORTFOLIO
The Indian Education Policy Paper
Draft was adopted, placing emphasis
on Local Control of Indian Educa-
tion and Parental Involvement and
Elders as Teachers. Indian Education
is to become the priority of the Union
of Chiefs.
ENERGY AND RESOURCES
PORTFOLIO
The Energy and Resources Port-
folio has been doing major research
on the Alaska Highway Pipeline
Project in northeastern and south-
eastern B.C., to ensure preservation
and protection of Indian trapping,
hunting and fishing territories. Uran-
ium exploration is occurring in the
interior of B.C., and mining is a
possibility pending the outcome of a
current public inquiry, in which the
Union is a major participant in oppo-
sition to the mining and milling of
uranium.
HOUSING PORTFOLIO .
Housing remains in serious short
supply on many reserves, and the
Housing Portfolio has been working
to find ways of improving the
situation for our people. There are
some housing programs available;
and it is vital that this knowledge be
widely distributed to all Bands.
Current housing programs also have
to be altered to meet our needs.
RESOURCES CENTRE
The Resource Centre at the Union
Office continues to make its facilities
available to interested Bands and
individuals. This material comes in
the form of microfilm, old govern-':
ment documents and reports, Band
lists, books and rare texts.
ADMINISTRATION
The total budget for April 1979 to
March 1980 is $1,700,000 to date.
There are 74 full-time staff members,
59 of whom are Indian (80%).
Apart from the portfolio panels
and speakers and debates, there was»
FISHING ais it
fiom mee
an Indian Expressions Night, an
Indian Talent Night and a Banquet:
These events allowed the people to
enjoy the Indianness of our Assembly,
and to participate and share.
By the end of the fourth day of the
Assembly, the people were exhausted:
There had been no lunch break and it
was after 6 p.m. when the meeting
was drawing to a close. But still
people introduced resolutions and
speakers. The patience of the dele-
gates, their willingness and eagerness
to attend the entire Assembly, was an
important sign.
1979. Eleven years of Assemblies since the Union was formed to
oppose the White Paper Policy, which was intended to snuff out the
light of Indian people. Our light today is burning brighter. Steadier.
Stronger.
UBCIC NEWS7
DEFENDING INDIAN LAND
MURIEL JOE’S BLOCKADE
a
ce ji Sawin f i ° : <. i : 4 ,
4 ; gk tae hee ee oer cee a ee ee ee ;
‘We are Keeping our Indian Land’’. Muriel Joe used fence posts and her old truck to keep City Council out until they
recognize her right to her land.
muriel Joe, a. person short in
stature, quiet but considerable, is in
dispute with Duncan City Council
over property she knows is rightfully
hers.
Muriel Joe, a Cowichan - Band
member, has been in conflict with the
city for the past three years. This
problem goes back to the time of
Muriel’s mother and grandfather who
had similar hassles with past city
councils.
There have been past negotiations
between Muriel’s grandfather and a
number of past mayors of Duncan.
There was never a formal settlement.
An Indian agent, Fred Lomas who
had property near by, attempted to
push back the: property of Muriel’s
grandfather in the 1890’s.
UBCIC NEWS 8
At the time there was no formal
local government to protect Indian
land. The dispute was bitter. Lomas
had hand to hand scuffles_ with
Muriel’s grandfather. His son, Fred
Lomas Jr. thought that he had ended
_the problem when he agreed that the
Joe’s should go ahead and build their
house on the land they considered
theirs.
Now city council had approached
Muriel Joe stating there is a need for
reconstruction of a sewer line which
had been installed in 1957. The sewer
line runs through the disputed land. It
was found out on old map findings
that part of this street is definitely
Indian land and Muriel Joe is the only
Indian person on the street.
Maps show that there had been an
Indian burial ground in the area and
that trunk road, two blocks up from
Muriel’s place, is really Indian terri-
tory. A fence post was set up by
Muriel Joe last year defending her
rights to the land.
The blockade was used again just
recently when the city council was
going to break the blockade and move
Muriel consults with Cowichan Chief Dennis Alphonse during discussions with City Council over this land dispute
that has been going on since her grandfather’s time.
in to repair the sewer lines. The
UBCIC Legal Task Force was ap-
proached by Muriel Joe for legal
support. She already had a group of
Band members assisting her at the
blockade. I expected to see a demand-
ing, mean-looking lady as I left for
Duncan to cover the story.
Upon meeting Muriel Joe I said to
myself, ‘‘How could such a nice quiet
lady like this be involved in such an
aggressive action.’’ She had parked
an old truck inside the fence which
had a sign stating it was Indian land.
She knows her rights over her land
and isn’t going to give in. I spoke with
Muriel’s sister over the problem they
are having while Muriel was in the
middle of the talks with the Duncan
city council. They both seemed quite
calm over the dispute but determined
to find a solution in her favour.
The UBCIC Legal Advisors set up
a meeting with the city councils, Chief
Dennis Alphonse of Cowichan Band
and Muriel Joe to try and come to an
agreement.
The discussion was to find a
solution to the land question though
the city council was inclined to focus
on trying to repair the sewer lines on
Muriel’s property. Nothing was re-
solved by the time of going to press. ©
UBCIC NEWS 9
“LETIT ROT”
SAY LEAVE DEAD ELK
. coe ee
ri atl Oak] 3
a ee
Oe, Sa
or acy f se
| = ni. a
Ta
Shotnanna said, ‘‘We saw the elk,
turned around and went back to the
reservation to get our knives and
| rope. When we got back someone had
been there and had thrown the elk in
the water. I wanted Leslie Joseph to
= leave but he didn’t want to. He said,
‘no, we got nothing to run for, we’ll
2] just sit here.’’
Two Indians charged for possessing
an elk were discharged when a Cran-
brook judge found no evidence to
prove they had illegally shot the elk
on September 26, 1979.
Leslie Joseph, a member of the
Seabird Island Band and Noeh Shot-
nanna, a member of the Grasmere
Band, were both charged by a wildlife
officer for possessing an elk. The
Crown led evidence in the case that
they were found butchering an elk
during a closed hunting season. The
alleged offence occured on April 23,
1979 near Jaffary B.C.
INDIANS FOUND BUTCHERING
ELK. CHARGED FOR HUNTING
OUT OF SEASON.
Joseph and Shotnanna gave their
account of the incident. Joseph said,
**T looked down there and saw some-
thing laying there. I saw something
red.So we went down there and
looked at it. It was an elk. When we
were looking at it, a truck backed up
and he was the person who phoned
the game warden.”’
UBCIC NEWS 10
FARMERS THREATEN TO
POISON ELK
**So we watched the officer sneak
_ in. We could have left early if anyone
me thought we were guilty but we just sat
there. Then one of the officers took
off, running. We were watching
them,’’ said Shotnanna. ‘‘There was
+ no way for the officer to get in there
, witha truck,”’ Joseph stated, ‘‘he had
+) to walk all the way in. I had my car
# parked on the other side; we could
have just jumped in the car. There as
no way they could have chased us.’’
‘*They would have had to go all the’
way back, get in the truck and by that
time we would have been five miles
down the road. The officers told us,
‘that’s what all the great bank
robbers said when they got caught;
they could have left too but they got
caught instead.”’
Joseph says there was one thing
about the officer’s action which
puzzled him. ‘‘When the officer got
there; he couldn’t see the elk where it
was, cause there’s trees there. I must
have walked 20 feet from the elk and I
said, ‘‘what you guys sneaking a-
round here for.’’ Then he said, ‘‘I see
you guys got yourself an elk.’’
**How did he know it was an elk?”’
says Joseph, ‘‘he wasn’t down there
before he got that phone call from the
guy. We didn’t know what it was until
we got off the car and walked down
there and looked at it. How did the
officer know what species it was? He
couldn’t see what it was from the
highway cause that’s maybe 900
feet!’’
WILDLIFE OFFICERS
Shotnanna says he told the officer,
‘*We don’t want the meat to go to
waste. The officer said if we just leave
it here it won’t go to waste, the
coyotes will get it.’”” The UBCIC
Legal Advisor defending the accused
says they won the case because the
Crown could not prove the elk was
killed illegally by the two men.
THEY STAYED THEIR GROUND
The court had no evidence to prove
how the elk was killed. Through the
wildlife officer, the UBCIC lawyer
led evidence that the farmers in the
area have been threatening to poison
the elk because they get into their
fields. The Indian people in the area
have been wanting to get special
permits to allow them to go out and
hunt the elk out of season so they can
use the meat.
“It’s a difficult situation with the
farmers complaining the elk ruin their
crops and the Indian people wanting
to hunt them,’’ she said. ‘‘We also
argued what these two fellows did was
perfectly reasonable. All they were
doing was putting the meat to good
use. The crown had to prove the
accused people knew it was shot
illegally which they couldn’t prove.” .
Shotnanna was attending a funeral
of a close relative on September 26,
1979, the day of the court case when
Leslie Joseph was dismissed of char-
ges against him. The court set another
trial for Shotnanna on October 31,
1979 in Cranbrook B.C. However,
both men gave the same statements
when the wildlife officers came to
investigate the incident. The meat of
the elk had been left to rot.
In all these cases, add the UBCIC
Legal Task Force, there is no obliga-
tion on any person to talk to a wildlife
officer or policeman other than to
give their name and address. They can
then let the Crown do what they will.
CPR PAYS FARE
On October 5th, the St. Mary’s
Band in Cranbrook B.C. authorized
the permission to surrender .6 acres
of their land to the Canadian Pacific
Railway Co. In return, the Company
gave them 640 acres for trespassing a
railroad on their land in or about
1970.
Sophie Pierre, Chief of the St.
Mary’s Band, says in 1974 she was
looking through old Band files and
discovered the railroad trespassed on
the reserve. ‘‘As far as I knew,”’ she
said, ‘‘there was never any discussion
about CP going through St. Mary’s —
reserve 1A which is near where our
Band hall is. So then we got the idea
we would use that as a lever to fight
the other case.’’
The other case, says Pierre, is what
the people of St. Mary’s reserve have
been fighting for since the early
1970’s. The Band has had continual
disputes with the Company over river
erosions resulting from their poor
construction of a diversion channel
on the St. Mary’s River.
trespass! That’s when C.P. decided
they had to sit down and talk with us
and of course, DIA was right behind
them.”’
She said, ‘‘Usually, when a railroad
goes through a reserve, you have to
signa surrender, but this didn’t
happen in our situation when the
C.P. Co. put the railway through. It
was accepted through a Band Council
Resolution.”’
It’s not the amount but
the principle of it
they have come through with 640
acres.”’ This satisfaction comes from
the fact that the 640 acres of land was
already a ranching operation which
the company purchased to offer the
Band. The land is located by the St. -
Mary’s Reserve.
Pierre said, ‘‘We have got 17. ,000 =
acres but the real hay producing land °
is of course, down along the river =. ~
bottom. This is why we were ready to
push the point that we wanted the
land in an acre for acre payment
rather than cash.”’
“You can get sympathy of the
people across Canada this way,
whereas if you are pushing for a
couple of million dollars, the tax
payers get worried, but where it is
land, they can identify with it.
eres site
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as
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oft
HOLDING OUT FOR LAND
COMPENSATION
An estimated 120 acres of the
reserve have been washed away says
Pierre ‘‘Frank Whitehead was our
Chief then. He and Dave Powellwho
was the Department of Indian Affairs
Agent then, went out and looked at
the plans. The Chief was aware of
what C.P.R. was doing. They told the
engineers there is no way the diver-
sion is going to work, that it was
going to end up flooding the re-
serve.”’
Pierre says from the time they put
in the diversion, they had the first
major flood in 1971. ‘‘From there
until 1974, it was just a constant
battle between the Band, DIA and
C.P.R.
““We couldn’t even get them to say,
‘yes, we are causing erosion on the
reserve’, until we made the point of
The railroad had trespassed on .6
acres of the reserve, said Pierre.
“Right away they were offering us a
couple of acres in lieu of that. They
were saying it’s only .6 acres, how can
you complain about only .6 acres.’’
**T said, it’s not the amount but the
principle of the thing. You went
through our land, your tracks are on
our land right now! What we are
complaining about is, because of
their work there was all that erosion
damage done to the reserve as a result
of the diversion channel put through.
Anyway it was up to this point in
1977.”’
What we were telling them
was the land had to equal |
or be of better value than
the land we lost
oe
so 4
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we FRY ene
ty Sia fees
ts
#«
It was the media and poli-
tics: that’s what got the
attention
The attention they re-
ceived led to many meetings with the
Company and DIA, says Pierre,
before final negotiations were drafted
into a referendum to surrender the .6
acre land in exchange for 640 acres of
land from the company.
' Pierre says, ‘‘I feel very satisfied
Pierre said 200 acres of land are
already under cultivation with 30
head of cattle at the ranch. ‘‘We’ve
got a basic herd our reserve can
handle, and the grazing area can
handle 250 head quite easily because
our grazing area is 14,000 acres.”’
““We’ve already got it divided into
seven pastures. There is cross fencing
right through the whole reserve. What -
we have been doing is leasing out the
land and every year we do a little
more cross fencing until now, it’s all
cross fenced. The grass doesn’t grow
much but it’s-o.k. for grazing,’’ she
said, |
The land settlement came to a
compromise on October 5, 1979, but’
Pierre says, ‘‘Well it doesn’t belong -
to us but the Band had agreed’
through the referendum that yes, they
will surrender their land and in place
of that will accept the C.P.R.’s offer
of 640 acres. Now, the piece of
property has to be identified legally.”’
She said, ‘‘They’ve offered it to us,
we’ve accepted, but they have to draw.
up the papers and describe the land
and then everybody’s got to sign it.’’®
UBCIC NEWS 11
GAS PIPELINE TERMS
NORTHEAST / KOOTENAY
In April 1978, the Union of British Columbia Indian
Chiefs was given the mandate to continue to oppose the
Alaska Pipeline Project until we had adequate time and
funding. to conduct the necessary studies to protect the
communities in the North and South-East from all
possible negative impacts.
The Union has been doing an extensive one and a half
year Land Use and Occupancy Study in the North East.
* Land Use and Occupancy Data
Consisting of map biographies showing where people
hunted, trapped, fished, gathered berries and camped.
Additional tapes of interviews, field motes, and
personal observations and experiences were added.
* Anthropological Research
Was prepared in the form of a report on the way in
which people of the North East relate to the land,
showing how crucial their activities are and why they
-must be protected in the face of ever increasing
development.
-® Industrial Resource Sector Analysis
This map study shows a profile of various develop-
‘ments in the North East. An analysis of what these
-demand and their potential for land use conflict with
‘the utilization of land by Indian people is included.
_ The Industrial Sector covered by the study were:
1. Energy supply: hydro-electricity, oil and gas, and coal
development.
2. Forestry:
3. Transportation: roads, railways, and pipelines.
4. Land Use: residential, agricultural, and port uses.
BANDS HELD BACK HEARINGS UNTIL THEY
WERE READY
These studies were done in great detail and in
consistent consultation with the people of the Fort St.
John District.
