Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Newsletter (Fall 1995)

1.06-01.08 Union of BC Indian Chiefs Newsletter

1.06.-01 Newsletters and bulletins sub-series

September 1995

english

1.06-01.08-06.04

12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

2. Message from the President

3. Elijah Harper calls for Sacred
Assembly

4. Institute of Indigenous Government
Resource Centre Update

5. UBCIC 27th Annual General Assembly

6. Nuxalk Nation

8. Gustafsen Lake

Indigenous Perspectives

11. Announcements

Chief Saul Terry

Wendy Ancell

Percey Rosette

Bonita Lawerence

Hallie Bruce

Jurgen Boden

Elke Boden

Cherly Morgan

Rod Cunningham

periodical

Union ofB. C. Indian Chiefs NEWSLETTER FALL 1995 PRISONERS OF POLITICS RCMP Invade unceded Nuxalk Nation Territory, Hereditary Chiefs, Elders, andF.A.N.Supp arrested at Fog Creek - Bella Coola, B. C. Approximately 40 R C M P moved in on a peaceful blockade at Ista (Fog Creek) on unceded N u x a l k Nation territory 50 k m west o f B e l l a Coola this morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. and are presently i n the process o f enforcing an i l l e g a l injunction ordering people out of the area. Radio communications from the camp were initially being j a m m e d from an unknown source, but recent reports that have managed to get through confirm that there are six R C M P boats at the site, including two very large catamarans. The R C M P have already arrested at least 18 people, including two N u x a l k hereditary chiefs and elders, a n d R C M P climbers are heading up trees in an attempt to apprehend tree-sitters. There were approximately 40 Nuxalk and supporters at the camp this morning, and more boats full o f supporters from the N u x a l k Nation are heading out to the site at this time. Staff Sergeant L a r r y Babcock of the Prince Rupert subdivision who is heading the operation stated this INSIDE THIS ISSUE... morning that a l l those arrested would be processed on one o f the R C M P boats, where they would be given the option of signing a undertaking as the terms o f their release, after which they would be released at the site. The terms o f release i n these sanations often include a prohibition from going back into the area of the blockade, and none o f those arrested are agreeing to sign such a release since they do not acknowledge any jurisdiction other than N u x a l k j u r i s d i c t i o n over N u x a l k t e r r i t o r y . T h e most r e c e n t communications suggest that a l l the arrestees are "being t a k e n straight to Vancouver to appear before me Supreme Court because of this refusal. IN CUSTODY: Nuxalk Hereditary Chiefs Ed Moody and Charlie Nelson arrested in logging blockade are handcuffed together in Vancouver. ( PRISONERScontinuedonpage2) Vancouver Sun, Wed. Sept 27.1995 4. Institute of Indigenous Government Resource Centre Update 2. Message from the President 5. U B C I C 27th Annual General Assembly 3. Elijah Harper calls for Sacred Assembly 6. Nuxalk Nation FALL 1995 This is not merely another logging blockade, the N u x a l k N a t i o n is i n the process o f reoccupying their traditional lands. 8. Gustafsen Lake Indigenous Perspectives 11. Announcements 1 UBCIC NEWS Message From The President: Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs presentation on the proposed Firearms A Bill C-68 to the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs I n the presentation to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs the Union o f B . C . Indian Chiefs told Committee members that the proposed Firearms A c t (Bill C-68) legislation will have a very real and very direct impact on the dayto-day lives of First Nation people. More so than on the rest of Canada, both rural and urban. B i l l C-68 will make us criminals. When the possession and use o f hunting rifles is made near impossible by unjust laws the result w i l l be that entire families and communities will have a harder time putting meat on the table. This w i l l force many of our people no increased dependence on social assistance and other means o f state sponsored support. This is a fact. The government o f Canada has not factored these very real social and economic costs into its analysis of the costs o f implementing this legislation. The net effect o f this legislation is that it criminalizes being Indian. It represents an unwarrented and unacceptable intrusion into the day-to-day lives of First Nation people. The proposed Firearms A c t does not constitute a mere infringement, but rather a whole scale criminalization of traditional aboriginal practices. The Firearms A c t for all intents and purposes will extinguish the aboriginal right to hunt. RECOMMENDATIONS The Union of B . C . Indian Chiefs recommended the following amendments to B i l l C-68 the proposed Firearms Act: 1. That the following clause be inserted into the act: This act does not apply to aboriginal people to the extent that aboriginal people use, own or possess firearms for the purpose o f exercising their inherent aboriginal rights to hunt and trap as recognized under section 35 o f the Constitution A c t 1982. 2. That a statutory defense provision be inserted into the Canadian Criminal Code amendments which reflect the fact that the inherent aboriginal rights to hunt and trap are constitutionally protected and cannot and must not be criminalized. This statutory defense would apply to the provisions which criminalize the mere possession, use or transport o f a firearm without a registration certificate or license. It is not the suggestion of the Union of B . C . Indian Chiefs that the statutory defense apply where a firearm is used in committing a crime. However, it is absolutely essential that the mere possession, transport, or use o f a firearm, when done is a means o f practising an inherent right to hunt or trap must not be criminalized. (PRISONERS continuedfrom page 1) To this end they have begun the construction o f several traditional structures at Ista and other sites around their territory, and yesterday constructed a smokehouse at Ista so they could begin processing fish at the site. Interfore employees, who arrived with the R C M P this morning, promptly smashed the smokehouse with a sledgehammer and drove their equipment up the road so they could resume road building operations. -30Forest Action Network 2 FALL 1995 UBCIC NEWS HARPER CALLS FOR SACRED ASSEMBLY TO ADDRESS ABORIGINAL ISSUES M.P. CALLS FOR HEALING AND RECONCILIATION IN FACE OF VIOLENCE AND FRUSTRATION (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 13, 1995 Churchill M.P. Elijah Harper is calling for a "Sacred Assembly" of Aboriginal and non Aboriginal spiritual leaders to provide counsel and promote reconciliation in the face of rising frustration in First Nations communities. "First Nations have lost not just our land and control over our lives, but also our connection to an ancient spirituality that has nurtured our peoples for centuries,'' said Harper. ' 'Now we have been working through the courts and through the political process to reclaim our land and our right to selfgovernment, but something is missing from the process. The spiritual element has been missing. " T h e idea of the Sacred Assembly is not just to provide counsel in finding that spiritual element, but also to promote reconciliation. We can't achieve reconciliation until the harm which has been done to our peoples is acknowledged," said Harper. "Lawyers and politicians aren't always willing to do that because they think it's an admission of liability. But some of Canada's churches have been willing to do this and it has helped the healing process in our communities. That reconciliation is necessary i f Canada's going to heal." Harper said he has been in contact with spiritual leaders, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, across the country, — OTTAWA) "We can't achieve reconciliation until the harm which has been done to our peoples is acknowledged" - Elijah Harper, M.P. and they have expressed enthusiasm for the idea. He hopes to establish a working group as soon as possible, as the Assembly w i l l be able to provide direction to communities, leadership and government as they deal w i t h increasingly urgent situations. Harper, who is joining Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin in meeting with community leaders at Camp Ipperwash, Ontario today, said this was particularly important in the face of growing frustration and violent standoffs across Canada. "When I look at the stand-offs and the frustration, and also at the problems that affect many more of our communities, l i k e suicide, alcoholism, and hopelessness, I see the effects of that spiritual loss. I see people who are trying to fill an emptiness, who are struggling to find something," he said. "But because we've lost so much of that spirituality, many of us our misguided. They turn to drugs and alcohol, they turn to material things, and some of them turn to violence. When I look at some of the people at the standoffs I see people who want to get in touch with our land and our communities and our spiritualism, but they seem cut off from i t , " he said. "Indian Nations must exercise and control their own jurisdictions and their territory. They must exercise law and order on their own land. And they have to show the Canadian public that they have the capability and the ability," said Harper. ' 'By offering spiritual counsel to our communities, by addressing the spiritual poverty that afflicts our communities, the Sacred Assembly can help to achieve that by restoring confidence in our leadership and promoting good government" While more details on the Sacred Assembly are not available right now, Harper said he would be acting on it as soon as possible. ' 'Many people are laying the ground work and praying for the success of this Sacred Assembly. We must sustain the culture, values, and traditions that have sustained us for generations." -30Contact: Lome Hanks, Parliamentary Assistant to Elijah Harper, M_P. (613) 992-3018 Elijah Harper M.P. will be guest speaking at the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Traditional Feast during their 27th Annual General Assembly, October 25, 1995 @ 7:00 p.m. in Kamloops, B.C. in the Kamloops Indian Band Dining Room. FALL 1995 3 UBCIC NEWS Institute of Indigenous Government The Institute of Indigenous Government welcomed its first students in mid September marking the launch of the Institute's Associate Degree and Certificate programs. Students arrived from Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and regions throughout British Columbia to become part of Canada's first autonomous degree-granting First Nation post-secondary institution. After a two day orientation, classes were under way just days after renovations were completed. The Institute's campus at 342 Water Street occupies the third and fourth floors of the building situated near the gateway of Gastown . The facilities include classrooms, a student lounge, the UBCIC Resource Centre, study areas, an information centre and administrative offices. The Student Support Services Coordinator, Bernice Heather, who also instructs and coordinates the extension program, has an important role at the Institute. Bernice will offer students support as they develop leadership, study, problem-solving and cultural skills. A study workshop has already been scheduled and Bernice will assist in other areas such as goal-setting, career planning, communications and interpersonal skills. The Institute also offers personal and academic c o u n s e l l i n g , w h i l e E l d e r s w i l l be available to offer guidance. Five courses are being offered during the Fall semester: History of Colonization and Indigenous Resistance, Indigenous Society, Culture and Identity, Fundamentals of Economic and Social Development, Indigenous Nations, International Organizations and the United States, and Records Management for Indigenous Government. Detailed course offerings and a student handbook for the Spring semester are expected to be available by mid-October. The Institute will be sending information packages throughout the province and to other regions at that time. To date, inquiries have come from throughout Canada and from such centres in the United States as New York City and Arizona. In the meantime you may want to grab a pen - our phone and fax numbers Resource Centre With restricted access to the Resource Centre in place over the summer, it often looked very quiet in the library. The Resource Centre staff, however, have never been busier. Many decisions were made regarding cataloguing and classification, including our own in-house adaptation of the Library of Congress classification scheme and the design of appropriate subject heading for our collection. Many hours were spent, for example, expanding the LC classification scheme to cover all aspects of self-government and the many areas of aboriginal title and rights. Then we began the long task of re-cataloguing and classifying the entire collection. That project will be ongoing and will remain a priority. Getting ready for the first Institute of Indigenous Government students meant many other tasks had to be done over the summer as well. There were, 4 and still are, many transitions to go through in becoming a library which serves a postsecondary institution. The Resource Centre staff have worked very hard to put new policies, procedures, and collection materials in place. It is hoped that we can have a multi-media workstation in the Resource Centre within the year for users to access the new automated catalog, CDR O M reference sources, and online library catalogs of other post-secondary and public libraries. We now have a borrower card for Vancouver Public Library and the University of British Columbia. The IIG will soon become a member of the provincial post-secondary interlibrary network. We will be able to borrow books and get journal articles from libraries all over North America. We continue to develop the collection for researchers. The B.C. Archives newspaper file and index on microfiche is on order. This source will change on October 5th. Our new phone number is: (604) 602-9555, while our fax number is: (604) 602-3400. Contact the registrar, Darell Gaddie, if you require an admissions package. The information officer, Lorraine Passchier, is available to help with the distribution of brochures and handbooks. Finally here is a list of some key staff members at the Institute. In future newsletters, we will offer a more indepth look at the Institute, its students and its faculty. Paul Chartrand, President Herb Strongeagle, Bursar Darell Gaddie, Registrar Dan Gottesman, Academic Dean and Professor Sylvia Walsh, Director of Program Planning and Development and Associate Professor Bernice Heather, Instructor and Student Support Services & Extension Coordinator Theo Collins, Assistant Professor Alejandro Palacios, Assistant Professor & International Program Coordinator Andres (Lix) Lopez, Sessional Lecturer Sandie Bradley, Sessional Lecture allow subjects access to old B.C. newspapers. We have added many books to the collection over the summer tad I am including a short select list of some of those tides. If you need further information about any of them call us in the Resource Centre. The list was generated from the records in our automated catalog. I have become familiar during the summer with some of the excellent sites available on the Internet for getting aboriginal materials. If anyone has access to the Internet or is thinking of' 'getting connected", I can provide a list of Internet sites. Perhaps I can cover theInternetin more detail in future newsletters. In the meantime, there is an invaluable information source here for our member bands. Call us anytime. If we can not provide the information, we will do our best to tell you who can Wendy Ancell, Librarian FALL 1995 UBCIC NEWS (draft agenda continued) October 25,1995 Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs 9:00 a.m.: Opening Prayer 9:15 a.m.: Chair: Opening Remarks 9:30 a.m.: Panel: International Indigenous Struggles for Justice at the United Nations: Ted Moses, Grand Council of the Crees of Quebec (Resolutions) You are cordially invited 27th Annual General Assembly "OUR SACRED LANDS" October 24, 25, 26, 1995 Kamloops Indian Band Gymnasium 345 Yellowhead Highway Kamloops, B . C . DRAFT AGENDA LUNCH BREAK 1:30p.m.: Overview of the Institute of Indigenous Government. Paul Chartrand, Interim President of the IIG. 2:00 p.m.: Nominations for UBCIC President Candidates Speeches 4:30 p.m.: Closing Prayer; Adjournment of Day 2 7:00 p.m.: T R A D I T I O N A L F E A S T : Elijah Harper M.P., Guest Speaker, October 24,1995 8:30 a.m.: Registration 9:00 a.m.: Call to order; Entry of Flags; Opening Prayer 9:30 a.m.: Ratification of Chair, Agenda and Committees. Words of Welcome: Chief Manny Jules 10:00 a.m.: October 26,1995 9:00 a.m.: Opening Prayer 9:15 a.m.: Chair: Opening Remarks 9:30 a.m.: Returning Officer explains election procedures. Election for UBCIC President Announcement of election results Presidential acceptance speech Panel: Responsibilities to Our Sacred Lands. Glen Douglas, Grand Chief Archie Jack, Chief Scotty Holmes, Ted Moses (Resolutions) LUNCH BREAK LUNCH BREAK 1:30p.m.: President's Address & Principles of Treaty Making. Chief Saul Terry, Bridge River 2:00 p.m.: Panels: Indian Jurisdiction and Federal Responsibilities. Health: Carole Dawson; Education: Verna Stager (Resolutions) 3:00 p.m.: Fishing: Tribal Chief Mike Leach, Chief Frances Laceese, Chief Frank Boucher, Chief Bob Pasco (Resolutions) 4:00 p.m.: Closing Prayer, Adjournment, Day 1 FALL 1995 1:30 P . M . : UBCIC Annual Reports Adoption of 1994 Minutes Audit and resolution: Arnold Peters, Finance Manager Legal: Mandell Pinder Joint Policy Council: Dan Gottesmar^ Policy Director Claims Research: Leigh Ogston, Research Director Resolutions 3:00 p.m.: Closing Prayer; Adjournment of 27th A.G.A. 5 UBCIC NEWS NUXALK NATION GOVERNMENET First of all we would like to acknowledge Tatau, the Creator, through Manakays, the Great Spirit, for all that he has provided since the beginning of time and still provides today "Ministry of Forests is issuing illegal permits to Interfor to Log in Nuxalk Territory." (September 27, 1995) SOVEREIGNTY The word " S O V E R E I G N T Y " is one that many of our people do not know the meaning of. It is a word that will be used many times during this gathering of ours and it is important for all of our people to understand it. Our " S O V E R E I G N T Y " is our traditional ways! It is our fishing, hunting, ceremonies, laws, stories, songs, potlatches, and dances. Our " S O V E R E I G N T Y " is a sacred gift handed down to us by Tatau, our Creator. It is something that was never given to us by any government or business. Our " S O V E R E I G N T Y " is not the Canadian government laws! Our " S O V E R E I G N T Y " is not the British Columbian laws! These two levels of governments do not have any right to practise their man made laws over our laws that were handed down to us from the Creator. Our " S O V E R E I G N T Y " is when we hunt, when we fish and where we fish! Our " S O V E R E I G N T Y " is our plant foods and medicines! Our " S O V E R E I G N T Y " is our traditional way of life. No other nation is given the permission to define our " S O V E R E I G N T Y " ! A s long as we keep our " S O V E R E I G N T Y " we shall survive as a nation! For the future of our Children, Grandchildren, and Children yet unborn... The N U X A L K N A T I O N opposes any clear-cutting and logging practices of Interfor within the Nuxalk Nation's Traditional Territories. Nuxalk Nation Territory is unceded land. Nuxalk Nation has never entered or signed any agreements with the Government. We do not honour the B . C . Treaty Commission Process because it extinguishes our title and rights. Interfor has been logging in our territory for awhile now. We have never consented to allow Interfor to log i n our territories. Yet, they continue to log