UBCIC NEWS 12
| Dec. 11: Ft. Nelson—Special Interest
We have succeeded in having the Terms and
Conditions Hearings for the Alaska Pipeline put off until
the people of the North East feel they have the necessary
information to make a powerful impact at these
Hearings. The Hearings now start on November 19th,
1979,
The Union will be presenting detailed Terms and
Conditions proposals at the Community and Formal
Hearings. The information from the studies will be used.
to support the details of our proposals for the
socio-economic and environmental conditions which
must be fulfilled before the pipeline can proceed.
era FOR NORTHERN PIPELINE AGENCY‘S
NORTH B.C.’s PUBLIC HEARINGS |
Nov. 19: Fort St. John—Opening of Public Hearings
Dawson Creek—Public Hearings
Nov. 20: Blueberry Reserve
Nov. 21: Doig Reserve
Nov. 22: Halfway Reserve
Nov. 23: Pink Mountain
Nov. 24: West Moberly Hearings
Nov. 26: Lower Post Reserve
Fireside
Nov. 27: Toad River
Nov. 28: Prophet River Reserve
Ft. Nelson Band Reserve
Nov. 30: Fort St. John—Community Hearings
Dec. 10: Ft. Nelson—Community Hearings
Dec. 12: Ft. Nelson—Special Interest
Dec. 13: Ft. St. John—Special Interest
Dec. 14: Ft. St. John—Special Interest
Dec. 15: Ft. St. John—Special Interest
AND CONDITIONS HEARINGS:
BANDS ARE READY
The people of the Kootenay’s are preparing for
hearings by National Energy Board, due to be held the
first week of December, 1979. The Kootenay Indian Area
Council appointed Wilf Jacobs of the Lower Kootenay
Band to work with Kootenay communities in preparation
for these hearings. He would like to see the Northern
Pipeline Agency approach the British Columbia Govern-
ment in regards to what position they are in at present. ,
Company, the first pipeline through the Kootenays, has
caused damage and destruction to the environment.
People are still suffering from it today. For example, the
first pipeline created access roads into traditional hunting
and trapping grounds and before long, they were creating
a logging road, ruining nearby creeks. Also with the
influx of people using these roads, wild game is getting
scarce, with wildlife receding further and further away
Alee Gravel trie): helt Ss *
WilfJacobs withthe =@
; ee Use and ag
“*There should be no pipeline until the Land Claims are
recognized in B.C. Also we like to be compensated for
any losses/damages caused by the pipeline in the
Kootenay.”’
He backs up this statement ‘‘The pipeline will in no
way benefit my people either by gaining employment or
receiving gas. The gas we will never get to use, we
understand that it’s American gas for American
consumption. There is no way it will benefit us. At
present, the people are concerned about what kind of
effects the pipeline will have on them. They have strong
doubts about the Pipeline. Alberta Natural Gas
from the traditional hunting grounds.
At first the Northern Pipeline Agency had not seriously
considered holding Terms and Conditions Hearings in the
South East but with the Kootenay Indian Area Council
demand to hold hearings and with the Union’s pressure,
the Northern pipeline agency has confirmed that they will
hold hearings in all the KIAC’s communities.
Wilf Jacobs conducted mapping of hunting, trapping
and cultural areas of importance which is now complete
and will be used in supporting the KIAC’s presentation of
Terms and Conditions proposals at the KIAC community
hearing. °
LUBCIC NEWS 13
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Hearings are now being OA Both Sy j
held to discuss these | eae 4 j
two pipeline proposals. : rene tS
TRANS-
MOUNTAIN |
HEARINGS
_ Indian concerns over a potential new oil port and
pipeline affecting B.C. were highlighted on two separate
occasions during the National Energy Board’s current
hearings in Vancouver.
The Board is conducting a public hearing on the
application of Trans Mountain Pipe Line Company Ltd.
_to build a new oil pipeline from Sumas, B.C. to
Edmonton, Alberta. The oil for this line would be
- shipped from Alaska along the entire coast of British
Columbia, unloading at a new oil port at Low Point,
UBCIC NEWS 14
\ dmonton
_ Washington (just west of Port Angeles).
On October 18 the UBCIC took the lead in severely
criticizing Trans Mountain’s evidence on the potential
socio-economic impacts of the project. Of 12 Bands
directly affected by the pipeline, only 2 had even been
contacted by the company’s consultants: Their total
ignorance of Indian people became clear early in the
questioning when they gave a list of reserve.names in
response to a question asking what Tribes are affected by
the pipeline. They were also asked to explain why, if the
unemployment rate of the affected Bands ranges from
60-80%, their report states that Indian people will be
minimally affected by pipeline induced inflation. Their
explanation that many Indian people in the area are
ranchers and farmers and would therefore be less affected
by increased food costs hardly holds water.
The pipeline will cross reserve lands in the Fraser
Valley, the Coquihalla Valley and the North Thompson
Valley but not once was fishing mentioned as an
important economic and cultural activity of Indian
people. When questioned, Trans Mountain’s consultants
could only reply that it had been an oversight. They
admitted having relied on statistics from DIA and other
government agencies for their information on the
economic activities of the Indian people concerned.
On October 23 the UBCIC representative cross-
examined Trans Mountain’s witnesses on the environ-
mental problems associated with the oil port and tanker
traffic. He questioned whether studies had been done on
the potential impact of oil spills on the salmon stocks,
and the extent of economic loss Indian people could
suffer. The company has submitted only an outline of a
study yet to be done to determine what damage might
occur as a result of tanker collision, grounding or other
causes for spills in the Strait of Juan-de-Fuca.
Oil spills could occur anywhere along the west coast
and could affect all of our people who depend on sea-
foods and on inland fishing. The company has not yet
designed an efficient procedure for cleaning up oil spills
that could reach Canadian waters and coastlines, and so
could give no assurance that our fish and other marine
resources won’t be damaged.
The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, together with other
intervenors, totally discredited the company’s approach
to oil spill problems. Our position has received ‘national
media coverage during the hearings.
Beginning November 5, 1979 the UBCIC will be
bringing some of our people to give evidence at the
National Energy Board hearings. They will speak on
Indian jurisdiction, on the impact of pipeline construc-
tion through Indian lands, and on the reliance on fish and
other marine resources. The next issue of the UBCIC
NEWS will give highlights of these presentations. °
AND
THEN
THERE’S
THE
HEAR-
INGS
The areas in black show where min- NAINA
ing companies have either explored or _
are now actively exploring for
uranium in southern B.C. The other
region of highly active uranium
exploration is the Atlin area in north-
west B.C. It must be emphasized that
these are not areas where uranium has
been found, but only areas where
mining companies are hoping to dis-
cover uranium in mineable quantities.
Evidence given at the first two
phases of the Royal Commission of
Inquiry into Uranium Mining has
revealed that little or no consider-
ation is given by mining exploration
companies or government to the
special interests of Indian people. The
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs is a
major participant at the Inquiry,
carrying out the mandate given to it
by the General Assembly which was
to ‘‘actively oppose the development
of uranium mines and mills in British
Columbia.”’
This report will deal with the
evidence which was presented at the
first two phases of the Technical
Hearings; the Overview and Explora-
tion Phases. Reports will be given in
future issues of the UBCIC NEWS on
subsequent phases, which are
scheduled as _ follows: Mining
(October 16-19), Milling (October 30-
Nov. 2), Waste Disposal ioe, 13- 16;
20-23), Environmental Impact (Dec.
4-7; 11-14), Health (Jan. 8-11; 15-18),
and Social Impact (Jan. 22-25).
OVERVIEW PHASE
The evidence at this phase gave a
general background to the geology of
B.C. and described the regions where
uranium would most likely be dis-
covered in the province. It was esti-
mated that only 10% of the uranium
in B.C. has been identified to date
and this figure hels to explain why
uranium exploration companies spent
six million dollars in their search for
uranium in 1978. However, it was
also revealed that the two biggest
deposits discovered so far (near
Clearwater on the North Thompson
and south-east of Kelowna) are
smaller than any deposits now mined
in Canada. This means that these pro-
posed mines would bring very little
economic benefit to any region but
might well leave a legacy of hazard-
ous waste.
EXPLORATION PHASE
As the map demonstrates, there are
three major areas where uranium ex-
ploration is concentrated: South/
Tete
i
—
Central B.C., the Lakes District, and
the Atlin area. Mining companies
currently believe that it is in these-
areas that uranium is most likely to be.
found. It became very clear in the!
hearings that mining exploration is!
very much a_e gamble. Mining!
companies go into an area, conduct a}
search which may involve land clear-.’
ing, road building, or helicopters
surveys. There is very little govern-
ment regulation of these activities and
little effort is made to ensure that thé
lives of local residents are not dis*
rupted. In fact, it was revealed that
some companies had even carried out
exploration on reserve land without
permission, even though this is
illegal.
The UBCIC intervenor was able to
cross-examine nine mining companies
on the extent of their activities. Other
companies will be required to give
evidence in the Spring. Bands in the
areas where exploration has occurred
will receive reports on the activities of
uranium exploration companies in
their areas. °
UBCIC NEWS 15
YSLOCAN Ihe:
$k
a
#
URANIUM MINING
GUILT BY ASSOCIATION
Members of various Okanagan
Bands, including residents of the
Colville Reservation in Washington
State, expressed their opposition to
uranium mining at a meeting held in
the Penticton Band Hall on October
LZ.
Staff members of the Union of
B.C. Indian Chiefs gave a presen-
tation on the potential for uranium
mining in B.C. and the progress made
to date of the Provincial Inquiry Into
Uranium Mining. The presentation
focussed on the possible health and
environmental impacts of uranium
mining and a slide show demon-
strated the impact which uranium
mining has had on the Indian people
of New Mexico. After listening to the
presentation and upon being inform-
ed that the Okanagan was one of the
prime regions where exploration acti-
vity is occurring, the Okanagan
people attending gave their reaction.
Many of the speakers were Elders
who spoke in Okanagan.
Willie Armstrong ——————————_—
Ever since the white people landed
here on this land they have been
making themselves wealthy. Now they
have reached the land that is reserved
for us and now they are reaching for
our very lives. I wonder what is the
reason why they do these things. I
know that they know what they are
‘ doing—I know about the destruction
_to our lives, our health, and to all
' living things. They know that every
living thing on earth needs water to
- live and if these kinds of things are
allowed to happen then all living
things will be poisoned. If everyone
that is in this room is made aware of
_ these dangers and if everyone in this
- valley is made aware, then they too
would not even think about it and
they would oppose it. I know that the
government knows that this. mining
means death for living things, includ-
ing the people who live near these
mines. A government is supposed to
UBCIC NEWS 16
be set up to protect its people and yet
they contemplate letting this sort of
thing go on. Our Indian land—this
land which belongs to us has already
been exploited to such an extent that
it is already dangerous. These small
reserves are all that we have left and
we do not want to be exposed to any-
more danger.
Larry Pierre
Ever since the white man has
landed on this island, he has seen all
the bountiful things and it has driven
him crazy. He had never seen so much
to exploit. He was not grateful for the
bounty of this land—he did not see
that it could be for the benefit of all
people. He only saw that he could
take and take and use and use.
Mining is not the only thing that the
white man has done. It is not only the
physical forms of destruction which
are dangerous to our people. Non-
Indian people seem to find money to
be the most important thing; more
important than life itself. It is to this
point that white people have brought
us—this point of ridiculousness where
they do not care about life itself. They
have even fought wars to prevent
other people from coming to this land
because of their selfishness. It is to
this point that we have come and we
have seen those things. Now we
Indian people are being implicated in
this plan (for mining uranium). I
wonder what does the white man
think about this land, about the
people of this land. Does he think we
are just like the wind, like mice or rats
or dogs. The white people, in their
way, have set themselves up as an
authority through their government.
Through that government they take
and use everything. Thus they have
implicated our people because our
peoples’ lives are being endangered
needlessly. It has been many years
now that the non-Indian people have
ridiculed our way of life, our people,
our ways of thinking and our way of
living. And they think that this thing
they are planning will be good for
them. Don’t they know it is as
dangerous to them as it is to all living
things.
Annie Kruger spoke and stated,
‘“‘Our answer is no, we don’t want
uranium.’’ She stated that she would
oppose it to the point of death.
Jeanette Bonneau then spoke against
uranium mining stating that her
opposition was based on the fact that
it not only scarred the -land but
threatened the health of the children.
She asked for the Elders’ guidance in
protecting the unborn children.
Celine Timoyakin
What more does the government
want from this land of our people?
Now the white men are playing with
things evil and dangerous to all
humankind—things that are not nec-
essary for us to live. There is no
reason for humans to fight—there is
enough for all. Now the non-Indian
people are breaking the laws of the
Creator by playing with those things
and we, the Indian people are being
implicated. The punishment for
breaking the laws of the Creator will
stretch for generations to come. We
the caretakers of this land, do not
seek individual wealth but instead are
concerned with the lives of all our
people.
We have shared this land with
non-Indian people. What other ways
can we share what we have—what
more of ours do the non-Indian
people want to take? We understand
that the ways of non-Indian people
are different from our ways.
The Creator is sacred and
we await his return. The Creator
makes the laws for all living things
and it is the Creator who knows and
decides the future of our people.
It
will not be through violence that we
will win this battle—it will be through
the knowledge of our spiritual ways. ©
os
—UP-DATE— 4
MUSQUEAM B BREACH OF TRUST CASE
On September 18th, the Musqueam Band brought to
the Federal Court their case against the DIA (see August
79 issue of UBCIC NEWS). Their witnesses testified that
in 1957 the current local Indian agent, acting on behalf of
the Band, made a lease agreement with a local golf club
that was not in the best interests of the Band. Not only
did he misinform the Band about other bids for the
leasing of this land and about market value of the land,
but he also had drawn up and signed an Agreement that
was not what the Band had agreed to during his consul-
tation with them. Because of the relationship between the
DIA and the Band at that time the Musqueam Band was
not aware of the conditions of the lease until a good
twenty years later.
The Band claims to have lost $40 million in revenue in
the first 20 years of the 75 year lease because of misrepre-
sentation of the market value of the 162 acres, prime real
estate, and because there were unrealistic ceilings to rent
increases that were renewable only every fifteen years.
On October 4th, the Band called in Peter Clark,
Director of Lands and Estates for the Department. Under
questioning Peter Clark agreed that the DIA agent had
violated accepted policy in this case. He also stated he has
not seen any similar terms in other Band leases.
The lawyers defending the DIA in the case have, to
date, just brought in accounting evidence to prove that
the $40 million suit is exaggerated. Observers at the court
case report this evidence so far only justifies the Band’s
claim. The case resumes again on November 3rd. This is
when the summary arguments take place, usually the
most dramatic and telling part of a court case.
For the past twelve years the Mowachaht people’s
neighbour, Tahsis Pulp. Mill, has been a continual
pollutant for the inhabitants there. Today the Tahsis
Company is subject to pollution regulations and penalties
under the by-law.
On October 22, 1979, monitoring systems came in
place on the reserve to monitor dustfall, hydrogen
sulphide, sulphur dioxide, suspended articulate (fine
dust) and noise levels. For every pollution offence
- committed by Tahsis and any other company or indi-
vidual, a fine of 100 dollars per day and/or 30 days in jail
will be levied by the courts.
A Band member will be appointed as By-Law
- Enactment Officer whose duties will involve enforcement
of the by-laws. These by-laws are the first of their kind to
_ become Federal law in Canada.
Mary Johnson, Chief of the Mowachaht Band near
Gold River, was overjoyed at the decision. She says, ‘‘We
have finally gained control of our own reserve land. Now
we won’t have to wait for the Provincial Government to
stop pollution. Now we will do it ourselves.’’ ;
She said the Band is prepared to deal with the company
in a reasonable manner in order to clean up the pollution
which is endangering their health. She added, ‘‘This is
not an action against the company, it’s a step taken to
CONSTITUTIONAL TALKS AND REVISIONS TO
INDIAN ACT: NIB MEET CABINET
On September 28, the National Indian Brotherhood
and members from the provinces and territories met with
the Clark cabinet to discuss two important issues: the
Constitution and Indian Act revisions. The Clark govern-
ment does not appear to be serious about the necessary
involvement of Indian people in Constitutional develop-
ment. The NIB was made to understand that Indians will
not sit at the First Minister’s Meeting as an eleventh
government, as an Indian Government.