even when we demanded them to stop. We have been opposing Interior's plans to log ever since we were made aware of the logging plans. Last summer, we strongly opposed any illegal logging plans for Talyu Hotsprings. Our voices still have not been recognized! We are a nation of people and oppose developments i n our territories that is destructive to the land and all that flows from i t There has been destruction of our sacred sites, forests, traditional village sites and historic burial grounds. This continues to happen today, and we will no longer stand by and watch this destruction of our territory. We " T H A N K " a l l groups out there for supporting us - in calling for a STOP to all the destruction within our Nuxalk Territory. We especially thank the Forest Action Network (FAN) for all their support i n standing by our Nuxalk Nation Elders, Nuxalk Nation Hereditary Chiefs and the Nuxalkmc. For the future of our children, grandchildren and children yet unborn... Way! Way! 6 FALL 1995 UBCIC NEWS Jailed Action Defenders to Appear Before Supreme Court B E L L A C O O L A , B.C. - Fourteen people arrested yesterday on contempt of court charges for defending unceded Nuxalk land from destruction by International Forest Products ( I N T E R F O R ) w i l l appear before the Supreme Court i n Vancouver today at 10:00 a.m. The arrestees, who were flown to Vancouver yesterday evening and held overnight i n the PreTrial Detention Centre, include 8 Nuxalkmc, of which three are hereditary chiefs and three are elders, one Ojibway activist from Manitoba, and 5 non native activists from the Forest Action Network. A delegation of Nuxalkmc who drove through the night down from Bella Coola will be at the courthouse this morning to pray, sing, and support their people in court. They will be joined by natives and non-natives from the Vancouver area who support the Nuxalk and Forest Action Network's struggle for recognition of Nuxalk sovereignty and protection of the land. The demonstrators will also be expressing their outrage at the jailing of elders and traditional leaders for carrying out their traditional duties of protecting the land. The fourteen who are to appear at court today, as well as eight others, were arrested yesterday at Ista (Fog Creek) on King Island, approximately 50 kms west of Bella Coola, when R C M P invaded the Nuxalk traditional territory which Nuxalk people and their invited guests were beginning to reoccupy. Fourteen of those arrested refused to sign terms of release which required them to acknowledge jurisdiction other than Nuxalk jurisdiction over the land they were on; the undertaking required them to obey the B . C . Supreme Court's injunction forbidding them from defending Nuxalk land from illegal logging, as well as forbidding them from moving freely in Nuxalk territory by barring them from returning to Ista (Fog Creek). Interior brought twice the usual amount of machinery and equipment to the site yesterday morning in their eagerness to resume their destruction of the old-growth forests of the Great Coast Forest. -30- Statement made by Hereditary Chief Qwatsinas (Edward Moody) from the Pretrial Centre in Vancouve (September 27, 1995) Ista (Fogg Creek): I see that the loggers have rights, the road builders have rights, the logging companies have rights, and they have the R C M P with them to back up their rights. We as the Hereditary Chiefs and Nuxalkmc are protecting and defending our forest and our land and our rights. There is no law enforcement or the R C M P to enforce our rights. In order for us to protect and defend Ista we have to do it ourselves. Under the B . C . Treaty Commission process the loggers, the road builders, the logging companies, and the R C M P are at the negotiations table and I see that they are i n a major conflict of interest. We are not signing the release forms here based on our principles and morals. As Hereditary Chiefs, we can't accept guilt on behalf of our people, we can't sign release forms on that basis, that we would accept the destruction of the forests of Ista. We call ourselves political prisoners. We're opposing the destruction of Ista, and we stand by that. They came to defend what they believe in. They took us prisoners because of what we did. It's not an enforcement issue, its a political and environmental and human issue. We are going to stand fast in what we believe in. Way! Make your presence felt in a real and powerful issue of our times. Your help is needed to protect indigenous rights and the forests! For more information contact: Nuxalk Nation (604)799-5376 Forest Action Network (604) 251-2477 Vancouver Temerate Rainforest Action Coalition (604) 251-3190 Forest Action Network 251-2477 UBCIC NEW LETTER DEADLINE I f y o u have any material that y o u w o u l d l i k e to see i n the next edition o f the U n i o n o f B . C . Indian Chiefs Newsletter, please forward to our V a n c o u v e r office by fax o r m a i l as soon as p o s s i b l e to the attention o f " U B C I C N E W S L E T T E R " . W e w o u l d appreciate the volume o f information be kept to a m i n i m u m so others can benefit from this service. Please do not fax business cards. N e x t deadline is N o v e m b e r 1 5 , 1 9 9 5 . O u r n e w address is 5th F l o o r - 3 4 2 Water Street, V a n c o u v e r , B . C . V 6 B 1 B 6 . O u r phone and fax n u m b e r w i l l remain the same. Phone (604)684-0231 Fax:(604)684-5726. FALL 1995 7 UBCIC NEWS = INDIGENOUS NATIONS PERSPECTIVES SHUSWAP A G R E E TO P E A C E F U L SOLUTION C O N F E D E R A C Y O F SIX N A T I O N S B i g Lake, August 24, 1995 August 28, 1995 The Shuswap people, who remain true to the Creator and the Land of our Ancestors, seek a peaceful resolution to a crises which has been going on for 139 years. Domestic Laws, which we have no hand in signing, do not apply here. Tribal councils of so-called "chiefs" paid by the Government of Canada do not speak for us. We have never ceded or sold our territory. Anyone claiming title to our stolen lands should be compensated by the government of British Columbia and our lands returned to us. The legal precedence protecting our rights as Indigenous Peoples have never been heard. We agree to lay down our arms after receiving a guarantee of diplomatic immunity from prosecution for all members of this camp, and audiences with our representative Bruce Clark and the Queen's Privy Council and Governor General of Canada. The purpose of these hearings must be a formal ruling of the legitimacy of claim. We believe that when the true Canadian law is applied it will be clear who are the true caretakers of this land. Attention: Sergeant Montague Royal Canadian Mounted Police Re: Gustafsen Lake Confrontation Sergeant Montague, we at the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations in central Alberta are deeply concerned with what has transpired i n the last 48 hours at Gustafsen Lake, B . C . . Although we may not fully agree with these people on their issue, we cannot see the answer to this confrontation to be to massacre these people. We call on you to stop any kind of armed attack and to attempt to resolve this issue in a peaceful manner. You should be aware that your response will have repercussions across Canada and North America. A peaceful solution will enhance future relations between First Nations and non-First Nations people. Massacre will only serve to instigate mistrust and hate. Sergeant Montague, this is a short message to you. We pray to the Creator that you will act wisely upon this request. Signed Thank you. Percy Rosette Faithkeeper Chiefs, Councillors, Elders, and the First Nations of Treaty Six. c.c. Mike Harcourt (604) 387-0087 Fax INNU NATION CALLS FOR RCMP TO WITHDRAW FROM GUSTAFSEN LAKE August 31, 1995 (Sheshatshiu) The Innu Nation today called on the R C M P to withdraw from their siege of the Sundancers encampment at Gustafsen Lake, and condemned the B . C . provincial government for their response to the situation. "The situation at Gustafsen Lake gravely concerns the Innu Nation. As Innu, we have often experienced the heavy hand of R C M P intervention when defending our land and rights. Force has never resolved anything. It creates instability and tension, and may lead to bloodshed and violence. It is the coward's w a y , " stated Daniel A s h i n i , Director of Innu Rights and Environment. The B . C . Premier, Attorney General, and the R C M P have misrepresented the Sundancers as terrorists, renegades and trespassers. But their aspirations are shared by many aboriginal peoples across Canada. British Columbia like QuebecLabrador, is unceded aboriginal land. Our nations' ownership of our land has never been extinguished. We have never given up our right to practice our spirituality. We see fair nation-to-nation negotiation, not police intervention, as the only way to resolve the crises that the Province and police have precipitated," continued Ashini. "Premier Harcourt and Attorney General Ujjal Dosanjh must take the blame for creating a confrontation which could result in violence. Rather than dealing fairly and directly with the Sundancers, they chose to respond to the Sundander's legitimate concerns with police state tactics. -30Daniel Ashini (709) 497-8398 8 FALL 1995 UBCIC NEWS AROUND GUSTAFSEN LAKE L E T T E R T O UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS F R O M : Staff and volunteers at C H R Y Radio, North York, Ontario We wish to convey to the Shuswap Sundancers our heartfelt support. We applaud their courage in taking this difficult stand, and we wish them to know that there are many people across Canada, both Native and non Native, who support their actions, who want the current federal and provincial regimes to rectify past injustices by respecting Native sovereignty and working in good faith towards a just settlement of land claims N O T extinguishment of aboriginal title. We are sending faxes to Prime Minister John Chretien urging the federal government to deal on a nation to nation basis with the Shuswap and other nations in the