Se POLLUTION UPDATE
The bold step was taken by the Mowachaht Band on
September 9, 1979 to enact three pollution control
‘by-laws to be passed into Federal Law by Indian Affairs
Minister. .
preserve the health and safety of our people.’’
CONFISCATED FISH
UBCIC Legal Advisors* have started an action ir
Federal Court to sue the Department of Fisheries fo
Ralph George’s fish. George was charged with transport-
ing/illegal possession of fish. On March 16, 1979 ir
Chilliwack Court his case was won, but he lost 30 fish
confiscated by Fisheries Dept. The Task Force asked for
the return of the fish, but Fisheries replied they gave it
away.
On October 26th, Fisheries informed UBCIC Legal
Task Force that they had sold confiscated fish in the
Larry Ned and Donna Villeneuve cases. Larry Ned’s case
had been dismissed on April 18th but Fisheries sold the
ten seized salmon for one dollar'to Westminster Abbey
Mission. They reason that in this way the salmon are put
to good use instead of spoiling from freezer burn while
the case came to court. Larry Ned was innocent yet he lost |
ten salmon. Fisheries promise to compensate him the one
dollar. Fisheries are paying Donna Villeneuve one dollar
for sixty-five salmon. The charges against Donna
Villeneuve were stayed on April 19, 1979, yet she lost 65
salmon. The Task Force is awaiting instructions in this
matter.
UBCIC NEWS 17
ee a “
ee ee
In order that I reach as many fishermen as possible it is
required to utilize their ‘‘reading material’’, and I would
greatly appreciate having a mail-box available with your
Newspaper office to facilitate their response, which can
be mailed to the writer periodically accompanied with
necessary costs.
| Wm. H. Walkus
Owikeno Village Council , Dawsons Lancia P.O.
Rivers Inlet, B.C. VON 1MO
Throughout our attempts to initiate Salmon related
Rehabilitation Enhancement Programs for our local
area, we have received support in principle but have been
‘‘moth-balled’’ due to lack of Government oriented
funds (Political decisions).
‘We believe that other Fishery related Communities
share this same stumbling-block. As these fishing
Communities increase exploitation of and improve
techniques to harvest salmon, so much emphasis on
rehabilitation & enhancement programs increase in
proportion, to ensure continuity of this renewable
resource. But. . . Funding to support these Programs
seems to be continually at a short-fall.
Ideally, Fish & Forest Industries should share the
responsibilities of Salmon related Rehabilitation &
Enhancement Programs, although not entirely possible.
To view the future with some optimism that our
following respective generations continue sharing of this
land and resources, more emphasis must be put on
Rehabilitation & Enhancement Programs, which will
bring us again to the stumbling-block, if we continue to
rely on Government funds alone. .
To-day, Programs rely mainly on political Govern-
ments’ decisions to fund via Department of Fisheries.
The Fisheries, operating on a limited annual budget, must
choose or prefer priority programs. And each Fishing
Community must feel that their local resource should rate
at some priority level, as we do ours. With this point of
view in mind we are seeking other alternatives (funding
sources) to over-step this stumbling-block and hopefully
assist Rehabilitation and Enhancement of the Salmon
stocks.
The following is put as a question of feasibility. . . .
| alternative Method: Cost Recovery for Local Programs
Alternative method; Cost Recovery for Local Programs
Can Salmon resources be utilized through the local
salmon processing Industries on a non-profit basis, for
ue prime purpose of subsidizing /oca/ Rehabilitation &
- OWIKENO PROPOSAL FOR COST
RECOVERY PROGRAM FOR SALMON
ENHANCEMENT
Enhancement Programs? To explain:
A local fish-boat chartered (hired) during weekly -
closures, for 1 or 2 days, to catch and process salmon
through local plants at standard rates. Monitored by
Fishery on a quota system to ensure that catch does not
exceed a predetermined quantity. Revenue generated
from annual catch to be banked for local Program
account. An accounting system can be adopted to ensure
that ‘‘cost recovery funds’’ ‘are being properly managed
for its specific Program. Intention being a method of
subsidizing rather than total Program funding. For
example—wage costs, specific capital expense, equipment
rental, one or two expenses areas, but not total Program
operating expense.
This alternative funding method can alleviate total
dependency on Government source of funding and
operate more Rehabilitation and Enhancement Programs
locally. ,
Probiem: Feasibility acceptance by commercial fishery
Protection of annual escapement potential.
Justifiable Program expenses; Program
priority ‘
Benefits:
Employment positions locally: ?
1( Local Salmon Rehabilitation & Enhancement
Programs. a
2) Extended employment for local fish-boat crew.
3) Extended employment in local Salmon processing
plant to handle extra catch weekly.
Funding Sources:
1) Alleviate annual dependency on Government sour-
ces for Program funding.
2) Increase in Local Salmon Rehabilitation & Enhance-
- ment Programs.
3) Decentralization of Program priority to locat areas.
Salmon Resources Immediate Future:
1) Improvement in juvenile survival ratio.
2) Improvement to rearing area potential.
3) Improvement to spawning sites.
4) Increase in down-stream migrants.
Long Range
1) Increase in ocean migrants.
2) Return expectation from ocean migrants.
3) Expectation increase to commercial fishery.
Public response to this alternative method of funding
proposal would be appreciated to ascertain feasibility.
UBCIC NEWS 18
FISHING |
OUR OWN MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
The problem that we have with the Fisheries
Department never seemed to disappear because it was
Fisheries who had the power and control. However,
many Bands are now reversing that by taking some of the
control back, through the development of Band by-laws
for the preservation, protection and management of fish
on the reserve. Bands are also in the planning stages of a
comprehensive management scheme by their Indian
Governments to protect our exclusive rights to fish. These
decisions were made from the follow-up workshops that .
took place after the Bradley Bob Court Case decision, on
August 2, 1979. Judge die Boldt had confirmed that the
Indian people have exclusive rights to fish on reserves.
However, he did also state that the Fisheries Act will
apply even where exclusive rights to fish have been
granted, providing the regulation is for the purpose of
conservation.
Further to this, the Supreme Court of Canada made a
ruling on August 1, 1979 in the Queen vs. Jack decision
that Indian Fishing comes second only to conservation.
It is also the Federal Fisheries policy that Indian Food
Fishing is the second priority and we therefore have to be
involved in the management of fishing and marine
resources.
The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, at its 11th Annual
General Assembly, passed a resolution to the effect that
the Union’s Fishing Portfolio be given the mandate to
co-ordinate meetings and workshops with interested
Bands, aimed at further development of Band fishing.
by-laws and aimed at developing a comprehensive
management scheme for the protection of our rights in
regard to fish and marine resources now recognized in
law.
i
(
The development of a management scheme for our-
selves through our Indian Governments will certainly —
play an important role in protecting our rights and
resources from becoming depleted. In the long term, this
should also ease the consistent and unjustified attacks of
the Fisheries Department and other user groups on our
fishing rights.
It is strongly felt by our Indian leaders that once we
have a management scheme under control by our Indian
Governments, then, and only then, will we be prepared to
negotiate with the Federal Fisheries Department. A
management system in place would indicate to them in
no uncertain terms that we are prepared to discuss a joint
partnership in management and protection of our fish
and marine resources and the discussions of co-operative
participation. These discussions of co-operative partici-
pation will come from policy decisions, and the course to
pursue would be an administration between the Federal
Fisheries and our Indian Governments.
For those Bands who are interested in holding a
meeting or workshop, please do not hesitate to call the -
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Fishing Portfolio to provide —
the resource people to share information on the types of |
by-laws being considered for the conservation and
protection of fish and marine resources.
op
RUSSELL WILLIAMS WINS
In Chilliwack B.C. on
Oct. 23, 1979 Russell Wil-
liams was driving from af
fishing site near Yale B.C., Boy
~and was stopped by a
fisheries officer who was|
checking cars.
Williams had 6 fish in his ju
car trunk which were un-
The Fishing Portfolio is very pleased to annouce
that the first fund-raising raffle is over. The draw
took place at the UBCIC IIth Annual General
Assembly. 404 tickets were sold. The winner of the
first prize, the moose jacket, was Bob Hall, Box 25,
Sardis, B.C. Second prize, a carved plaque, was
drawn for L. Eneas, R.R. #2, Penticton and gift
certificate for silver jewellery by Bella Coola
engraver Harold Hood went to Ed Allison of Hedley
Es Terry Brown, delegate from Lower Post, drew the
| names. The Fishing Portfolio will be holding another
fund-raising raffle in the near future. Your partici-
: pation will be greatly appreciated.
_ The Fishing Portfolio wishes to extend our heart-
3 felt thanks to Ron John, Chief of the Hope Indian
- Band, for donating $100. to the Fishing Portfolio to
further our mandate in Pe our fishing and
{marine resources in B.C. Eee aks e
UBCIC NEWS 19
marked. According to the
Fisheries Act, if you have a
special licence for food
fishing, you’re required to:
cut off the nose and dorsal fins. So, Williams was
charged with possession of unmarked fish.
The Crown gave evidence that he had the fish had he
had a licensed period, then closed their case. The UBCIC
Legal Advisor gave a ‘no evidence motion’ which is that
the accused doesn’t have to say anything in answer to the
Crown’s case.
The Crown had to prove he caught the fish under the
license. It’s not sufficient to show that he possessed fish, —
that he had a license and the fish were not marked. They |
had to further prove in fact, he caught the fish. os
Judge Meagher agreed the Crown could not prove their
case, therefore Williams didn’t have to say anything. The :
Crown is — this case.
_
eee ee ee ee eee Se ee
INTERNATIONAL FISHING
AGREEMENT
In our minds and hearts, the border
line between Canada and the United
States of America doesn’t exist
because the border splits some of the
Tribal groups. For example, the
Salish, Nootka, Okanagan and the
Kootenays all have this border line
right through them.
Both the Canadian and U.S.A. .
Governments have been successful in
totally separating our people through
their different forms of governments.
However, all Indian people feel the
same way about our lands and
resources and our traditional ways of
life. It becomes more and more
apparent that Indian people in Wash-
ington, Idaho and Montana are
treated no differently than our people
in British Columbia.
They are facing the same problems
of governments attempting to assimi-
_ late our people and with the en-
— eS ee ee ee ee
a
croachment of major developments,
which are not only causing environ-
mental damage but also damaging
our traditional way of life.
At our 11th Annual General As-
sembly, our leaders from the State of
Washington and British Columbia
endorsed an International Agreement
- regarding the management and con-
trol of our Fishing rights and commit-
ted themselves to work together as
one on this issue. See Resolution 7,
page 22.
The International Agreement is one
between Indian Governments, the
Indian Governments in B.C. and the
Indian Governments of Washington
State, U.S.A. We all have the same
goal: control of and involvement in
our Indian fishing resources. The
Indian Governments see their role as
encouraging Our communities as a
_ whole to take back responsibility for
ee
our fish and marine resources, and at
the same time to provide enough
_information on our actions to con-
vince the general public and Fisheries
UBCIC NEWS 20
officials that this is in the best
interests of fish management and
conservation.
At the Chiefs Council meeting held
just before the Assembly, the Chiefs
talked to Indian leaders of Washing-
ton State to determine a strategy of
how this was to be done. All saw a
definite need for a very strong joint
action to educate the media and thus
increase the understanding of the
public. Work will be started on ways
to conduct joint press conferences
and co-ordinate issuing of articles and
press statements in a systematic way.
The exchange of resource material
and technical information between
the Indian Governments was consid-
ered essential.
To further the goals and work of
this International Agreement, a full
meeting will be held between the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and
Washington State Tribal Govern-
ments in the next few months.
The people in North West Wash-
ington are just as interested and con-
cerned about the proposed oil ports in
the Pudget Sound area by Trans-
mountain Pipeline Company and
Northern Pipeline Company, and
they are also actively opposing these
projects.
Three representatives will be com-
ing to Vancouver during the National
Energy Board hearings to support our
people in British Columbia by partici-
pating on a panel, giving evidence on
their reliance on fishing and sea-food
resources. Various Washington tribes
are also opposed to any pipeline
construction on their lands.
At the Tribal/Conservationist Con-
ference of which the Union of British
Columbia Indian Chiefs was one of
the sponsors, one of the Indian
leaders pointed out the spirit of
tribalism ties, all together in a
common cause—the survival of our
people and our homelands.
It is strongly felt by our people in
British Columbia and North West
Washington that: we should be sup-
porting each other in our struggles
because we are one people through
our Tribes which have been divided
by the Canada/U.S.A. border. ®
(‘TRIBAL/CONSERVATIONIST =m
CONFERENCE
On September 28, 29, 30 1979
two staff members of the Union of
B.C. Indian Chiefs attended the
Tribal/Conservationist conference
at the Daybreak Star Cultural
Centre in Seattle. The UBCIC was |
one of the sponsors of the Confer-
ence.
The Indian Tribal Council and
the Environmental Groups in |
Washington have been working
together during the past year. They
extended an invitation to the B.C. |
Region to participate in this joint |
effort of co-operation. Basically, |
this served to identify the many
areas of common environmental
concerns.
Indian leaders feel strongly that
it is important to ally with environ-
mental groups because many of
our struggles are with major
development corporations and
there are many common concerns
and interests in protecting our
lands and waters.
There were about 25 people
representing various organizations
from Tribal Councils and environ-
mental groups with approximately
65 people in attendance.
The groups also concluded that |
they will continue communications
to share information on areas of
concern and coalitions and agreed
to begin preparing and organizing
for another Tribal/Conservationist
(oe next spring.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
‘RESOLUTIONS
The Eleventh Annual
General Assembly of the
Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs was held in Van-
couver, October 15th-18th
1979. The tone of the
Assembly was Indian Gov-
ernment in Practice and
this is reflected in the
mandates given by the
delegates to direct the
further work of the
UBCIC Portfolios.
Motion 33
Whereas the Provincial Government is
committing an act of genocide contrary
to the United nations Agreement to .
which Canada is a party by removing
ABORIGINAL RIGHTS
POSITION
Motion 9
Whereas the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs was established to oppose the
| White Paper Termination Policy, and;
| Whereas this opposition was to be in
the form of the development of an
Aboriginal Rights Position and Land
Claims Position for the Indian Gover-
nments of British Columbia, and;
Whereas an Aboriginal Rights Position
Paper has been developed and endors-
ed in principle in two (2) previous
Annual Assemblies, and;
Whereas it has been introduced at this
11th Annual Assembly of Chiefs for
third and final endorsement;
Therefore be it resolved that the
| Aboriginal Rights Position Paper as
presented by the Union of British
Columbia Indian Chiefs’ Indian Gov-
|ernment Portfolio be given final
endorsement by this Assembly of
-Chiefs, and;
Be it further resolved that it form the
basis for our position in all discussions
relating to Land Claims, Aboriginal
Rights, the British North America Act
and the Indian Act, and;
Be it further resolved that Indian
Governments continue the process of
implementing the five (5) articles and
the twenty-four (24) jurisdictional
areas, and; |
Be it further resolved that the Union of
British Columbia Indian Chiefs’ In-
dian Government Portfolio explore
and define specific areas which can be
implemented through our Indian Gov-
ernments and the Portfolio continue
toward strengthening our Indian Gov-
ernments throughout the province.
Carried—one opposition
yy
from their homes and |
their Indian communities, and;
Whereas the Federal Government is |
reneging on its responsibilities for
Indians under the B.N.A. Act, and;
Whereas there is no federal legislation
protecting Indian children and their
| rights, and;
Whereas the B.C. Native Women’s
Society has developed a_ working
document on Indian Rights for Indian
Children specifically child apprehen-
sion, child welfare, and child protec-
tion, and will travel to hold workshops
on children;
Therefore be it resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs supports the
work in this area by the B.C. Native
Women’s Society and will work with
them towards developing a position
paper, and;
Be it further resolved that the Union of
B.C. Indian Chiefs begin work on the
development of an Indian Children
Service Act that will protect the future
generation from cultural genocide,
and;
Be it further resolved that this Indian
Child Service Act be available to all
Indian Governments for their imple-
mentation for their Indian Children.
UBCIC NEWS 21
a
sii Miia iBall
a a ae
oe .
os
iti ai ae
icici iat ‘
ciiniliniiecil cil
Sees SS
FISHING RESOLUTIONS
Motion 7
Whereas it is a common understanding |
between the respective Indian Govern- 7 ~
ments in British Columbia, Canada ~
and Washington State, U.S.A. that our —
ultimate objectives are common in
that:
a. Indian Control of Indian Fishing
resources be achieved;
b. That effective involvement of In- —
dian people in our respective gov- |
ernments be directed to the extent >
possible toward the management
and development of Indian Fish- ©
eries;
and whereas it is the intentions of our a
Indian Governments:
a. To assist our communities to
resume traditional Indian responsi-
bility to sustain fish production;
b. To protect legitimate Indian Fish- ~
ish rtghts;
To increase confidence of compre-
hensive management systems of
Indian people by providing factual
information for officials and the
public;
and whereas the respective Indian
tribes of British Columbia and Wash-
ington State of U.S.A. see the need for
a joint meeting of tribal leaders to co-
ordinate the required action mentioned
in this resolution;
Therefore be it resolved that:
1. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
work with the Indian Governments
in Washington State, U.S.A. to
exchange resource data of a techni-
cal and statistical nature;
2. A joint meeting between the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs and tribal
governments in Washington State
be held before February 1980 in
Vancouver;
3. Joint press released be systemati-
cally issued, joint press conferences
conducted, and articles and pro-
grammes be issued in order to
increase greater understanding of
Band and Tribal concerns in the
Indian leaders sign historic Agreement for action in developing Indian
fisheries |
media;
4. Background and analysis papers
regarding the concerns and inter-
ests of Bands in British Columbia
and the tribes in Washington State
be exchanged.
Motion 32
Whereas fish and marine resources
have formed an essential part of the
economic base of Indian people in this
province, since time immemorial, and;
Whereas Indian people have an abori-
ginal right to harvest these resources
and to distribute them in traditional
ways, and;
Whereas these rights have recently
been confirmed in law by the Bradley
Bob decision as far as reserve bounda-
ries go, and;
Whereas these rights have also been
reflected in the Boldt decision, which
confirmed the exclusive and sovereign
right to fish of Indian people in U.S.
coastal areas, and;
Whereas Federal Fisheries continues to
repress Indian Fishing Rights and, in
controlling fish and marine resources,
continues to use concerns for conser-
vation as a means to limit the rights,
_and;
Whereas several Bands have recently
passed by-laws as a means to defend
their rights and assert their control of
resources within the jurisdiction of
their Government, and;
Whereas it is now necessary to carry
this kind of action forward with
co-operation between Indian Govern-
ments in all areas of B.C.;
Therefore be it resolved that the
Fishing Portfolio, of the Union of
B.C. Indian Chiefs be given a mandate
to co-ordinate meetings and workshops
with interested Bands aimed at further
development of Band fishing by-laws
and aimed at developing a comprehen-
sive management. scheme for the
protection of our rights in regard to —
fish and marine resources now recog-
nized in law.
UBCIC NEWS 22
=~
|
Motion 23 Ms
Whereas Indian people are the owners
of marine resources on the West Coast
based on ‘unextinguished aboriginal
rights, and;
Whereas Indian people claim the right
to manage control and protect these
and other resources, and;
Whereas the Federal and Provincial
Governments have failed to recognize
Indian jurisdiction over the marine
resources, and; ‘
Whereas many of the laws passed gov-
erning Our marine resources are discus-
sed at United Nations Committees,
where Indian people are totally unrep-
resented, and;
Whereas the Federal and Provincial
Governments continue to pass laws to
govern marine resources without any
consultation or input from Indian
people or without giving Indian people
rights to assist in the management of
pollution provisions in Federal or
Provincial Statutes or International
Agreements, and;
Whereas the laws passed by the Federal
and Provincial Governments are total-
ly inadequate and serve to deplete and
weaken the resource base. For exam-
ple, under both Federal and Provincial |
law it is legal for tankers and
companies to pollute our waters at a
level which will kill fish and other
marine life, and;
Whereas there are totally inadequate
compensation schemes in place to help
Indian people in the event of an oil spill
in our coastal waters. The compensa-
tion funds all have ceilings, and, in
Canada, no funds exist with a ceiling
larger than $40 million. Strict terms
prevent applications to the fund. For
example, commercial fishermen can
only claim for loss of wages and no
food fishermen will be compensated,
and;
Therefore be it resolved that the World
Council of Indigenous People be man-
dated to work with the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs on an international level
to achieve Indian peoples’ ownership
and jurisdiction over marine resources
on the West Coast and particularly to
SPECIFIC CLAIMS
Motion 13
Whereas the Department of Indian
Affairs does not allow specific claims
research money to be used for negoti-
ations or litigation, and;
Whereas the Department of Indian
Affairs policy on funding for negotia-
tions and litigation is totally inade-
quate and in effect, denies Bands legal
remedies, and;
Whereas the office of native claims has
been set up by the Department of
Indian Affairs to take the place of
Band litigation and negotiations of
claims, and;
Whereas the office of native claims is
totally ineffective in handling Indian
claims because this is a Government
department which is set up to judge
and determine the merits of problems
which they have caused;
Therefore be it resolved that:
1. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
be mandated to force the Depart-
ment of Indian Affairs to change
their policy on litigation and
negotiate funding;
claim our rights to manage, control
and protect these resources.
Motion 15
Whereas we have never signed any
treaties to cede our rights to hunting
and fishing in our traditional ways,
and;
Whereas there is a continuing conflict
and confrontation between our people
and fisheries officers and law enforce-
ment officers in regards to our
traditional fisheries, and;
Whereas these conflicts are caused by
the Fisheries Act which these officers
are obligated to enforce;
Therefore be it resolved that a meeting
be set up with the appropriate Mini-
sters namely, the Minister of Fisheries
and Environment and the Minister of
Indian Affairs to meet with those
Bands directly involved in fishing
conflicts.
2. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
be mandated to force the Depart-
ment of Indian Affairs to provide
funds for the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs for negotiations and litiga-
tion.
Motion 14
Whereas the Department of Indian
Affairs provides funding to the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs for Specific
Claims Research, and;
Whereas the definition of Specific
Claims is quite narrowly defined as
being research into alienated reserve
lands, treaty rights or claims under the
Indian Act. General claims are not
covered under a specific claims budget,
and;
Whereas the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs has completed research on over
thirty specific claims projects this year |
and has received a number of requests
from bands for specific claims work to
do in the next few years, and;
Whereas the Department of Indian
Affairs has advised the Union of B.C,
Indian Chiefs at a National Indian
Brotherhood meeting of research direc-
tors that any new money which we |
might receive for specific claims will |
come out of other existing service pro- |
grammes;
Therefore be it resolved that:
1. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
be mandated to secure a guaran-
teed specific claims research budget
for 5 years from the Department of
Indian Affairs;
2. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
be mandated to pressure the De-
partment of Indian Affairs to find
new money for specific claims;
3. The General Assembly of the
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs |
demands that the Department of |
Indian Affairs provide new money
for specific claims research budget-
ted over a 5 year term.
UBCIC NEWS 23
ENERGY AND RESOURCES
| Motion 24
Whereas Indian people are the owners
of offshore mineral resources, based
on unextinguished aboriginal rights,
and;
Whereas the Federal and Provincial
Governments have each claimed juris-
| diction and ownership over our off-
shore minzral resources, without hav-
ing regard to the claim of Indian
people, and;
Whereas the Federal Government was
held to have jurisdiction and owner-
ship over the offshore resources by the
Courts but the case was decided
without Indian intervention and is on
appeal by the province of British
Columbia, and;
Whereas Joe Clarke campaigned on a
policy which promised to give offshore
mineral resources to the Province, and;
Whereas The Clarke Government has
concluded arrangements with the Pro-
vince of Newfoundland where offshore
mineral resources are being given to the
Province, and;
Whereas the Clarke Government has
entered into negotiations with the
province of British Columbia to give
offshore resources to the Province,
and;
Whereas the National Indian Brother-
| hood passed a resolution to take
immediate action to halt the transfer
agreement being negotiated by the
Federal and British Columbia Govern-
ment, and;
Whereas the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs intervened in the discussions
between Joe Clarke and Premier
Bennett and Joe Clarke promised to
the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs that
offshore resources will not be settled
with the Province of British Columbia
until the Indian interest has been met
and further Clarke offered to meet
with George Manuel to discuss the
Indian interest;
Therefore be it resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs be mandated to
go to the Government on behalf of the
members of the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs to negotiate offshore mineral
claims.
Carried—1 Opposition, 1 Abstention
Motion 25
Whereas large mining corporations are
conducting extensive exploration for
Uranium throughout the province,
and;
Whereas some companies have already
proposed the construction of uranium
mines in south central B.C., and;
Whereas this development is taking
place without the consent of Indian
people and in denial of our Aboriginal
Rights, and;
Whereas uranium mines create radia-
tion pollution dangerous to our health
and our fish, and;
Whereas the development of uranium
mines will not benefit Indian people in
our stgruggle for survival;
Therefore be it resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs actively oppose
the development of uranium mines and
mills in British Columbia.
Motion 26(2)
Whereas B.C. Hydro is actively
planning large scale hydro-electric
dams on the Stikine Liard, and Peace
Rivers, and;
Whereas the .construction of these
dams will flood many thousands of
acres of Indian land without our con-
sent, and;
Whereas the flooding will also result in
the wide spread destruction of fish,
game, and the natural environment,
and;
Whereas these large projects cause a
sudden influx of white population at
the same time providing few jobs for
Indian people;
Therefore be it resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs oppose any large
scale hydro-electric project proposed
by B.C. Hydro, including those
planned for the Peace, Liard, and
Stikine Rivers.
Motion 26(3) i
Whereas B.C. Hydro continues to
carry out studies on the proposed
Kootenay-Columbia River Diversion,
and;
Whereas the people of the Kootenay
Area have been against this proposed
diversion since its outset because of the
harmful effects from efforts to change
what is the natural state of our land;
Therefore be it resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs support the
efforts of the Kootenay people in their
position to terminate the destruction of
our environment by any diversion of
the Kootenay River into the Columbia
River.
Motion 26(4) : ;
Whereas the Northern Pipeline Agency |
has agreed to hold a one-day hearing
on the proposed Alcan Pipeline route
through the south-east portion of
B.C., and;
Whereas the Kootenay people of the
south-east have expressed their opposi-
tion to the construction of this pipe-
line, and;
Whereas the Kootenay people must be
given the opportunity to state all the
facts pertinent to the impact to our
lands by the construction of this pipe-
line;
Therefore be it resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs continue to
support the Kootenay People in our
opposition to the construction of the
pipeline through our traditional terri-
tory, and;
UBCIC NEWS 24
RESOLUTIONS
Be it further resolved that the Union of
B.C. Indian chiefs support the
Kootenay people in obtaining adequate
time to conduct a fair and just hearing.
Motion 26(6) ,
Whereas the Mowachaht Band has
been subjected to the Tahsis Company
pulp mill on their reserve since 1965,
and;
Whereas this pulp mill was established
without their full knowledge or con-
sent, and;
Whereas the operation of this mill has
a negative impact on the health of the
Mowachaht people, especially the
children, and;
Whereas the noise, water, and air |
pollution caused by the mill greatly re-
Whereas the noise, water, and air
pollution caused by the mill greatly de-
crease the quality of life on the reserve,
and;
Whereas this pollution has reduced the
hunting and fishing resources of the
Mowachaht forests and waters, and;
Whereas the government agencies in-
volved in the monitoring of the pulp
mill have neglected to take meaningful
action to protect the interests and
health of the Mowachaht people and;
Whereas the Mowachaht Band has
passed a pollution control by-law in
order to protect the health of their
people, and;
Whereas B.C. Hydro, the Department
of Forestries and the Department of
Highways, and B.C. Tel have construc-
ted roads and right-of-ways without
the consent of the Band, and;
Whereas the Band may be forced to
take legal and other actions to ensure
its rights and to protect health;
Therefore be it resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs support the
Mowachaht Band in its struggle to gain
a just settlement of its grievances.
| Motion 26(5)
TRAPPING
Nick Price of Fort St. James speaks about the problems that trappers are
having in his area.
Whereas large corporations and both
the Federal and Provincial govern-
ments are proposing large scale devel-
opments which will have a negative
effect on Indian traplines and hunting,
and;
Whereas for many Indian people
trapping is an important economic
activity and hunting is the basis of
survival, and;
Whereas both trapping and hunting are
integral aspects of our Aboriginal
Rights;
Therefore be it resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian chiefs will intervene
wherever necessary to protect Indian
hunting and trapping rights.
Motion 30
Whereas Indian Reservations are re-
stricted hunting areas, and;
Whereas all Indian Reservations within
British Columbia are not indicated on
the maps in the B.C. Wildlife, Fishing,
and Hunting Provincial Regulation
Booklet;
Be it therefore resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs recommend to
the appropriate Provincial Agency that
such enclosures be made.
UBCIC NEWS 25
Motion 34
Whereas the current Indian Communi-
cations policies of the Department of
Secretary of State and the Department
of Indian Affairs do not meet or serve
the needs of the Indian people of B.C.,
and;
Whereas both the Department
Secretary of State and the Department
of Indian Affairs current funding
formulas and priorities do not take
and political circumstances of the
Indian People of B.C., and;
Chiefs is very involved in all communi-
cations media but is inhibited by these
negative factors;
Therefore be it resolved that:
and especially the Department of
Secretary of State, establish fund-
ing on a more equitable basis
across the country, as on a per
capita basis;
2. The funding policy be flexible
enough to allow for the unique
situation which exists in B.C.;
3. The new government policies
release enough funds for each
project to make sure that program
will attain its fullest potential;
4. The Department of Secretary of
State remove its ‘‘grandfather
clause’ from its Indian Communi-
cations funding policy, which gives
special status to programs which
originated with the Department’s
Native Communications Program
funding because of their seniority
and not their merit.
Motion 35
of |
into account the geographic, cultural
Whereas the Communications Port- ©
folio of the Union of B.C. Indian ©
1. The Department of Indian Affairs,
Whereas Band Training is a necessary
function of the Communications Port-
folio;
Be it resolved that the Communica-
tions Portfolio become more involved
in Band Training, especially in the
areas Of Press and Public Relations,
Band Newsletters, the UBCIC News
and Band Communications Systems.
COMMUNICATIONS
Motion 36
Whereas many Bands in B.C. have
taken the initiatve in developing their
own Communications systems, and;
Whereas some bands do not have the
financial resources to begin serious
planning of their own Communica-
tions systems, but believe these Com-
munications systems to be a necessity;
Therefore be it resolved that the
Department of Indian Afairs begin
making funds available to all Bands in
B.C. so that they can develop and—
implement their own Communications
systems.