territory known as British Columbia. We hope you can convey this to the Shuswap Defenders. Thank you for sending us faxes, and we urge you to continue to keep us informed. Bonita Lawrence on behalf of staff and volunteers at C H R Y community radio L E T T E R T O PRIME MINISTER JEAN CHRETIEN August 29, 1995 PENTICTON INDIAN BAND August 28, 1995 - W e are outraged by the Harcourt government's treacherous attempt to politically exploit the Gustafsen Lake incident. The Harcourt government has demonstrated that it is more than willing to trade the blood of both the Native and the non-Native people of the Sundance camp for ballots in the upcoming Provincial election Rather than pursue a peaceful resolution of the standoff, the Harcourt government has chosen to pursue a strategy of purposeful provocation. The exchange of gunfire between R C M P Emergency Response Team members and camp occupants are undeniable evidence of the results of such a totally irresponsible adventuristic strategy. We condemn the Harcourt government and the R C M P for their police state mentality. R a c i a l tensions i n the P r o v i n c e of B . C . shall escalate to historically unprecedented levels in the event that people of the Sundance camp are killed by the RCMP. Without question, there shall be serious repercussions throughout the province of B . C . in the aftermath of a massacre of the people occupying the Sundance camp. It is incumbent upon the Harcourt government to make absolutely every conceivable attempt to seek a peaceful resolution of this standoff. In this regard, the Premier and members of his Cabinet should make every attempt to meet with Native leaders within the area for the purpose of establishing a negotiating climate that shall lead to a peaceful resolution of this situation. We are writing to request that the federal government Anything less is simply unacceptable. learn from the mistakes of Oka, and settle the standoff at Gustafsen Lake by dealing on a nation to nation basis with the -30Shuswap and other nations of the territory now known as British Columbia. For further information: Stewart Phillip, Okanagan Nation We do not believe that the Shuswap Sundancers at Gustafsen Lake are "terrorists," or that this issue shall be viewed as a matter of " l a w and order". We believe that, just as Oka, this confrontation is the fruit of despair, of Native peoples who have tried through legal channels to defend their territories, but who have continuously been obstructed through bad fain on the part of provincial and federal bureaucrats. We urge the federal government to get involved with the issue - the standoff at Gustafsen Lake cannot be ignored. What about the federal government's historic obligation to protect the interests of the Aboriginal peoples? How can the federal government stand aside and ignore the demands of the Shuswap and other native nations who want their historic title to the land recognized and protected? Your current policy of doing nothing will only result in more standoffs, more confrontations, as more and more communities are driven to confronting the Canadian state through \iolence, when negotiations fail through governmental bad faith. The result will be more and more millions of taxpayer's money spent on police actions to suppress uprisings which could never have happened i f the federal government respected who really owns this land. Canada deserves the bad image it is getting for human rights violations internationally i f it will not deal honorably with Aboriginal peoples at hone. We strongly urge you, M r . Chretien, to address the current occupation at Gustafsen Lake. The Shuswap Defenders should not have to resort to violence in order to be heard. Sincerely, Bonita Lawrence on behalf of staff and volunteers at C H R Y Radio FALL 1995 GUSTAFSEN LAKE (Continued an page 10) 9 UBCIC NEWS GUSTAFSEN LAKE (Continuedfrom page 9) Statement on the standoff at Gustafsen Lake by Chief Saul Terry President, Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs August 28, 1995 Since 1990, the Federal Government has refused to discuss nationam gravely concerned over the escalating confrontation to-nation option for negotiations with our respective peoples. taking place at Gustafsen Lake in the territory of the Shuswap Nation. For Instead, they have over two weeks, the steadfastly defended Ms. Halie Bruce R C M P , the Attorney their B . C . Treaty Exec. Assistant General and the media C o m m i s s i o n UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS have gone to great extinguishment Vancouver, B.C. lengths to discredit the p r o c e s s to t h e Canada Shuswap sundancers exclusion of all other and their supporters at options and Dear Ms. Bruce: Gustafsen L a k e as possibilities. As dangerous fanatics in recently as June 23, Thank you for your fax of August 29 along with the various newspaper reports and order to justify the use 19 9 5 , B . C commentaries. of armed force to Aboriginal Affairs A s I mentioned to you on the telephone the other day, we had sent Chief Saul Terry's remove them from the Minister John Press Release about the confrontation at Gustafsen lake to our friend at the daily newspaper Sundance grounds. In Cashore wrote to me "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung", as well as through our friends of the German section recent days, the R C M P and the Hon. R o n to Amnesty International, International Secretariate, in London, England (fax number has chosen to cut off Irwin, Minister of England 171-956-1157), as well as to the Canadian section of Amnesty International in communications and Indian Affairs, urging Vanier, Ontario (fax number Canada 613-744-7667). The same I have sent to our Dene isolate the sundancers Canada and the Union friend in the federal government in Ottawa, Ms. Ethel Blondin-Andrew. even further, contrary of B . C . Indian Chiefs To all of them, we have now offered to send what you have faxed us (the newspaper to the strategy usually "to meet at the earliest reports) as background information, and I hope they will request to obtain the media reports. followed by police when oprx)itunity to begin O f course, Amnesty International in Canada - who in our eyes would be a good' 'mediator'' trying to de-escalate and w o r k t o w ards a in the terrible conflict - as well as Ms. Blondin-Andrew will be aware of what has been and peacefully resolve [nation-to-nation] is going on at Gustafsen Lake. s i m i l a r emergency treaty process for those We can only hope with all of you that the confrontation will end in a more or less situations involving First Nations who peaceful way, since otherwise we foresee grave and large problems between the Native firearms. In trying to have not joined the population in B . C . and in Canada and the non-Native population, which would surely be the discredit and isolate the B . C Treaty worst development for the future of peoples and lands. sundancers, the R C M P Commission." Yet a n d the A t t o r n e y the Federal Please do keep me informed about any news in this horrible confrontation. General are laying the Government goundwork for continues to refuse. It Sincerely bloodshed — needless now appears there is bloodshed. I condemn more concern by the Jurgen and Elke Boden the R C M P and the governments that the Alouette Verlag Attorney General for the so-called'' squatters'' dangerous provocative course they have embarked upon. I call at Gustafsen Lake will " u n d e r m i n e " the B . C . Treaty upon them immediately to cease and desist before it is too late. Commission process than about constructive alternatives. If the situation at Gustafsen Lake is to be resolved peacefully and future The positions expressed by the sundancers on their nations' confrontations are to be avoided, a nation-to-nation- alternative to sovereignty and aboriginal title and rights are not "extremist." the B.C. Treaty Commission must be developed and implemented They are shared by many Indian peoples across this province. as soon as possible. British Columbia is unceded Indian land. Our nations' ownership I of their respective territories (our aboriginal title) has never been extinguished. We are not "squatters" or trespassers i n our own homelands. Recognition and accommodation of our aboriginal title and rights must be negotiated on a nation-to-nation basis with Canada. Our people demand JUSTICE and RECOGNITION but whenever they stand up for their rights, they are subjected to the R U L E OF L A W and P O L I C E S T A T E TACTICS! 10 In conclusion, I am willing to meet with sandancers at Gustafsen Lake, if requested and if there is any possibility that my involvement would be helpful i n bringing about a just, honorable and peaceful resolution to the confrontation. -30- FALL 1995 UBCIC NEWS HEALING OUR SPIRIT August 1, 1995 October 12, 1995 Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Dear Sir/Madame: Re: Recruitment of First Nations Big Sisters Currently, B i g Sisters is working to recruit First Nations B i g Sisters to fill the needs of the significant number of First Nations Little Sisters in the Lower Mainland. If anyone is interested or would like more information on becoming a "Big Sister", a First Nations Counsellor will be made available to do a group presentation or meet individually. For further information please contact me, Cheryl Morgan at (604) 873-4525. Yours truly, To: All First Nations Greetings to Chiefs, Elders, Ladies and Gentlemen] For those of you who don't know about our organization we would like to take a moment to tell you who we are and what our mandate is as well as some upcoming functions that we would like to have more involvement and support from First Nations. Our Goals are to: Increase the awareness of H I V and ADDS in both urban and rural First Nations Communities. Provide educational workshops throughout B . C . on the prevention of HIV and AIDS. Advocacy and support to individuals living with HIV and ADDS, as well as to their families and caregivers. Cherly Morgan Increase community accessibility to HIV and AIDS, educational materials and resources. The Union of B. C. Indian Chiefs would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Monique Cote formerly Good) Increase acceptance of people living with HIV and AIDS. for her commitment and dedicaton to the Chiefs Mask Bookstore & Gallery for the past 2 1/2 years. A job wellWe will be having our 3rd Annual General Meeting on November 16, 1995 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. A n agenda will be sent done Monique & good luck,! shortly to all members. At this time we will also be having Board elections, and you must be a member to vote For more information about Healing Our Spirit we would be happy to meet with you. (604) 879-0906 Grand Council Treaty #5 Election Results A s a result of the Treaty #3 elections held on October 4, 5, 6, 1995, effective immediately, the following are the Grand Councils elected political representatives. Grand Chief Kenora Tribal Area Chief Dryden Tribal Area Chief Fort Frances T i b a l Area C h i e f Sincerely, Rod Cunningham Vice President E l i Manciamin Alfred Sinclair Roy Napish Willie Wilson Should you require further clarification on this matter, please do not hesitate to call our office at (807) 5484214. Meegwetch! "This should be good... he's eaten the whole bowlful of tobacco and now he's smoking a potato" FALL 1995 11 UBCIC NEWS UNION OF B. C. INDIAN CHIEFS SUBSCRIPTION F O R M NAME: FOR OFFICE USE O N L Y DATE RECEIVED: _ CHEQ/M.O.