Motion 18
Whereas communications on a provin-
cial and community level is a vital part
of our struggle for Indian Govern-
ment, and;
Whereas it is vital that the Union of
B.C. Indian Chiefs’ Communications
Portfolio retain contact with Bands,
and;
Whereas community involvement
would stimulate better representation
of Band level affairs, and;
Whereas Bands could stimulate new
and effective approaches to communi-
cations, and;
INDIAN
Wkereas the Governments have for
many years made Indian religion
illegal. It has only been in recent years
that the Government has lifted old
restrictions on Indian religion, and;
Whereas the Courts and Governments
still suppress the practice of Indian
religion:
a. In the case of R. v. Jack and
Charlie, a Provincial Court Judge
recently held that hunting done by
two Saanich hunters to provide
meat for a burning was illegal
because no law exists to protect re-
ligion. The Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs has appealed the case;
Whereas the Communications Port-
folio can offer training to Band
communications workers in a variety
of technical skills, and;
Whereas the Communications Port- |
folio can facilitate a stronger under-
standing of various approaches which
would enhance community level com-
munications;
Be it therefore resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs’ Communica-
tion Portfolio implement an exchange |
program whereby Band Communi-
cations staff would train in the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs’ Communi-
cations Portfolio and Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs’ Communications Port- |
folio Staff would train in Band |}
Communications Programs.
UBCIC NEWS 26
eerie
RELIGION
b. An Indian medicine lake, Spotted
Lake in the Okanagan is under
threat of being turned into a health
spa because'‘no law exists to protect
Indian spiritual sites especially if
sites have passed into private
ownership. The Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs is helping the Oka-
nagan Council to preserve Spotted
Lake in its original state;
c. The Coroner of British Columbia
recently tried the case of spiritual
dancers at Chehalis Indian Band at
the inquest of Shirley Doreen
Point. The jury imposed recom-
mendations on our dancing be-
cause no law exists to protect our
practices, and;
Whereas this year the U.S. Congress
passed a Freedom of Indian Religion
Act which safeguards in law all
practices of Indian Religion and pro-
tects Indian holy places in the United
States;
Therefore be it resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs be mandated to
entrench in law, and preferably in the
constitution of this Country, laws
which safeguard Indian religious prac-
tices and holy sites. —
Carried—1 Opposition, 1 Abstainer
Motion 31
Whereas the Federal and Provincial
Governments are actively studying the
route for a right-of-way from Nasko to
| Bella Coola for the McKenzie Grease
Trail, and;
Whereas the Nasko, Kluskus, Ulkat-
cho and Bella Coola Bands along the
route have been excluded from involve-
ment in this work and cannot get
information, and;
Whereas this project would have a
major impact on the people of the
area;
Therefore be it resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs will obtain all
available information on the project
and distribute it to the Bands, and;
Be it further resolved that the Union
will support the efforts of the Bands to
obtain funding and assistance to
evaluate the project and to oppose any
negative effects that may arise.
Motion 27
Whereas the working discussion paper
entitled “‘New Practical Ideas for a
Motion 21
Whereas this present government is
discontinuing Canada Works funds,
Therefore be it resolved that the Union
of B.C. Indian Chiefs negotiate or start
to pressure the Government for other
funds to cover the funds being discon-
tinued by the Government from Cana-
da Works.
1979-1980 Indian Forestry in British
Columbia’’ is distributed to the Dele-
gates of the Union of British Columbia
Indian Chiefs’ 11th Annual General
Assembly, and;
Whereas this working discussion paper
is meant to initiate positive and co-
structive Band, District, and Provincial
level discussions to seriously agree
upon common terms of reference, in
regards to establishing a working
forestry committee, and;
. Whereas the establishment of a work-
ing forestry committee shall include all
the agreed terms of reference, specifi-
cally in research and planning, in a
working position paper in regards to
development in forestry for all Indian
Bands, and;
Whereas this final working position
paper shall be the basis of the estab-
lished working forestry committee;
Therefore be it resolved that this
resolution, upon acceptance, be imple-
. mented immediately after this 11th
Annual General Assembly.
SOCIAL
DEVELOP-
MENT
AND HEALTH
Motion 20 ;
Be it resolved that the Housing and
Health and Social Development Port-
folio investigate the housing and health
hazards at Lower Post and report to
| the next General Assembly.
Motion 8 _
Whereas our air, water and health are
being poisoned by industrial pollution
and medical mismanagement, and;
Whereas the Union of B.C. Indian
| Chiefs is dedicated to combatting this
pollution and medical mismanagement, |
and;
Whereas this struggle is being success-
fully fought at the Blueberry and
Mowachaht Bands and;
Whereas the Health and Social Devel-
opment Portfolio is making progress in
our Indian Doctor Programme and
participating in proposed policy chan-
ges affecting Indian Health including |
stopping the sterilization of our women,
and;
Therefore be it resolved that the Health |
'and Social Development Portfolio |
continue to deal with Indian Health
and Industrial pollution as outlined in
our Health and Social Development,
and Environmental Health Position |
Papers, and;
Be it further resolved that the Health
and Social Development Portfolio
investigate the present medical services
with the hope of providing better
services to our people, and;
Be it further resolved that the Health
and Social Development Portfolio
begin assisting Indian Governments in
developing Indian Health Stations in
our communities.
UBCIC NEWS 27
EDUCATION RESOLUTIONS
Motion 19 __
| Whereas we recognize our rights to
| Indian Education, and;
| Whereas we recognize our rights to
Indian Control of Indian Education
with two basic principles of Local
Control and Parental Responsibility,
| and;
Whereas we recognize our responsibi-
lity as Indian Governments as stated in
our Aboriginal Rights Position Paper
to develop our Indian Government
| jurisdiction for Indian Education, and;
Whereas we recognize our Elders as the
main people to guide the development
of Indian Education;
Therefore be it resolved that:
1. Indian Education be endorsed as
the top priority of Indian Govern-
ments of B.C. through our Band
Indian Governments and our Pro-
vincial Organization;
2. This 11th Annual Assembly adopt
| the ‘‘Draft B.C. Indian Education
‘*Policy’’ for development this
coming year;
| 3. This 11th Annual Assembly sup-
port the Education Portfolio in its
efforts to negotiate for Indian
Government clauses in all DIA
Education Programme Guidelines
and Policies (including E-1, E-12,
_ Economic
Cultural Education and Training)
. This 11th Annual Assembly en-
dorses the direction of developing
a closer working relationship
between Indian Education, Socio-
Development and
Health and Social Development
with the objective of creating jobs
for Band members according to
local Indian Government prior-
ities;
. This 11th Annual Assembly en-
dorse the Chiefs Council’s Posi-
tion that DIA’s Band Training
funding in B.C. be issued to Band
or District Council for Local
Indian Government study of local
priorities for training;
. This 11th Annual Assembly en-
dorse the development of a cen-
tralized model for Indian training
so that we combine our resources
in B.C. to meet Band training
needs for the development of
Indian Governments;
7. This 11th Annual Assembly en-
dorse the recommendation from
the Provincial Indian Education
Workshop, September 25th to
27th that the Education Portfolio
compile a directory of all Indian
Education Resources and Indian
Education Materials and Indian
Education workers and and distri-
bute as support material to all
Indian Governments in B.C.;
. This 11th Annual Assembly en-
dorse the recommendation of the
Provincial Indian Education
workshop of September 25-27,
1979 that the Education Portfolio
begin co-ordinating an Indian
Core Curriculum in co-operation
with local Indian Government
experts;
. This 11th Annual Assembly sup-
port the position taken by Chiefs’
Council on August 22, 1979 that
the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
rejects Provincial Government
Control ‘of Indian Adult Educa-
tion or Training Programmes as
recommended in a report com-
piled by Alan Clark of Camosun
College, May 1979, and further
that Indian Adult Education be
developed according to Indian
Government Policy;
10. This 11th Annual Assembly sup-
port our local Indian Government
Social Services Workers need for
professional training according to
our Indian Government policies;
11. This 11th Annual Assembly sup-
"port the Indian Education Port-|
folio in the work of co-ordinating}
Indian Education in B.C. and
further that this llth Annual
Assembly does not support any
movement by the Ministry of
Education to formulate provincial
Indian Education Organizations
to represent the interests of Local
or Provincial Indian Government.
HRCIC NEWS 28
Motion 28 il .
Whereas the Federal Government’s
Post-Secondary Education Program
may be administered by Local Indian
Governments, and;
Whereas this (E-12) Post-Secondary
Education Program was developed for
local Indian Government control and
may only be changed according to
Indian Government Policies, and;
Whereas the Federal Government has
unilaterally issued new computerized
ized forms, and;
stration of local Indian Government
programs, contrary to Indian Govern-
ment Policy and Federal Government
Policy;
Therefore be it resolved that this
Assembly of the Union of B.C. Indian
Chiefs reject the 1A-1222 computer-
izewd forms, and;
Be it further resolved that the Educa-
tion Portfolio of the Union of B.C.
Indian Chiefs co-ordinate amongst
local Indian Governments to develop a |
system for B.C. Bands to provide
necessary fiscal and information neces-
sary for the proper service to Post-
Secondary students according to In-
dian Government Policy. ®
“NO LONGER A TROUBLED
ORLD”
Alkali wasn’t always peaceful: it had one of the worst reputations ten years
ago.
Alkali Lake is an hour’s drive
south-west of Williams Lake with a
Band membership of approximately
300 people. The village is situated in a
valley surrounded by gentle hills and
mountains with a feeling of serenity
and a strength even before you meet
the people.
They are of the Shushwap Nation
who lived at one time in the Gang
Ranch area before settling at their
present site permanently. Almost all
the people’s last name was Chel-zil
but the man registering names had
difficulty pronouncing it, gave them
Chelsea and changed others to Harry,
Dick, Johnson and Paul. There have
been inter-marriages between the
Shushwap, and Chilcotin but more so
with Athabaskan.
There are approximately 105 stud-
ents; 76 attend the Indian Day School
up to Grade 7, and a Grade 8
alternate School Program and 26 go
to Williams Lake Secondary School.
The Indian Day School is one of a few
left but the Band has control of
program and curriculum and the
hiring of teachers, their new addition
to staff are Sharon Andy and Mamie
Hall of Bella Coola Band. Selina
Harry is a full-time Shushwap teach-
er; Elders are resource people for
their history and culture; Sandra
Johnson is a teacher-aide. The people
take their education very seriously; it
means re-enforcing Indian values,
like teaching children to tan hides,
mend fences. Andy Chelsea, council-
lor, feels very strongly about Indian
Education by saying ‘‘You own
it—use it! Do something about it!’’
The community is extremely active,
not only in recreation but in commu-
nity projects, restoration of a log
house, renovation of homes, build-
ing new homes and a new school,
plans of expanding the store. By all
appearances, Alkali is now the most
busy reserve but it wasn’t always like
this as most people will tell you and
remember that only 10 years ago was
a totally different story. People of
Alkali are very open and very honest
about those years and now, looking at
the children, they are thankful that
they’re spared the shame, degrada-
tion, the pain felt at funerals, which
were sO common that it was an
accepted way of life. A far away look
flashes across their eyes as they recite
a paricular instance they still remem-
ber but just as quickly, they rebound
with a new energy and eyes light up as
they begin talking about now, so full
with life, talks and plans about the
future, like people awakening from a
long sleep.
The change began eight years ago,
when two people assessed their situa-
tion, realized it must change, and
were strong enough to carry it
through. Phyllis recalls the loneliness
of those early years, especially her
first birthday, and gradually over the
years more and more people, hers and
their own, joined her and now the
whole community needs the hall to
hold celebrations. People are always
saying ‘‘it’s been two years’’ or ‘‘it’s
been four years since—’”’
A positive feeling is growing stron-
ger among the people. This is felt by
the townspeople, especially the busi-
nesses, whose attitude has definitely
changed and they are now eager to do
business with Alkali people. One
exception is the taxis, who no longer
make much business off them any-
more, At one time the taxis were con-
tinually going back and forth and now
they rarely have a trip to the reserve
anymore. ‘““The most rewarding’
Phyllis Chelsea says, ‘‘is that kids are
coming out of their troubled little
worlds now, showing skills in skating,
bull riding, and so on: they’ve
Josephine and Dorothy prepare nets
and wait for sundown.
UBCIC NEWS 29
changed since people have quit drink-
ing.”” The Alkali Band will be
celebrating their fourth Annual Pot-
luck Dinner which began when fami-
lies who didn’t drink didn’t have
anything special to celebrate.
They have many organized clubs
and each one is fully supported.
There is a Granny Group, headed by
Laura Harry, which raises funds by
sponsoring Bingos, bake sales, rum-
mage sales, food hampers and raffles
for the church maintenance. There is
also a Homemaker’s Club, a Youth
Club and A.A. There are seven
hockey teams, both floor hockey and
ice hockey: Pee Wees, Eagles, Rene-
gades, and Jr. Braves. Other sports
are Men’s and Women’s Baseball,
Volley Ball, and a Rodeo Club and a
Girls’ Rodeo Club. The girls won the
Logan Lake Ice Hockey Tournament
on October 6 and 7th.
The Rodeo Club was organized by
Andy Chelsea and Freddy Johnson:
they held their first Rodeo in 1976.
Jack Harry and some of the boys
have attended the John Quintance
Rodeo School held at Merritt for four
days. It taught Jack positive thinking
and self-confidence, so that he’s
made finals in Bull Riding and has a
display of many trophies to show for
UBCIC NEWS 30
it. But the greatest incentive for really
trying for the championship was in
Jack’s own words ‘‘All I wanted was
for my mom to be proud of me.’’
And proud she is, for Selina Harry
has other sons who have gone on to
Championships at Hobbema, Alber-
ta. Irving 16 years, and Alexis, 18
years old, were placed in the Alberta
finals and Alexis is now going to Salt
Lake City (National) Finals. Other
guys who came back from Hobbema
were Willie and Eddy Johnson. Selina
Harry beams ‘‘I used to worry before,
until my kids told me to stop, because
that’s when they do get hurt’’. And
her husband is also standing so proud
of his family.
Their Dance Club is growing and
going strong. One of the most active
members is Dorothy Johnson, fully
supported by her family. They travel
to as many gatherings as possible. It
began as an idea but the reality is that
you couldn’t just start dancing if you
didn’t know anything about it. They
approached the Elders who were
hesitant, believing it may be an
opportunity for ridicule and it pro-
bably wouldn’t last; so they looked
elsewhere, finally adopting the Prairie
style dancing. It soon became evident
that this was not enough. The
teaching and revival of their language
began and soon the young people
were looking for answers, solutions,
ways to a spiritualness that couldn’t
be fulfilled by the church at this time.
The time is right; the young are
eager for teachings of the old ways
and they listen and absorb the words
of a spiritual leader and apply them to
their own lives. The Elders at this
point have been silently observing the
rf
Indian Education should include
teaching Indian values
-
See ee
progress of the people and are
gradually participating, singing some
of the traditional songs. Perhaps they
realize just how earnest and deter-
mined the young people really are, but
whatever the reasons, they are now
more free, talking more about their
history and sharing with young
people.
Elders are now taking a more active
role in the community and the
positive steps by speaking Shushwap
in meetings, something that wasn’t
done too often. They are aware of
how important their roles are if their
culture is to survive and young people
are fully competent in their Shushwap
language. Laura Harry, leader of the
Granny Group, went on an agri-
cultural fieldtrip and is an example of
support that Council and youth need.
Kokanee fishing happens once a
year, in the early weeks of October:
an opportunity to visit, prepare a net
while they wait for sunset and fishing
to begin.
The hills northward of the lake is
one of the traditional hunting grounds
of Alkali. The people would move
from Alkali by team and wagon, set
up camp at Lac La Hache and hunt
by the day in the hills and fish by the
night in the lake. This time Rose and
Willard Dick, brother Richard, Char-
lie Johnson and Artie got three moose
and shared it with other families.
Rose was busy preparing meat,
smoking it. She has 5 boys and 1 girl
and is busy sewing. She proudly
*
Kids have a healthier curiousity about life; questions about death which
is usually now because of old age,
shows the outfits she makes for her
family, and only one look around
. Shows dance regalia about.
The cultural revival has been
strong. and is evident by the fact that
drums are being made by Freddie
Johnson. That is significant in itself
as each person has so much to contri-
bute to their community and they
continue to pull together, preparing
and making way for this generation,
eager to take the roles in leadership.
That business of finding jobs for
people will soon cease being a
problem.
In spite of their achievements, the
Alkali Lake people have retained a
down to earth humility that cannot
help but touch you in a positive wav.
UBCIC NEWS 31
*
digg
ae.
.
Ste
tee np
.) iw
piikaes. ENS
a oe
*
.
oar ae ie “ee
4
The social problems of our people have been made
clearer since the General Assembly. People are concerned
about the education of our children as well as the social
problems we face daily in schools and every da __ living.
As these problems are made public we can then deal with
them on an individual basis, with the help of one another.
BLUEBERRY STILL MONITORING KILDONAN
OIL
_ The monitoring of the Kidonan Oil Company near the
Blueberry reserve is still being done by Eddie Apsassin.
This oil well had an H2S leak, a very poisonous gas, on
July 16th which prompted the whole village to evacuate
to save their lives. A series of events finally led the people
of the Blueberry Band to shut the oil well down by
placing an injunction against the company responsible.
UBCIC NEWS 32
HEALTH ~
+
MOWACHAHT BAND NOW
- MONITORS POLLUTION
Jerry Jack of the Mowachaht Band near Gold River is
monitoring the air pollution the Tahsis Company creates
next to their reserve. These people had been watching the
air, water and land being destroyed day by day by this
Company until they finally couldn’t bear to see it any
longer, so they took action.
This Band has succeeded in passing a pollution by-law
that the Company will have to adhere to. If the company
does not meet the standards they have set, they will then
be able to charge them for not meeting the standards.
Jerry Jack who is also a hereditary Chief stated, ‘“That
was the first time no news was good news!’’ There was a
40 day waiting period before the by-law was made
official. I’m sure this was the longest 40 days the people
of Mowachaht-Muchalat ever spent.
FOUNDATION OF INDIAN GOVERNMENT
- IS SPIRITUALITY
Our. Indian Doctor program is progressing very well
and will be more demanding as more and more Bands ask
for assistance in their Health and Spiritual needs, since
the Spirituality of our people has been found to be the
main foundation of a good Indian Government.
- DENTISTS STILL SLOW RESPONDING TO
INDIAN PATIENTS
More problems with health care have been reported. It
seems that some dentists are slow to respond to Indian
patients because of the unstable situation of the health
care of our people. Our health portfolio is continuously
striving for better communication with the National
Health and Welfare on this subject so that our people will
receive more, faster and better care.
PEOPLE CONCERNED AND READY TO
DEAL WITH PROBLEMS
We have always been aware of the social problems of
our people but have never been able to deal with it as a
whole. However, since the General Assembly that took
place earlier in October, we have found that people are
concerned and are ready to deal with the problems. It was
brought out that the education and the social problems
- our children are facing in public schools fall hand in hand
and only with the help of everyone can we develop
methods to overcome this situation. The need for our
own method of Social work was seen clearly. °
INQUEST FINDS
INITIATION CEREMONIES
DID NOT CAUSE DEATH
by Leslie Pinder
The Chehalis Dancers requested the
UBCIC Legal Task Force to act on’
their behalf in the inquest into the
death of Shirley Point, a member of
Chehalis Band.
The inquest was conducted by
Coroner McDonald, and took place
on October 10 and 11 in Chilliwack,
British Columbia.
Evidence was given that Mrs.
Point, the 38 year old wife of
Ambrose Point, a spirit dancer, had
been ill for many years as a result of
severe alcoholism. Many witnesses
said that Shirley had talked to them
about going into the longhouse and
that she wanted this to happen to her.
Her husband gave evidence that
Shirley thought that this would help
her with her alcoholism. As is the
practice, the only question was when
she was going to go in.
Shirley died on January 8, 1979.
On January 7, 1979, the dancers from
Chehalis went to Kuper Island during
a winter dancing ceremony. Shirley
accompanied them. It seems that she
had an idea she was going to go into
the longhouse very soon. Her hus-
band consulted with Elders who
agreed that she could go.
_When the dancers returned to the
reserve on Sunday evening, January
8, 1979, Shirley went into the
longhouse and the ceremony com-
menced.
CONSENT FOR INITIATION NOT
AN ISSUE HERE
Consent was not an issue at this
inquest. In some similar inquests, the
jury kas been concerned that the indi-
vidual may not have wanted to be
initiated. The evidence as very clear
that Shirley not only knew that she
was going to be ‘‘taken’’, but she
wanted this to happen, and she did
not resist the initiation in any way.
The initiation went as usual. She
got her song. She was visited in the
early morning: she was happy and
fine. Shortly thereafter, she collap-
sed. Johnny Williams, the head of the
longhouse committee, was called to
minister cardiopulmonary resuscita-
tion procedures. These efforts failed
to revive Mrs. Point. She was rushed
to the hospital, and died enroute. Mr.
Williams has a Class ‘‘B’’ ticket in
Industrial Health, and has taken a
number of courses in emergency
resuscitation procedures.
All of the witnesses who were
involved in Mrs. Point’s initiation
stated that she was not beaten or
treated in any harsh manner. The deer
hoof rattles did not touch her. Many
of the dancers were relatives of Mrs.
Point; they all cared very much about
her, and stated that if anyone had
been rough on her they would have
intervened. In terms of the initiation
ceremony itself, nothing out of the
ordinary occurred.
DOCTORS TESTIFY TO DEATH
FROM NATURAL CAUSES
The pathologist who conducted the
autopsy stated that Mrs. Point died as
a result of alcoholic ketoacidosis, a
new medical discovery. He said most
emphatically that her death was not in
any way related to the spirit dancing
ceremony. A second doctor con-
firmed the opinion that her death
came as a result of natural causes due
to the withdrawal from alcohol.
The photographs taken after Mrs.
Point’s death were alarming because
of the extensive bruising shown on
her body. This was explained by Dr.
Sturrock, the pathologist, as being a
common phenomena with alcoho-
lism. He observed that the bruising,
although extensive on the surface,
was very superficial, and he was most
emphatic that the bruises were slight,
and had no influence at all on her
death.
JURY’S RECOMMENDATIONS
DON’T REFLECT EVIDENCE
After two days of testimony the
jury returned with a finding that Mrs.
Point died as a result of a heart attack
while undergoing an Indian initiation
ceremony. The jury found that her
death was unnatural, brought on by
sudden alcohol withdrawal. Although
the distinction between natural and
unnatural causes may be difficult, it
“was disappointing that the jury did
not rely upon the two doctors’
conclusions that her death was from
natural causes.
The jury recommended the follow-
ing:
1. Before initiation a written consent
should be obtained from the
initiate, which should be held in
the custody of the chairman of the
longhouse and smokehouse com-
mittee.
2. When dealing with people with
known alcoholism problems, spec-
ial consideration should be given
due to the problems associated
with sudden alcohol withdrawal.
The initiate should have a thor-
ough medical examination prior to
UBCIC NEWS 33
his or her initiation.
3. Further written testimonies by way
of affidavits should be read during
the inquest. The meaning of this is
not clear.
As to the first recommendation, the
jury was going completely beyond the
facts since Mrs. Point fully consented
to the ceremony.
As to the medical examination, the
dancers gave evidence that all of the
people initiated since Mrs. Point’s
death have had medical examina-
tions. Vincent Stogan,
from Musqueam who has initiated
over 200 dancers, gave evidence that
this procedure might in fact deter
some of the initiates from coming
into the longhouse. He also stated
that many medical doctors, unable to
find reasons for a person’s ill health,
will refer that person to the long-
house. Mr. Stoggan gave remarkable
testimony as to the curing, if not
saving, effects of the ceremony on
some initiates.
Dr. Todd stated in his testimony,
that if Mrs. Point had died in her own
home, no inquest would have been
necessary. Simply because she died in
the longhouse, an inquest was held,
although what occurred to her in the
longhouse had no relationship to her
death. It was very clear in the testi-
mony that she was treated with care.
The problem remains, though, that
there still are serious misconceptions |
| Tipi Making
in the community, and with the press,
as to what occurs during the ceremon-
ies. Newspaper reports were inaccur-
ate and sensational. Furthermore, the
report that the ban on spirit dancing
‘*is difficult to enforce’’ is incorrect
since there is no ban.
In some sense the inquest was un-
necessary. Although it did help to]
clear, beyond any doubt, the Chehalis
longhouse and its dancers from any
question of negligence, or criminal
liability, that had always been ob-
vious from the statements given by
the dancers to the police after the
incident occurred. °
UBCIC NEWS 34
an -Elder’
National
Cultural Education
Conference
Nov. 26-28/79
Place:
INTERNATIONAL PLAZA
NORTH VAN.
i999 MARINE DRIVE
(604) 984-0611
Dance Groups:
KWAKIUTL
MT. CURRIE
OKANAGON
BELLA COOLA
BELLA BELLA
GITSKAN-CARRIER
pasha ISLANL
Arts and Crafts:
DISPLAYS
SALEABLE ITEMS
Sponsored by
"nion of British Columbia Ind
rd floor - 440 West Hastiige: oe
Vancouver, B.C. V6B-ILT
(604) 684-0231
and
The 11 B.C. Educational Cultural Centers
INDIAN AWARENESS
Friday-Sunday,
November 23-25th, 1979
Drum Making
Art Display
Weaving
Beadwork
Dance Regalia Construction
and Indian Ways
VANCOUVER INDIAN CENTRE
1855 Vine St., Vancouver
Tel: 736-8944
| EDUCATION
Throughout the Summer of 1979 we co-ordinated a
number of Education Workshops that resulted in
Information packages based on Band Indian Government
Administration needs.
Since the summer has passed we have held a Provincial
Indian Education Workshop. At that gathering our main
theme was Indian Education. All of our Resource People
were B.C. Indian Education Workers. We shared our
experiences of the programmes that we are doing in each
of our Bands. This was a very powerful gathering that led
to the recommendations on Indian Education that were
given to the Chiefs of B.C. at the General Assembly on
October 16, 1979.
From all of this the Chiefs adopted a policy that Indian
Education is the top priority of Indian Governments
locally and provincially.
The Chiefs adopted the B.C. Indian Education Policy.
This policy is to be reviewed by all Indian Governments in
B.C. for development during the year.
The Chiefs directed the Education porfolio to negotiate
Indian Government clauses in all Education Programmes
(meaning the guidelines and policies of non-Indian
governments: E-1, E-12, E-3, Training.)
Indian Education Workers, Social Development
Workers and Socio-Economic Development Workers are
to work closer in order to get proper training and
employment for our people, according to our policy.
We are to centralize our resources for training so that
our members can take advantage of training programs as
soon as possible,
The Education Portfolio is to co-ordinate a Directory
of all Indian Education Resources, materials and workers
and distribute this Directory to all Indian Governments as
support materials.
The Education Portfolio is to co-ordinate Local Indian
Government Education experts to develop an Indian
Core Curriculum for B.C.
The Chiefs rejected the Provincial Government’s
moves to control Indian Adult Education through college
programmes for training. The Chiefs want this training to
be undertaken according to our policy of Indian Control
of Indian Education, which says Local Control.
Our Chiefs adopted the policy that the Provincial
Government cannot set-up provincial Indian Education
organizations, asthey have been attempting to do in the
past 10 years. Provincially we are organized and make
policy according to our Indian Government policies and
organization.
The Chiefs supported our Indian Health and Social
Development workers’ need for professional training,
according to our Indian Government policies.
A good summary of the Provincial Workshop with the
recommendations and B.C. Indian Education Policy are
contained on the first Indian Education Bulletin which
has been sent to all Bands and Education Committees.
We have to look forward to planning properly together
to work according to our new policies directed to us by
our Chiefs of B.C.
One of the top priorities from Band Indian
Government workers for Indian Education is that the
Education Portfolio respond to requests from District
and Band Education Committees for ‘‘Indian Education
Workshops.’’ We see this as a challenge and look
forward to these workshops. What we have agreed is that
Education Committees will be strengthened by these
workshops and we will co-ordinate the exchange of
Resource people.
UBCIC NEWS 35
SECRETARIAT
. t
E
The latest meeting of the B.C. Indian Secretariat was
held in the UBCIC Boardroom on September llth. A
number of Band representatives were on hand to discuss
specific problems they are experiencing along with
officers from the Department of Indian Affairs, National
Health and Welfare and the Canadian Employment and
Immigration Commission.
ZERO A-BASE REVIEW DEVELOPMENTS
UBCIC Administrator, Rosalee Tizya, told Fred
Walchli. Regional Director of Indian Affairs there had
been 4 deterioration in the working relationship between
the two organizations over this issue. She said the Depart-
ment has proposed a budgeting process which allows
Band councils to have only limited involvement in the
decisions regarding the B.C. Regional Indian Affairs
budget. She said this position is unacceptable to the Band
Councils and warned there would be continuing demand
for full participation from the community level.
Bob Manuel, Chief of the Neskainlith Band, said he
did not like the way the recommendations had been put
forward by the Department in a position paper that had
been sent to the Headquarters in Ottawa, and could be
accepted and implemented without full consideration by
the Band Councils. Fred Walchli was not certain what
the position of the new government in Ottawa would be,
and promised to report to the Union on what further
action the department intended to take.
TRAINING PROGRAMS THROUGH THE
- CANADIAN EMPLOYMENT AND IMMIGRATION
COMMISSION
Chief Gordon Antoine of the Coldwater Band raised a
number of problems he has experienced in obtaining
funding from the C.E.I.C. for post-secondary training of
his Band members. Often young people from his Band
have been accepted into the training programs but have
not been able to get approval for funding from the
Department.
‘*To my mind the C.E.1.C./Indian Band relationship
has become so complicated our Band members can
hardly get any assistance through their training
programs.’’ .
One of the senior C.E.I.C. officers present at the
meeting acknowledged there appeared to be a problem
and undertook to have the matter investigated.
Gerald Etienne of the Bonaparte band asked why
bands could not take over management of C.E.I.C.
programs: many Band councils have the expertise and
local knowledge necessary to make more effective use of
these funds at a local level. {lie government represen-
UBCIC NEWS 36
tatives present replied that direct funding to Bands from
their program was a policy decision that would have to be
made by their minister. However they did suggest that
some system could be developed to permit district
councils to have regular input into the operation of the
district offices in future.
INDIAN BAND ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS
The UBCIC has had a number of discussions with the
Department of Indian Affairs over a major study being
proposed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants
concerning Indian Audit procedures. The Institute is the
national organization of all Chartered Accountants. It
has proposed a major study to clarify the procedures
which are required for the accounting and auditing of
Indian Band Accounts. The Union is insisting there must
be full Indian participation in this project because the
results will have far-reaching implications for the >
accounting practices at the Band level.
_ Chief Bob Manuel discussed many of the problems
which his Band is having in getting proper financial
information for their long term planning. He said the
central problems are the unrealistic requirements and
restraints imposed by the Department of Indian Affairs
financial system. He said the Department must change its
system in order to permit Bands to operate their financial
systems to satisfy their own requirements.