# EXPIRY D A T E : ADDRESS: POSTAL/ZIP C O D E : PROVINCE/STATE: 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION NLETTER INDIVIDUALS: $35.00 NCLIPPLNG M E M B E R BANDS: $75.00 INDIVIDUALS: $100.00 T O T A L A M O U N T ENCLOSED $ Please m a k e cheque or m o n e y order payable to: UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS, 5TH F L O O R - 342 WATER STREET, VANCOUVER, B.C., V6B 1A1 CHIEFS MASK B O O K S T O R E ARTS & CRAFTS BOOKS GALLERY - FIRST NATIONS - ABORIGINAL - JEWELLY (GOLD AND SILVER) ISSUES - POTTERY - INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS -PRINTS - LAND CLAIMS - T-SHIRTS -LAW - LEATHER WORK -ART -MASKS - CHILDREN'S BOOKS - BEADWORK - TEACHING AIDS - TRADITIONAL MUSIC - POETRY CALL, WRITE OR DROP IN TODAY! - AND MUCH MORE! CONSIGNMENT ITEMS ACCEPTED Owned and operated b y the U n i o n o f B . C . Indian Chiefs 12 FALL 1995  Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs NEWSLETTER FALL 1995 PRISONERS OF POLITICS RCMP Invade unceded Nuxalk Nation Territory, Hereditary Chiefs, Elders, and F-A.N. Supporters arrested at Fog Creek - Bella Coola, B.C. /ppproximately 40 RCMP _AA moved in on a peaceful V blockade at Ista (Fog Creek) on unceded Nuxalk Nation territory 50 km west of Bella Coola this morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. and are presently in the process of | % enforcing an illegal injunction ordering people out of the area. Radio communications from the camp were initially being jammed from an unknown source, but recent reports that have managed to get through confirm that there are six RCMP boats at the site, including two very large catamarans. The RCMP have already arrested at least 18 people, including two Nuxalk hereditary chiefs and elders, and RCMP climbers are heading up trees in an | } : attempt to apprehend tree-sitters. There were approximately 40 Nuxalk and supporters at the camp this moming, and more boats full of | : iS supporters from the Nuxalk Nation eee 2 ee ay) * EER) f i EA morning that all those arrested would be processed on one of the RCMP boats, where they would be given the optios of signing a undertaking as the terms of their release, after which they would be released at the site. The terms of release in these siuations often include a prohibiben from going back into the area of the blockade, and none of those arrested are agreeing to sign sach a release since they do not accnowledge any jurisdiction other than Nuxalk jurisdiction over Nuxalk territory. The most recent communications suggest that all the arrestees are deing taken straight to Vancosver to appear before tne Supreme Court because of this refusal. This is not merely another logging blockade, the Nuxalk Nation is in the process of : ._ | IN CUSTODY: Nuxalk Hereditary Chiefs Ed Moody and | reoccupying their tredrtional lands. are heading out to the site at this | O.,1:¢ Nelson arrested in logging blockade are handcuffed time. StaffSergeant Larry Babcock | tooether in Vancouver. ( PRISONERS continued on page 2) of the Prince Rupert subdivision who is heading the operation stated this Vancouver Sun, Wed. Sept. 27, 1995 4. Institute of Indigenous Government 8. Gustafsen Lake INSIDE THIS ISSUE... Resource Centre Update Indigenous Perspectives 2. Message from the President 3. Elijah Harper calls for Sacred Assembly 5. UBCIC 27th Annual General Assembly 6. Nuxalk Nation 11. Announcements 6 FALL 1995  UBCIC NEWS Message From The President: Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs presentation on the proposed Firearms Act Bill C-68 to the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs ‘Tl / n the presentation to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional i} @- Affairs the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs told Committee members that the proposed Firearms Act (Bill C-68) legislation will have a very real and very direct impact on the day- to-day lives of First Nation people. More so than on the rest of Canada, both rural and urban. Bill C-68 will make us criminals. When the possession and use of hunting mfles 1s made near impossible by unjust laws the result will be that entire families and communes will have a harder time putting meat on the table. This will force many of our people 10 increased dependence on social assistance and other means of state sponsored support. This is a fact. The government of Canada has not factored these very real social and economic costs into its analysis of the costs of implementing this legislation. The net effect of this legislation is that it criminalizes being Indian. It represents an unwarrented and unacceptable intrusion into the day-to-day lives of First Natioz people. The proposed Firearms Act does not constitute a mere infringement, but rather 2 whole scale criminalization of traditional aboriginal practices. The Firearms Act for all intents and purposes will extinguish ihe aboriginal right to hunt. RECOMMENDATIONS The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs recommended the following amendments to Bill C-68 the proposed Firearms Act: 1, That the following clause be inserted into the act: This act does not apply to aboriginal people to the extent that aboriginal people use, own or possess firearms for the purpose of exercising their inherent aboriginal rights to hunt and trap as recognized under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. 2. _Thata statutory defense provision be inserted into the Canadian Criminal Code amendments which reflecs the fact that the inherent aboriginal nghts to hunt and trap are constitutionally protected and cannot and must not be crimz=2lized. This statutory defense would apply to the provisions which criminalize the mere possession, use or transport of a firezrm without a registration certificate or license. It is not the suggestion of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs that the statutory defense apply where a firearm Is used a committing a crime. However, it is absolutely essential that the mere possession, transport, or use of a firearm, when done 2s a means of practising an inherent right to hunt or trap must not be criminalized. e (PRISONERS continued from page 1) To this end they have begun the construction of several traditional structures at Ista and other sites around the= termtory, and yesterday constructed a smokehouse at Ista so they could begin processing fish at the site. Interfore empi:vees, who arrived with the RCMP this moming, promptly smashed the smokehouse with a sledgehammer and drove their zquipment up the road so they could resume road building operations. -30- Forest Action Network 9) FALL 1995  UBCIC NEWS HARPER CALLS FOR SACRED ASSEMBLY TO ADDRESS ABORIGINAL ISSUES M.P CALLS FOR HEALING AND RECONCILIATION IN FACE OF VIOLENCE AND FRUSTRATION (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; SEPTEMBER 13, 1995 -- OTTAWA) £ © , burchill M.-P. Elijah Harper Wa” is calling for a ‘‘Sacred Assembly’ of Aboriginal and non Aboriginal spiritual leaders to provide counsel and promote reconciliation in the face of rising frustration in First Nations communities. ‘First Nations have lost not just our land and control over our lives, but also our connection to an ancient spirituality that has nurtured our peoples for centuries,’’ said Harper. ‘““Now we have been working through the courts and through the political process to reclaim our land and our right to self- government, but something is missing from the process. The spiritual element has been missing. **The idea of the Sacred Assembly is not just to provide counsel in finding that spiritual element, but also to promote reconciliation. We can’t achieve reconciliation until the harm which has been done to our peoples is acknowledged,’’ said Harper. ““Lawyers and politicians aren’t always willing to do that because they think it’s an admission of liability. But some of Canada’s churches have been willing to do this and it has helped the healing process in our communities. That reconciliation is necessary if Canada’s going to heal.”’ Harper said he has been in contact with spiritual leaders, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, across the country, We can't achieve reconciliation until the harm which has been done to our peoples is acknowledged" - Elijah Harper, M_P. - and they have expressed enthusiasm for the idea. He hopes to establish a working group as soon as possible, as the Assembly will be able to provide direction to communities, leadership and government as they deal with increasingly urgent situations. Harper, who is joining Indian Affairs Minister Ron Irwin in meeting with community leaders at Camp Ipperwash, Ontario today, said this was particularly important in the face of growing frustration and violent stand- offs across Canada. ‘‘When I look at the stand-offs and the frustration, and also at the problems that affect many more of our communities, like suicide, alcoholism, and hopelessness, I see the effects of that spiritual loss. I see people who are trying to fill an emptiness, who are struggling to find something,’ he said, ““But because we’ve lost so much of that spirituality, many of us our misguided. They turn to drugs and alcohol, they turn to material things, and some of them turn to violence. When I look at some of the people at the stand- offs I see people who want to get in touch with our land and our communities and our spiritualism, but they seem cut off from it,”’ he said. ‘Indian Nations must exercise and control their own jurisdictions and their termtory. They must exercise law and order on their own land. And they have to show the Canadian public that they have the capability and the ability,”’ said Harper. **By offering spiritual counsel to our communities, by addressing the spiritual poverty that afflicts our communities, the Sacred Assembly can help to achieve that by restoring confidence in our leadership and promoting good government.”’ While more details on the Sacred Assembly are not available nght now, Harper said he would be acting on it as soon as possible. ‘“Many people are laying the ground work and praying for the success of this Sacred Assembly. We must sustain the culture, values, and traditions that have sustained us for generations.”’ -30- Contact: Lorne Hanks, Parliamentary Assistant to Elijah Harper, MP. (613) 992-3018 Elijah Harper M.P. will be guest speaking at the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Traditional Feast during their 27th Annual General Assembly, October 25, 1995 @ 7:00 p.m. in Kamloops, B.C. in the Kamloops Indian Band Dining Room. PALL 199)  UBCIC NEWS Institute o rf Indigenous Government The Institute of Indigenous Government welcomed its first students in mid September marking the launch of the Institute’s Associate Degree and Certificate programs. Students arrived from Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and regions throughout British Columbia to become part of Canada’s first autonomous degree-granting First Nation post-secondary institution. After a two day orientation, classes were under way - just days after renovations were completed. The Institute’s campus at 342 Water Street occupies the third and fourth floors of the building situated near the gateway of Gastown . The facilities include classrooms, a student lounge, the UBCIC Resource Centre, study areas, an information centre and administrative offices. The Student Support Services Coordinator, Bernice Heather, who also instructs and coordinates the extension program, has an important role at the Institute. Bernice will offer students support as they develop leadership, study, problem-solving and cultural skills. A study workshop has already been scheduled and Bernice will assist in other areas such as goal-setting, career planning, communications and interpersonal skills. The Institute also offers personal and academic counselling, while Elders will be available to offer guidance. Five courses are being offered during the Fall semester: History of Colonization and Indigenous Resistance, Indigenous Society, Culture and Identity, Fundamentals of Economic and Social Development, Indigenous Nations, International Organizations and the United States, and Records Management for Indigenous Government. Detailed course offerings and a student handbook for the Spring semester are expected to be available by mid-October. The Institute will be sending information packages throughout the province and to other regions at that time. To date, inquiries have come from throughout Canada and from such centres in the United States as New York City and Arizona. In the meantime you may want to prab a pen -- our phone and fax numbers change on October 5th. Our new phone number is: (604) 602-9555, while our fax number is: (604) 602-3400. Contact the registrar, Darell Gaddie, if you require an admissions package. The information officer, Lorraine Passchier, is available to help with the distribution of brochures and handbooks. Finally here is a list of some key staff members at the Institute. In future newsletters, we will offer a more in- depth look at the Institute, its students and its faculty. Paul Chartrand, President Herb Strongeagle, Bursar Darell Gaddie, Registrar Dan Gottesman, Academic Dean and Professor Sylvia Walsh, Director of Program Planning and Development and Associate Professor Bernice Heather, Instructor and Student Support Services & Extension Coordinator Theo Collins, Assistant Professor Alejandro Palacios, Assistant Professor & International Program Coordinator Andres (Lix) Lopez, Sessional] Lecturer Sandie Bradley, Sessional Lecnire Resource Centre With restricted access to the Resource Centre in place over the summer, it often looked very quiet in the library. The Resource Centre staff, however, have never been busier. Many decisions were made regarding cataloguing and classification, including our own in-house adaptation of the Library of Congress classification scheme and the design of appropriate subject heading for our collection. Many hours were spent, for example, expanding the LC classification scheme to cover all aspects of self-government and the many areas of aboriginal title and nghts. Then we began the long task of re-cataloguing and classifying the entire collection. That project will be ongoing and will remain a priority. Getting ready for the first Institute of Indigenous Government students meant many other tasks had to be done over the summer as well. There were, and still are, many transitions to go through in becoming a library which serves a post- secondary institution. The Resource Centre staff have worked very hard to put new policies, procedures, and collection materials in place. It is hoped that we can have a multi-media workstation in the Resource Centre within the year for users to access the new automated catalog, CD- ROM reference sources, and online library catalogs of other post-secondary and public libraries. We now have a borrower card for Vancouver Public Library and the University of British Columbia. The IG will soon become a member of the provincial post-secondary interlibrary network. We will be able to borrow books and get journal articles from libranes all over North America. We continue to develop the collection for researchers. The B.C. Archives newspaper file and index on microfiche is on order. This source will allow subjects access to old B.C. newspapers. We have added many books to the collection over the summer end | am including a short select list of some of those titles. If you need further information about any of them call us in the Resource Centre. The list was generated from the records in our automated catalog. I have become familiar Guning the summer with some of the excelent sites available on the Internet for getting aboriginal materials. If anyone has access to the Intermet or is thinking of ‘‘getnng connected”’, I can provide a hst of Internet sites. Perhaps J can cover the Icternet in more detail in future newsletters. In the meantime, there is an invaluable mformation source here for our member bands. Call us anytime. If we can not provide the information, we will do our 4 best to tell you who can = - Wendy Anceil, Librarian FALL 1995  Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs You are cordially invited 27th Annual General Assembly "OUR SACRED LANDS" October 24, 25, 26, 1995 Kamloops Indian Band Gymnasium 345 Yellowhead Highway Kamloops, B.C. DRAFT AGENDA October 24, 1995 UBCIC NEWS (draft agenda continued) October 25, 1995 9:00 a.m.: 9:15 a.m: 9:30 a.m.: 1:30 p.m.: 2:00 p.m.: 4:30 p.m.: 7:00 p.m.: Opening Prayer Chair: Opening Remarks Panel: International Indigenous Stroggles for Justice at the United Nations: Ted Moses, Grand Council of the Crees of Quebec (Resolutions) LUNCH BREAK Overview of the Institute of Indigenous Government. Paul Chartrand, Interim President of the IG, Nominations for UBCIC President Candidates Speeches Closing Prayer; Adjournment of Davy 2 TRADITIONAL FEAST: Elijah Harper M.P., Guest Speaker, 8:30a.m.: Registration October 26, 1995 9:00 a.m.: Call to order; Entry of Flags; Opening Prayer 9:00 a.m.: Opening Prayer ©- 9:30a.m.: Ratification of Chair, Agenda and 9-15 ean aie tne Renee ‘ Committees. Words of Welcome: eae auae@pening Remarks Chie{ Manny ditles 9:30a.m.: Returning Officer explains election procedures. .. Election for UBCIC President 10:00 a.m.: Panel: Responsibilities to Our Sacred Lands. Announce menborelection ceailis Glen Douglas, Grand Chief Archie Jack, Presidential acceptance speech Chief Scotty Holmes, Ted Moses (Resolutions) LUNCH BREAK LUNCH BREAK 1:30 P.M.: UBCIC Annual Reports 1:30 p.m.: President's Address & Principles of Treaty Adoption of 1994 Taree Making. Chief Saul Terry, Bridge River Audit and resolution: Arnold Peters, Fi Manaze 2:00 p.m.: Panels: Indian Jurisdiction and Federal Legal: Mandell Pin _ a Responsibilities. Health: Carole Dawson, Joint Policy Council: Dan Gottesmar. Education: Verna Stager (Resolutions) , Policy Dire élor Claims Research: Leigh Ogston, 3:00 p.m.: = Fishing: Tribal Chief Mike Leach, Chief Frances R me oF ee fog Laceese, Chief Frank Boucher, Chief Bob Pasco Resolutions (Resolutions) ; 3:00 p.m.: Closing Prayer; Adjournment of 27th A.G.A. 4:00 p.m.: Closing Prayer, Adjournment, Day 1 P ee Tey : FALL 1995  UBCIC NEWS NUXALK NATION GOVERNMENET First of all we would like to acknowledge Tatau, the Creator, through Manakays, the Great Spirit, for all that he has provided since the beginning of time and still provides today SOVEREIGNTY The word ‘““SOVEREIGNTY’”’ is one that many of our people do not know the meaning of. It is a word that will be used many times during this