““My auditor told me that he could not provide my
Band Council with accurate information for planning
our affairs under the present system. In order to
provide financial information for use by myself as
Chief, we would have to have a separate set of books
for our needs and a different set to meet the
Department of Indian Affairs requirements.
The Department is hypocritical. It tells us to plan for
the future yet it chokes us with its reporting demands.
It tells us to go ahead and holds us back at the same
time.’’
Gordon Antoine stressed the need for continuing
discussion among the Band councils, the Union, the
Accountants, and the Department in order to straighten
out the accounting problems that exist. There was an
agreement that these parties should have a meeting as
soon as possible to discuss this broad issue in detail.
EROSION OF BAND LANDS
A number of Bands were invited to attend the meeting
to discuss problems they are having with lack of action on
erosion and flooding of their reserves. This problem
affects many Bands across the province yet there is no
co-ordinated program to provide the expertise and the
funding to stop this loss of our land.
Chief Ron John of the Hope Band said their reserves
are seriously affected by erosion. They have lost several
acres of valuable farm land along the Fraser River. Also
their ten acre reserve in the centre of the town of Hope is
being continually eroded with no action being taken. He
supported the idea of an on-going committee to provide
action to Bands such as his. Ed Celeste of North
Thompson Band said they have completed a study on
their erosion problem and they will be looking for the
necessary funding to carry out their work that their study
has identified as necessary. Frank Peters of the Peters
Band was also at the meeting since his Band also has some
serious erosion problems.
Subsequently a meeting was held to develop a plan of
action on this issue.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AND REVIEW
IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Department representatives advised the study was
undertaken in order to look at how the program was
operating and to identify areas where improved financial
control and better administration could be implemented.
They said this was necessary in order to justify budget
allocations from the Treasury Board.
Bob Manuel said the study was intended to look at
ways of improving the management and control of the
progam by the Department of Indian Affairs. The review
did not look at new or better ways to help Bands to
provide for the social needs of their people. He said
already the Department has developed a new set of social
assistance guidelines which are going to be mailed out to
all Band Councils. He asked how this could be done }
before the major study itself had been completed. He said
this is another example of the lack of co-ordination and
direction within the senior levels of the Department of
Indian Affairs.
Don Moses of the Nicola Valley Indian Administration
said the Department will only provide 3% administration
funding to Band Councils for their social assistance
programs. Yet the Department will pay the provincial
government 20% administration fees under the Child
Care Agreement.
OTHER TOPICS
Other issues which were raised at the meeting included
a review of a funding agrement for the Oweekeno Band
planner position and the difficulties which the Penelakut
Band is having with their water supply. On-going
followup is being provided in these two issues.
The next meeting of the B.C. Indian Secretariat will be
held sometime in late November. Any Band Council
wishing to bring an issue before the Secretariat is invited
to call the Union office and your problem will be included
on the next agenda. Minutes of the Secretariat Meetings
are available on request if you wish your name to be
added to the mailing list for these minutes. °
al monitor the work
_ follow up working
UBCIC NEWS 37
WESTERN INDIAN
AGRICULTURAL
CORPORATION
WORKSHOPS
A full workshop schedule has been drawn up for WIAC
fieldworkers until April, 1980. Here is the picture for the
next three months. For further information, contact your
local WIAC fieldworker or UBCIC, 440 W. Hastings.
Date
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
13
14
15
14
15
19
19
20
Place or Area
Enderby
B. Hall, Lytton, Merritt
Penticton, Oliver
Keremeos
Keremeos
B. Hall, Kamloops, Chase
Penticton, Oliver, Kerem.
Penticton, Oliver, Kerem.
-Mount Currie
_ Hagwilget
Hagwilget
Hagwilget
Lill. Band Hall
St. Mary’s, Cranbrook
Mount Currie ,
Coqualeetza
Oliver, Keremeos, Westb.
Mount Currie
To be set
Enderby, Vernon
Westbank
Kamloops
Vanderhoof
Vanderhoof
Vanderhoof
Seabird, Chehalis, Hope
Type of Workshop
Preg. testing
Nutrition Feed
Preg. Test
Preg. Test
Preg. Test
Nutrition feed,
Forage Prod.
Nutrition feed,
Forage Prod.
Nutrition feed,
Forage Prod.
Farm Planning,
Funding
Land and .
Financial Trg.
Land and
Financial Trg.
Land and
Financial Trg.
Farm Planning,
Management
Preg. Testing
Forage Prod.
Home Gardens
Grapes
Nuts and trees
Home gardens,
land tenure
Cow/calf, forage
Farm planning
Irrigation
Land and
Management
Land and
Management
Land and
Management
Management
Farm planning
Indian Agriculture will be the theme of the November
issue of UBCIC NEWS. Any articles or material (plus
pictures) on what is happening in your area would be
welcom This should be received by the editor by
November 20th.
UBCIC NEWS 38
UBCIC
The U.B.C.I.C, Resource Center has films available
for Bands wishing to view them on a ‘borrow basis.’
These films deal with Indian issues. Most of the films
listed can help us in understanding what Indians are
facing today whether it be political, traditional or
historical.
The Land is Our Culture — This film was produced by
the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs in 1975, and concerns
aboriginal rights in British Columbia. The film is 28
minutes, and in color.
© The Berger Inquiry — Film covers the hearing on the
Mackenzie Valley Pipeline. The film presents the views
and feelings of the Indian and white communities
towards the pipeline. The film is approximately 90
minutes and in color.
© Guns for Life — Produced by the Solicitor General of
Canada. The film concerns the new gun laws and
regulations which were put into effect on January 1,
1979. Information on where to obtain a gun licence,
how much the licence costs, the penalty for careless-
ness, etc., can be obtained from this film. The film is
28 minutes, and in color.
¢ Look What We’ve Done to This Land — This film is
on the Hopi and Navajo Indians in New Mexico and
the effect strip mining has had on their land and
culture. It is 21 minutes, and in color.
© Dene Nation — This film covers the Dene Nation of the
North West Territories proclamation of March 1978,
and their determination for self government. This film
is 30 minutes, and is in color.
® More Than Bows and Arrows — Educational Film
produced in the United States on the contributions and
impact of North American Indian culture in today’s
society. The film is 56 minutes, and is in color.
*
© Creeway — On the innovative curriculum development
project of the Cree James Bay Indians in Quebec. The
Materials are drawn from Cree Folklore, are mainly in
Cree and make use of old photographs, artifacts and
books that are written and printed in the community.
The school year is organized so that pupils have time to
go hunting and fishing with their families. This inno-
vative approach makes local control of education a
reality in native communities. This film is 26 minutes
long and is in color.
RESOURCE CENTRE. i
* Cold Journey — A dramatic account of a young Cana- oolichan catch into oolichan grease. The film is 22
dian Indian’s attempt to find a place for himself. It minutes and in color.
tells of the cultural shock of an educational system that
teaches him to be a white man, and of his attempts to
discover a way of life more meaningful to his Indian A Question of Indian Sovereignty
culture and ancestry. This film is 75 minutes long and is Indian Jurisdiction
in color. The Federal-Indian Trust Relationship
These last 3 films are part of a set of 5 which the Insti-
© We’ll Do Our Fishing — Film depicting the importance tute for the Development of Indian Law Incorporation
of salmon fishing to the Mt. Currie Indian people. It produced. The names of the other two films that com-
illustrates gaff hooking and gill-netting techniques and plete this set are *‘Treaties’’ and ‘‘U.S. Government’’.
the traditional manner of winddrying and smoking sal- which we don’t show mainly because they don’t apply
mon. The film is 8 minutes long and is in color. to us as well as the other three of this set.
The purpose of these three films is to explain very
® Sinumwak — Film which depicts the Indian people of simply and with specific examples the subject of Fed-
Bella Coola harvesting the oolichan run. It portrays the eral Indian Law.
traditional method—still used today of rendering the Each of the films is about 10-13 minutes long. °
The Following Places May Also Be Contacted for Films:
Audio-Visual Educational Library (AVEL)
Legal Resource Centre A variety of films video |
Legal Services Commission tapes and slide/tapes on
200—744 West Hastings St. the justice system are
Vancouver, B.C. V6C 1A5__ available free of charge.
Phone: (604) 689-0741
National Film Board of National Film Board
Canada loans films free of
charge. Their catalogue
listing many films about
1161 West Georgia Street Indians is available by
Vancouver, B.C. V6E3G4 writing or phoning their
Phone: (604) 666-1716 offices.
IDERA IDERA rents films for
2425 Cypress Street $5.00 to $20.00. Their
Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1Y5__ films concern politics,
Phone (604) 738-8815 resource development
738-9621 and topical issues of nea ue
concern to Indian A scene from a very early film on a Kwakwelth court-
people. ship and marriage ceremony by E. Curtis
Audio-Visual Educational An annual membership eee ee ee ee
Library [AVEL] fee of $28.00 allows the National Film Board National Film Board
505 Dunsmuir Street user to borrow films for 811 Wharf Street 545 Quebec Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B1Y5__ social and political Victoria, B.C. V3W1T2 Prince George, B.C. V2L 1W6
Phone: (604) 685-7834 interest. Phone: (604) 388-3868 Phone: (604) 564-5657
UBCIC NEWS 39
ITHINK...
I have always felt proud of one fact of our Indian
people. It’s that our Elders are respected and as long as
they are alive, they are still the head and we take their
word always as truth. As long as the Indian parent is
alive, he/she is never looked down on as infantile or
fragile of mind. They still remember many important
things of the past that most of us will never find out or go
through in our lifetime. As they get too old to look after
themselves, one of the family is always there to care.
In one Indian news there was one line saying that even
Indian people were beginning to think about old age
homes now, and the writer also disagreed with this, I’m
glad. But, it prompted me to write my views.
It is interesting talking to our Elders. I used to sit up till
late at night with my Grandmother, asking non-stop
questions of her years trying to raise my Mother and
| Uncle and a lot of others she raised that were not her
own, but, they knew they were welcome to stay. She most
| likely got tired of my incessant questions, but, was always
patient and we’d usually end up laughing because she’d
tell me I was most likely trying to sleep in next day to miss
school!
At Feasts and Potlatches, etc. our Elders are the ones
seated at head tables and are the ones who are listened to.
Everyone looks forward to getting one of the Elders’
Indian names when they pass on. Up here when an Old
Chief dies, people from miles around from all the
different Villages will travel to attend the funeral and talk
at Smoke parties of their memories of this ‘‘powerful
Chief’?’—his days on this Council and that meeting, etc.
What are we going to say tomorrow? ‘‘We all knew Chief
| while growing up, etc. The last few years I don’t
know, heard he was a good Bingo player at the Home’’?
The writer says she heard of families who wanted to put their Elders in a home. She said she wishes people
would realize how much we could learn from the old people. She felt strongly against it and wrote about it.
And of our Grandmother or Mother? ‘‘She was a great |
person, raised eleven of us, set out early every morning to
check the traps, we always had food. Of course as she got
too old to check traps and we were making good money
at the mill, we had to send her to a home.’’ 7???
Haven’t we got enough of the white man’s ways? Are
we still trying to lose our Indian identity further? Putting
our Indian people in homes is a step back for us, after the
last few years of trying to regain our Indian Heritage.
My Grandmother never went to a home, and yet I feel
that I’ve missed so much with her. All her knowledge of |
the past is now gone with her. All of my questions, yet, I |
never even got to asking of her Childhood. Where did my |
Great Grandparents live and bring her up? What did she |
do during her teen years? Where were most of the people |
living before.our Reserve was formed? Still so many |
things of our past unanswered. We are lucky, we still |
have some of our old people, we should try to find out |
more, now before our chance is gone and again the White |
man’s history will tell us how our past was.
In one book of ‘‘Early Indian Village Churches’’ by |
John Veilliete and Gary White, a part is written in there
of my village, Fountain. Log buildings probably made up |
the first Village on the site in the 1860’s. Before this, the
peorle of this region had been nomadic (wandering). How
many of us know this life of our ancestors?
I do not mean to discredit the white man so much, as
that is their way.
But, I am saying to Indians that it is NOT OUR WAY.
A. Fowler
Fountain
address and phone number to:
c/o Communications, UBCIC
welcome.
Are
UBCIC NEWS 40
I THINK is a new page in the UBCIC News devoted to your opinions. If you feel strongly
about any topic or issue of Indian concern, write it down and send it in with your name,
I THINK
Articles should be no i than 700 words, and a vee to illustrate sone writing would be
The Native Clan
From Our Great Spirit there came a plan.
On this earth shall be a native tribal clan. il |
So began our own native tribe.
A race of painted faces and tanned hides.
Maidens with long braids living a simple life.
Training and growing just to be a warrior’s
wife.
By fasting and dreams was chosen our fate.
Whether I be carver of totems or hunter first rate.
For warriors were strong and it showed in their features.
Loving and learning with nature their teacher.
After their hunts were prepared dances and feasts.
No one was forgotten not in the least.
Our elders were wise and of our Great Spirit they told.
To all your brothers and sisters never be cold.
Our own native Spirit still alive somewhere.
Because all our tribal clans still spread here and there.
Our children were joyful and grew up strong.
Learning tribal dances and singing a love song.
by Janice
school in Kitimaat.
I play soccer with my friends in our
village and in town against other
Letter to Youth Editor
‘Dear Sylvia,
My name is Howard, and I live at
Kitimaat Village in a trailer.
My daddy is a white man and my
.mommy is an Indian.
My Daddy used to be a Dutch-
man. My mom and dad and my
brother and I all have Indian names.
Mine is Kun-quaks. But everybody
makes me mad when they say I’m
not an Indian.
I’m going to be nine this month
and I’m in grade four in Kildala
teams. Our team is called K.A.C.
Pups. My brother is 10 but he didn’t
play this year because he’s been sick.
Our team is now in the finals.
I like being here a lot because I
have lots of friends and we can swim
in the summer and fish, and some-
times my dad takes me and my
brother on his canoe to go far away
and shoot a seal for us to eat or pick
some berries or something.
Bye for now Sylvia
Your friend Howie
UBCIC NEWS 41
=~ “3 —"
— oa
= ae
sc
ISH LAKE GATHERING
i
There was fear that young people would become discouraged and stay away because of the boldness and aggression
displayed by non-Indians at ceremonies.
They came from many nations to
attend the meeting of the Steering
Committee of the Morley Ecumenical
Conference which met at Fish Lake
Resource centre on October 5, 6 and
Tth. The Cariboo Tribal Council also
met on those same dates.
The Steering Committee was formed
by people concerned over the spiritual
despair among our people. The
committee is made up of Elders,
multi-denominational clergy, medi-
cine men and representation from
nations such as Navajo, Dene, the
Iroquois Federation, Cree, Ojibway
and Metis Society and many more.
The Steering Committee has now
_been in existence for ten years.
After the discussion of funding was
over, a more pressing situation,
sensitive but important, was the
UBCIC NEWS 42
concern over the growing numbers in
which non-Indians are taking over
leadership roles in Traditional Spirit-
ual Ceremonies, to the extent that
some are actually practising and
teaching medicine in healing ceremo-
nies.
The subject came about because
and descendants who already stand
The leaders all agreed there had to bea
sweatlodge and ceremonies and it was
feared that it could discourage them
from trying again. ‘“‘They (white
people) are getting too bold now.