gathering of ours and it is important for all of our people to understand it. Our “SOVEREIGNTY”? is our traditional ways! It is our fishing, hunting, ceremonies, laws, stories, songs, potlatches, and dances. Our ‘““SOVEREIGNTY”’ is a sacred gift handed down to us by Tatau, our Creator. It is something that was never given to us by any government or business. Our ““SOVEREIGNTY’”’ is not the Canadian government laws! Our ““SOVEREIGNTY’’ is not the British Columbian laws! These two levels of governments do not have any right to practise their man made laws over our laws that were handed down to us from the Creator. Our ‘“SOVEREIGNTY’”’ is when we hunt, when we fish and where we fish! Our ‘““SSOVEREIGNTY”’ is our plant foods and medicines! Our “‘SOVEREIGNTY”’ is our traditional way of life. No other nation is given the permission to define our ““SOVEREIGNTY’’! As long as we keep our “SOVEREIGNTY ’”’ we shall survive as a nation! For the future of our Children, Grandchildren, and Children yet unborn... Way! "Ministry of Forests is issuing illegal permits to Interfor to Log in Nuxalk Territory." (September 27, 1995) The NUXALK NATION opposes any clear-cutting and logging practices of Interfor within the Nuxalk Nation’s Traditional Termitories. Nuxalk Nation Territory is unceded land. Nuxalk Nation has never entered or signed any agreements with the Government. We do not honour the B.C. Treaty Commission Process because it extinguishes our title and rights. Interfor has been logging in our territory for awhile now. We have never consented to allow Interfor to log in our territories. Yet, they continue to log even when we demanded them to stop. We have been opposing Interfor’s plans to log ever since we were made aware of the logging plans. Last summer, we strongly opposed any illegal logging plans for Talyu Hotsprings. Our voices still have not been recognized! We area nation of people and oppose developments in our territories that is destructive to the land and all that flows from it. There has been destruction of our sacred sites, forests, traditional village sites and historic burial grounds. This continues to happen today, and we will no longer stand by and watch this destruction of our territory. We ““THANK”’ all groups out there for supporting us - in calling for a STOP to all the destruction within our Nuxalk Territory. We especially thank the Forest Action Network (FAN) for all their support in standing by our Nuxalk Nation Elders, Nuxalk Nation Hereditary Chiefs and the Nuxaikmce, For the future of our children, grandchildren and children yet unborn... Way! FALL 1995  Jailed Action Defenders to Appear Before Supreme Court BELLA COOLA, B.C. - Fourteen people arrested yesterday on contempt of court charges for defending unceded Nuxalk land from destruction by International Forest Products (INTERFOR) will appear before the Supreme Court in Vancouver today at 10:00 a.m. The arrestees, who were flown to Vancouver yesterday evening and held overnight in the Pre- Trial Detention Centre, include 8 Nuxalkmc, of which three are hereditary chiefs and three are elders, one Ojibway activist from Manitoba, and 5 non native activists from the Forest Action Network. A delegation of Nuxalkmc who drove through the night down from Bella Coola will be at the courthouse this moming to pray, sing, and support their people in court. They will be joined by natives and non-natives from the Vancouver area who support the Nuxalk and Forest Action Network’s struggle for recognition of Nuxalk sovereignty and protection of the land. The demonstrators will also be expressing their outrage at the jailing of elders and traditional leaders for carrying out their traditional duties of protecting the land. The fourteen who are to appear at court today, as well as eight others, were arrested yesterday at Ista (Fog Creek) on King Istand, approximately 50 kms west of Bella Coola, when RCMP invaded the Nuxalk traditional territory which Nuxalk people and their invited guests were beginning to reoccupy. Fourteen of those arrested refused to sign terms of release which required them to acknowledge jurisdiction other than Nuxalk jurisdiction over the land they were on; the undertaking required them to obey the B.C. Supreme Court’s injunction forbidding them from defending Nuxalk land from illegal logging, as well as forbidding them from moving freely in Nuxalk territory by barring them from returning to Ista (Fog Creek). Interfor brought twice the usual amount of machinery and equipment to the site yesterday morning in their eagerness to resume their destruction of the old-growth forests of the Great Coast Forest. -30- Forest Action Network 251-2477 UBCIC NEWS Statement made by Hereditary Chief Qwatsinas (Edward Moody) from the Pretrial Centre in Vancouver (September 27, 1995) Ista (Fogg Creek): I see that the loggers have rights. the road builders have rights, the logging companies have rights, and they have the RCMP with them to back up their rights. We as the Hereditary Chiefs and Nuxalkmc are protecting and defending our forest and our land and our rights. There is no law enforcement or the RCMP to enforce our rights. In order for us to protect and defend Ista we have to do it ourselves. Under the B.C. Treaty Commission process the loggers, the road builders, the logging companies, and the RCMP are at the negotiations table and I see that they are in a major conflict of interest. We are not signing the release forms here based on our principles and morals. As Hereditary Chiefs, we can’t accept guilt on behalf of our people, we can't sign release forms on that basis, that we would accept the destruction of the forests of Ista. We call ourselves political prisoners. We’re opposing the destruction of Ista, and we stand by that. They came to defend what they believe in. They took us prisoners because of what we did. It’s not an enforcement issue, its a political and environmental and human issue. We are going to stand fast in what we believe in. Way! Make your presence felt in a real and powerful issue of our times. Your help is needed to protect indigenous rights and the forests! For more information contact: Nuxalk Nation (604) 799-5376 Forest Action Network (604) 251-2477 Vancouver Temerate Rainforest Action Coalition (604) 251-3190 UBCIC NEWLETTER DEADLINE If you have any material that you would like to see in the next edition of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Newsletter, please forward to our Vancouver office by fax or mail 2s soon as possible to the attention of "UBCIC NEWSLETTER”. We would appreciate the volume of information be kept to a minimum so others can benefit from this service. Please do not fax business cards. Next deadline is November 15, 1995. Ournew address is 5th Floor - 342 Water Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 1B6. Our phone and fax number will remain the same. Phone (604) 684-0231 Fax: (604) 684-5726. FALL 1993  UBCIC NEWS INDIGENOUS NATIONS PERSPECTIVES SHUSWAP AGREE TO PEACEFUL SOLUTION Big Lake, August 24, 1995 The Shuswap people, who remain true to the Creator and the Land of our Ancestors, seek a peaceful resolution to a crises which has been going on for 139 years. Domestic Laws, which we have no hand in signing, do not apply here. Tribal councils of so-called ‘‘chiefs’’ paid by the Government of Canada do not speak for us. We have never ceded or sold our territory. Anyone claiming title to our stolen lands should be compensated by the government of British Columbia and our lands returned to us. The legal precedence protecting our rights as Indigenous Peoples have never been heard. We agree to lay down our arms after receiving a guarantee of diplomatic immunity from prosecution for all members of this camp, and audiences with our representative Bruce Clark and the Queen’s Privy Council and Governor General of Canada. The purpose of these hearings must be a formal ruling of the legitimacy of claim. We believe that when the true Canadian law is applied it will be clear who are the true caretakers of this land. Signed Percy Rosette Faithkeeper CONFEDERACY OF SIX NATIONS August 28, 1995 Attention: Sergeant Montague Royal Canadian Mounted Police Re: Gustafsen Lake Confrontation Sergeant Montague, we at the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations in central Alberta are deeply concerned with what has transpired in the last 48 hours at Gustafsen Lake, B.C.. Although we may not fully agree with these people on their issue, we cannot see the answer to this confrontation to be to massacre these people. We call on you to stop any kind of armed attack and to attempt to resolve this issue in a peaceful manner. You should be aware that your response will have repercussions across Canada and North America. A peaceful solution will enhance future relations between First Nations and non-First Nations people. Massacre will only serve to instigate mistrust and hate. Sergeant Montague, this is a short message to you. We pray to the Creator that you will act wisely upon this request. Thank you. Chiefs, Councillors, Elders, and the First Nations of Treaty Six. c.c. Mike Harcourt (604) 387-0087 Fax INNU NATION CALLS FOR RCMP TO WITHDRAW FROM GUSTAFSEN LAKE August 31, 1995 (Sheshatshiu) The Innu Nation today called on the RCMP to withdraw from their siege of the Sundancers encampment at Gustafsen Lake, and condemned the B.C. provincial government for their response to the situation. “*The situation at Gustafsen Lake gravely concerns the Innu Nation. As Innu, we have often experienced the heavy hand of RCMP intervention when defending our land and rights. Force has never resolved anything. It creates instability and tension, and may lead to bloodshed and violence. It is the coward’s way,’’ stated Daniel Ashini, Director of Innu Rights and Environment. The B.C. Premier, Attorney General, and the RCMP have misrepresented the Sundancers as terrorists, renegades and trespassers. But their aspirations are shared by many aboriginal peoples across Canada. British Columbia, like Quebec- Labrador, is unceded aboriginal