Like that white worhan drawing
spirits—it’s not right! We made room
for them before, and they took over
the continent.’’ They also noticed
that the same people would sit in one
ceremony after another; their re-
marks showed they didn’t understand
&
i
the ceremony. ‘‘They think the hotter
it is, the better, for the sake of
bragging, totally losing the spiritual-
ity of a sweat.’’ The Council talked at
length over solutions which included
making it only Indian. Many feared it
would exclude mixed-blood relatives
and descendents who already stand
rejected by society; it would be just
too much to close them out of this
one too. One solution mentioned by
an Elder was that they (whites) should
**not camp amongst us, to disrupt us.
Make that area over there for white
spectators. They can share that way.’’
the leaders all agreed there had to be a
limit, that our people need the
attention and strengthening; that
white people are still welcome but
only in the role of observer.
Mike and Bill feel there is a spiritual resurgence that is definitely growing
stronger
Students from Alkali Lake received
lectures from a panel of Elders and
Spiritual Leaders who spoke about
communications, ceremonies, culture
and learning. They said it’s no shame
to admit you don’t know and ask
someone who does know the truth.
The importance of culture was stress-
ed: if you lose your language, you
lose yourself and none of anything
that medicine men or Elders say mean
anything if you can’t speak your own
language. One Elder told his story of
trying to run from his Indian identity,
but learned that his skin wouldn’t
change, and went back to his spiritual
beliefs. He said that we too could
re-learn our Indian Cultural identity:
**It will be hard going but we’ll learn
with our own language. Use action
After hearing the Elders, the young people are exploring ways to apply lessons
to their personal lives
behind beliefs! Like when the Euro-
peans went around the world and
brought their religion, education,
schools because they believed in
it—that’s what I call using action!!
Believing is power. You lose it be-
cause you don’t believe in the old
people.’
They talked about respect and
harmony, that alcohol and drugs are
not the way of people, what mariju-
ana does to your brain and spirit and
all these cause disharmony in spirit.
One Elder defined abuse. ‘“‘If you
take care not to abuse a horse, it will
take care of you. You can also apply
it to a car; if alignment is out, fix it,
then tires will last a long time too.’”’
Ivy knows the answers are with the
Elders
A question was asked about land
claims and the reply was: ‘‘You have
to believe in yourself, because if you
believe in Adam and Eve, or if you
believe you (we) came over the Bering
Straits, then White Man will only
tell you that you are no different; you
only happened to come over a little
earlier than he did.’’
A medicine man from New Mexico
gave a talk to people on the last
evening, giving credence to what
we’ve come to call superstition, old
wives tales, old fashioned or just
plain out-dated tales.
The summation of the conference
was that there is a defininte resur-
gence of a spiritual movement and a
cultural revival in the last few years
which continues to grow stronger. @
UBCIC NEWS 43
COLUMBIA LAKE CHURCH
BELL STOLEN
At times we have experienced crazy
happenings in our daily lives whether
it be funny or sad. We hope it rings a
bell to certain individuals who are re-
sponsible for this particular story.
On the day of the Annual Rodeo,
thieves broke into the church at
Columbia Lake Reserve and stole the
bell. And it was a well picked time
when all the people were gone from
their homes.
PASSERS BY OFFER $40.00 FOR
BRASS BELL
A few days before, people in a grey
car bearing Alberta licence plates
stopped by the home of Mrs. White
and had asked her about purchasing
the bell.
Mrs. White, who lives just across
the highway from the village, replied
. to the visitors that the bell belongs to
the church and would never be sold.
The people were prepared to pay a
mere forty dollars for the bell. Mrs.
White told the visitors if they were
going to be on the reserve, they
should check with the Chief or the
Councillors. They later drove away.
Within a week the bell was missing.
Entrance was made through the back
door of the church which had been
nailed shut.
THEFT DAMAGES CHURCH
BUILDING
The desperate thieves then climbed
up the belfry and removed the slats on
the north side. Through an opening,
the bell was lowered.
The bell’s description is a large
brass bell about 18’’ high and 18”’ in
diameter. It weighs two to three
hundred pounds. The weight of the
bell has left marks on the side of the
UBCIC NEWS 44
church’s wood finish as it was being
lowered.
BELL HAS HISTORICAL VALUE
TO COMMUNITY _
Lucille Shovar is a resident of the
Columbia Lake Reserve. She stated
that one cannot just put a price on an
item that has been on the reserve since
the formation of the church. The
people who know the history of the
brass bell have long since passed on,
she went on to say. The bell has not
been used by the community as an
every day function such as for
meetings, or daily services. It was
used only when there was a death in
the village. The bell does have a piece
of its own history. At the turn of the
century, a Father N. Cocola at the
time was very successful in a mining
venture in the Kootenays at Moyie
Lake. He had two churches built on
the reserves in the area. At the same
time he had two bells made for the
churches. The one stolen has in-
‘scribed: ‘‘Sacred Heart Church. Co-
lumbia Lake Reserve. Reverend N.
Cocola, O.H.I. Rector’’ and the date
when the bell was cast—1899.
The people of Columbia are won-
dering if the bell is still in one piece.
Did the thieves sell it? Did they
already melt it down? Where can they
keep a bell of that size? These are a
few questions they ask themselves.
The bell is currently under police
investigation. The community: have
sent clippings to various newspapers
in the surrounding towns hoping to
get information to the bell’s where-
abouts. As of today, the community
has had no response.
WHEREABOUTS STILL
UNKNOWN cee
The people of the Columbia Lake
Reserve hope to recover the brass bell
and display it back to its rightful
place at the little church in Columbia
Lake. °
Lake Bands.
Local Services Agreement.
{ REGIONAL MINI-CONFERENCE
TO ELECT VICE PRESIDENT
FOR
NORTHEAST REGION
November 15th at Prince George Hotel
Lakes District, Sekani, Fort St. John and Williams
The Lakes District is scheduled to meet on November
13th and 14th. The UBCIC has been invited for the 15th
for the election of a vice-president and to discuss the
~ to the Editor
I wish to add to the UBCIC NEWS article on ‘“CMHC
On-Reserve Housing Rip-off’’ in your August issue.
Our Band problem is the second of similar situations in
B.C. Many of the CHHC borrowers were dissatisfied
with their homes, mainly in the construction and some
other defects which arose after the occupants moved in.
No one can pin-point the problem as originating
directly either from the CMHC people, or the DIA
bureaucracy, or the individuals themselves, or any other
party who assisted in the construction of these 24 or so
homes.
This problem started off small: someone fell behind in
their monthly payments as was to be expected. The way
the CMHC policy was constructed, it was solely for their
own protection to ensure that they go their monies back
from their demand payments. The Band Council agreed
to let the Minister of Indian Affairs guarantee the
individual Band members’ CMHC loan and the way the
agreement was constructed, Band funds or capital monies
due from the District budgets would be jeopardized.
During the construction periods of 1975 and 1977 there
was a project officer hired by the Kitwanga Band Council
through monies acquired from the LIP grants and
CMITP contributions, a program put forward by Canada
Manpower Centre; on-the-job training program, assisted
many of the CMHC applicants, in which case, wages
were subsidized and this reduced the cost of the building.
As a result of these programs the Band Council failed to
see that there was an over-run of approximately $35,000
because many of the CMHC borrowers chose to supervise
their own construction phases. The Band members built
something different from the DIA designs.
When CMHC began putting the pressure on the Band
Council to prompt certain individuals to catch up with
their payments, there were extensive inquiries made by
the Band Council and the DIA personnel. At times, our
District Staff Solicitor, Peter Grant, was summoned to
counsel the homeowners. People were blaming the Band
Council for trying to interfere with their own affairs, and
yet at the same time, the Band funds were in jeopardy.
CMHC was implemented by the Minister of Indian
Affairs Mr. Jean Chretien, who said in his letter to the
Chairman of the Thompson River District Office, that in
no way would Band funds or revenues held in trust in
Ottawa be jeopardized. This guarantee, however, was not
included in the agreements that were signed by the
CMHC borrower or the Band Council at that time.
' The following points should have been put forward the
first time the CMHC on-reserve housing was presented to
the Band:
1. The strict guidelines and policies which jeopardized
Band funds and capital allocations from the District
should have been explained more thoroughly, and the
Director for Housing should have cautioned the Band
Council about what would happen if a CMHC
borrower became in default.
2. The DIA should have come to an agreement with
CMHC to provide funds to assist the Band Council to
hire a Consulting Engineer to inspect the homes in the
pre-construction phases and the completion stages, as
the CMHC Inspector only came about once every
month, or whenever the individual home required
more monies to carry on the construction, and it
required inspection to approve more CMHC draw on
the progress of the building.
3. There should have been more subsidy applied to each
of the homes, as $5,000 is just enough to pay for the
basements.
Fourteen homes are being paid for by the Minister of
Indian Affairs, and CMHC is satisfied. Where is the
Band going to get $500,000 to repay the Minister? The
other ten are regular in their monthly payments. It looks
like the Ottawa people will have to grant these individuals
defaulters of CMHC payments, long-term, low-interest
loans to allow them to continue making payments. A
form of repayment to the DIA would be enlisted.
There must be an alternative to the presen CMHC
on-reserve housing program. Our Band alone requires at
least 10 homes per annum.
Since 1978, this DIA District Manager has been with-
holding all the capital dollars that was allocated by the
District Tribal Council, and this situation will continue
on until something is done about the CMHC on-reserve
problem that our Band is facing.
We are being bold when we say that the reason that the
District Manager will not try and find a solution to our
problem. He is holding back our capital monies, and at
the same time, they offered to or they took over the
management of all of our capital programs, and the
Band’s own plans and programs are being scrapped.
It just seems unfair for the newly elected Band Council,
Chief and members to be faced with this problem.
It looks like, that if the CMHC on-reserve
housing problem is not solved, there will be no long-range
planning for our Band.
Yours truly,
Clif ford Morgan, Former Band Manager
: Kitwanga Band
UBCIC NEWS 45
COMMUNICATIONS, UBCIC
\
Position: Press and Public Relations/Radio Trainee
Commencing: Negotiable
| Duties:
The primary function of this job is to co-ordinate the
issuing Of press releases, to plan and organize press
conferences, to plan press strategies and make contact
with Vancouver area media for Bands and the Union of
Chiefs.The secondary function is to train as an Indian
radio programmer.
Qualifications:
Some experience in print, radio or audio-visual fields,
and some knowledge of the workings of the press.
Good command of the English language, in terms of
both writing and speaking. A special interest in radio.
Previous experience not necessary, but determination
and reliability essential.
Salary: Negotiable
Contact: Beth Cuthand or Val Dudoward, 684-0231
HELP WANTED
p.
_ COMMUNICATIONS, UBCIC
Position: Secretary/Trainee
Commencing: Dec. 3, 1979
Duties:
Organizing office systems, attending to correspon-
dence, filing typing; and training in photo and print
journalism, to fill in when required.
Qualifications:
General office skills—typing, filing, etc.—as well as an
interest in learning all aspects of UBCIC NEWS
production.
Salary: Negotiable
Contact: Beth Cuthand, Editor at 684-0231.
ROUND LAKE NATIVE :
ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT CENTRE
R.R. 3,
Armstrong, B.C. VOE 1B0
CLERK/TYPIST: DUTIES
General Secretarial Duties including recording and
transcribing minutes of meetings. Clerical duties include
keeping statistical records, filing and bookkeeping.
ATTENDANT: DUTIES
Shift work. Evening and night custodial duties to ensure
safety and security of residents in Treatment facilities.
Assists in general maintenance duties. Interacts with
residents on informal basis. Transports clients and must
have class IV licence. Must be non-drinker and non-user
of drugs.
PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO PERSONS WITH
KNOWLEDGE OF INDIAN LANGUAGE AND CUL-
TURE.
Send resumes
Round Lake Native Treatment Centre
R.R. 3, Armstrong, B.C. VOE 1B0
oo DATE: November 30, 1979
UBCIC NEWS 46
4-H PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
Objective:
To provide training and assistance to Adult Band
Members on the abstract concepts of program/project
development for youth activity. |
To provide training and assistance to Adult Band |
Members on the basic rudiments of mune eon activities
for youth development.
To assist Band members in starting and sratituiniie a
number of 4H Clubs. |
The Job:
—review the activities and various programs of the |
Provincial 4H program.
—review and contact other Indian 4H programs in the
country and the province.
—advertise his/her services to the Bands in the
province.
—establish contact with the Bands by visits to their
reserves.
—determine the scope of interest in a 4H program by
the Band’s membership. .
—assist groups that wish to start 4H groups by:
—providing them with program materials.
—providing training for the leaders of these groups.
—providing a support to the groups through
contacts with the Provincial 4H program, the
W.I.A.C. Fieldworkers, and professional staff.
Salary: Negotiable.
Applications or for further information:
Gordon Antoine
W.I.A.C.
440 W. Hastings, Vancouver
Telephone: 682-0231
UNION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA INDIAN CHIEFS
11th GENERAL ASSEMBLY
CONFERENCE EVALUATION
To help evaluate our 11th Annual General Assembly we have designed this Conference Evaluation
Questionnaire. Please fill it out and tell us what kind of activities, displays and information you
would prefer to see take place at succeeding conferences.
Do you feel this conference was well-organized?
Comments: __
Do you feel that the General Assembly forums were relevant to the theme of ‘‘Indian Government?
Comments:
Do you feel you had ample opportunity to express your feelings and opinions?
Comments:
Do you feel that the displays made you more aware of our Indian uniqueness?
Comments:
Do you feel that the young people had ample opportunity to participate in the forums?
Comments:
Did you feel the new format of Indian talking sessions and panels more effective than workshops?
What aspect of the General Assembly did you consider the least informative?
Comments:
What aspect of the General Assembly did you find most interesting?
Was the conference held in a convenient location for you?
Where would you recommend the next General Assembly be held?
Was the conference held at a suitable time of the year (if not, what would’ve been a better time)?
What kind of displays and information would you recommend for next year’s conference?
What changes and improvements would you suggest?
Additional comments, ideas and suggestions:
Were you given enough opportunity to voice your concerns?
Return to:
Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs
Indian Government Portfolio
440 West Hastings, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 111
Tel. (604) 684-0231
UBCIC NEWS 47
ARE $$ THE ONLY CHOICE FOR A LAND
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YOUR CHILDREN DEPENDS ON THE CHOICE)
YOU MAKE TODAY...
SUBSCRIBE TO THE UBCIC NEWS, the fastest-
growing Indian news magazine in Canada. Dedicated ta
building a strong foundation for a better choice:
INDIAN GOVERNMENT.
Keep informed. Know the issues. The right decision
today means our childrens survival tomorrow.
Subscription Prices:
$8.00/year for individuals
$12.00/year for institutions
Send your cheque or money order to:
UBCIC NEWS
440 W. Hastings
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 1L1
THE UBCIC NEWS IS ALWAYS
OPEN TO YOUR SUGGESTIONS,
OPINIONS, NEWS AND PHOTOS.
THIS MONTH:
Jake Kruger of the Okanagan Tribal
Council sent us the pictures he took
at the General Assembly (We do
return all pictures we receive)
A Fowler from Fountain wrote
about her concerns that people are
putting our Elders into Old Age
homes (page 40)
William Walkus of Owikeno Village
Council writes to other fishermen
for response to their proposal to set
up a Cost Recovery Program for
S.E.P. that is locally controlled
(page 18)
The housing problems in Kitwanga
are the subject of a long letter by
Clifford Morgan. (page 45)
Janice sent her poem ‘‘The Native
Clan’’ which appears on the Youth
Page (page 41)
They will be receiving a free
one-year subscription to the UBCIC
NEWS as a token of our appre- | |
ciation.
UBCIC NEWS is published monthly by the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs. |
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Part of UBCIC News - volume 2, number 7 (October, 1979)