land. Our nations’ ownership of our land has never been extinguished. We have never given up our right to practice our spirituality. We see fair nation-to-nation negotiation, not police intervention, as the only way to resolve the crises that the Province and police have precipitated,’’ continued Ashini. ‘‘Premier Harcourt and Attorney General Ujjal Dosanjh must take the blame for creating a confrontation which could result in violence. Rather than dealing fairly and directly with the Sundancers, they chose to respond to the Sundander’s legitimate concerns with police state tactics. -30- Daniel Ashini (709) 497-8398 FALL 1995  UBCIC NEWS AROUND GUSTAFSEN LAKE LETTER TO UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS PENTICTON INDIAN BAND FROM: Staff and volunteers at CHRY Radio, North York, August 28, 1995 --We are outraged by the Harcourt Ontario government’s treacherous attempt to politically exploit the Gustafsen Lake incident. The Harcourt government has We wish to convey to the Shuswap Sundancers our heartfelt demonstrated that it is more than willing to trade the blood of support. We applaud their courage in taking this difficult stand, | both the Native and the non-Native people of the Sundance and we wish them to know that there are many people across camp for ballots in the upcoming Provincial election. Rather Canada, both Native and non Native, who support their actions, than pursue a peaceful resolution of the standoff, the Harcourt who want the current federal and provincial regimes to rectify government has chosen to pursue a strategy of purposeful past injustices by respecting Native sovereignty and working in provocation. The exchange of gunfire between RCMP - good faith towards a just settlement of land claims NOT Emergency Response Team members and camp occupants are extinguishment of aboriginal title. We are sending faxes to undeniable evidence of the results of such a totally irresponsible Prime Minister John Chretien urging the federal government to adventunistic strategy. We condemn the Harcourt government deal on a nation to nation basis with the Shuswap and other and the RCMP for their police state mentality. nations in the territory known as British Columbia. Racial tensions in the Province of B.C. shall We hope you can convey this to the Shuswap Defenders. escalate to historically unprecedented levels in the event that Thank you for sending us faxes, and we urge you to continue to people of the Sundance camp are killed by the RCMP. Without keep us informed. question, there shall be serious repercussions throughout the province of B.C. in the aftermath of a massacre of the people Bonita Lawrence occupying the Sundance camp. It is incumbent upon the Harcourt government to make on behalf of staff and volunteers at CHRY community radio absolutely every conceivable attempt to seek a peaceful resolution of this standoff. In this regard, the Premier and members of his Cabinet should make every attempt to meet with Native leaders within the area for the purpose of establishing a negotiating climate that shall lead to a peaceful resolution of this situation. LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER JEAN CHRETIEN August 29, 1995 We are writing to request that the federal government learn from the mistakes of Oka, and settle the standoff at Gustafsen Lake by dealing on a nation to nation basis with the Shuswap and other nations of the territory now known as British Columbia. We do not believe that the Shuswap Sundancers at Gustafsen Lake are ‘‘terrorists,’’ or that this issue shall be viewed as a matter of ‘‘law and order’. We believe that, just as Oka, this confrontation is the fruit of despair, of Native zeoples who have tried through legal channels to defend their territories, but who have continuously been obstructed through bad faita on the part of provincial and federal bureaucrats. We urge the federal government to get involved with the issue - the standoff at Gestafsen Lake cannot be ignored. What about the federal government’s historic obligation to protect the interests of the Aborigin:! peoples? How can the federal government stand aside and ignore the demands of the Shuswap and other native nations who want their historic title to the land recognized and protected? Your current policy of doing nothing will only result in more stando=s, more confrontations, as more and more communities are driven to confronting the Canadian state through violence, when negzctiations fail through governmental bad faith. The result will be more and more millions of taxpayer’s money spent on police actions to suppress uprisings which could never have happened if the federal government respected who really owns this land. Canada deserves the bad image it is getting for human rights violations internationally if it will not deal honorably with Aboriginal peoples at hore. We strongly urge you, Mr. Chretien, to address the current occupation at Gustafsen Lake. The Shuswap Defenders should not have to resort to violence in order to be heard. Anything less is simply unacceptable. -30- For further information: Stewart Phillip, Okanagan Nation Sincerely, Bonita Lawrence on behalf of staff and volunteers at CHRY Radio GUSTAFSEN LAKE (Continued on page 10) FALL 199) 9  UBCIC NEWS GUSTAFSEN LAKE (Continued from page 9) am gravely concerned over the escalating confrontation taking place at Gustafsen Lake in the territory of the Shuswap Nation. For over two weeks, the RCMP, the Attorney General and the media have gone to great lengths to discredit the Shuswap sundancers and their supporters at Gustafsen Lake as dangerous fanatics in order to justify the use of armed force to remove them from the sundance grounds. In recent days, the RCMP has chosen to cut off communications and isolate the sundancers even further, contrary to the strategy usually followed by police when trying tode-escalate and peacefully resolve similar emergency Situations involving firearms. In trying to discredit and isolate the sundancers, the RCMP | and the Attorney General are laying the goundwork for bloodshed -- needless bloodshed. I condemn the RCMP and the Attorney General for the Statement on the standoff at Gustafsen Lake by Chief Saul Terry President, Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs August 28, 1995 Ms. Halie Bruce Exec. Assistant UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS Vancouver, B.C. Canada Dear Ms. Bruce: Thank you for your fax of August 29 along with the various newspaper reports and commentaries. As I mentioned to you on the telephone the other day, we had sent Chief Saul Terry’s Press Release about the confrontation at Gustafsen lake to our friend at the daily newspaper “*Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung’’, as well as through our friends of the German section to Amnesty International, International Secretariate, in London, England (fax number England 171-956-1157), as well as to the Canadian section of Amnesty International in Vanier, Ontario (fax number Canada 613-744-7667). The same I have sent to our Dene friend in the federal government in Ottawa, Ms. Ethel Blondin-Andrew. To all of them, we have now offered to send what you have faxed us (the newspaper reports) as background information, and I hope they will request to obtain the media reports. Of course, Amnesty International in Canada - who in our eyes would be a good ‘‘mediator’’ in the terrible conflict - as well as Ms. Blondin-Andrew will be aware of what has been and is going on at Gustafsen Lake. We can only hope with all of you that the confrontation will end in a more or less peaceful way, since otherwise we foresee grave and large problems between the Native population in B.C. and in Canada and the non-Native population, which would surely be the worst development for the future of peoples and lands. Please do keep me informed about any news in this horrible confrontation. Sincerely Jurgen and Elke Boden Alouette Verlag Since 1990, the Federal Government has refused to discuss nation- to-nation option for negotiations with our respective peoples. Instead, they have steadfastly defended their B.C. Treaty Commission extinguishment process to the exclusion of all other options and possibilities. As recently as June 23, 1993, 8.C Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Cashore wrote to me and the Hon. Ron Irwin, Minister of Indian Affairs, urging Canada andthe Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs ““to meet at the earliest opportunity to begin work towards a [nation-to-nation] treaty process for those First Nations who have not joined the B.C Treaty Commission.”’ Yet the Federal Government continues to refuse. It now appears there is more concern by the governments that the so-called “‘squatters”’ dangerous provocative course they have embarked upon. I call upon them immediately to cease and desist before it is too late. The positions expressed by the sundancers on their nations’ sovereignty and aboriginal title and rights are not “‘extremist.”’ They are shared by many Indian peoples across this province. British Columbia is unceded Indian land. Our nations’ ownership of their respective territories (our aboriginal title) has never been extinguished. We are not ‘‘squatters’’ or trespassers in our own homelands, Recognition and accommodation of our aboriginal title and rights must be negotiated on a nation-to-nation basis with Canada. Our people demand JUSTICE and RECOGNITION but whenever they stand up for their rights, they are subjected to the RULE OF LAW and POLICE STATE TACTICS! at Gustafsen Lake will ‘‘undermine’’ the B.C. Treaty Commission process than about constructive alternatives. If the situation at Gustafsen Lake is to be resolved peacefully and future confrontations are to be avoided, a nation-to-nation- alternative to the B.C. Treaty Commission must be developed and implemented as soon as possible. In conclusion, ] am willing to meet with sandancers at Gustafsen Lake, if requested and if there is any possibility that my involvement would be helpful in bringing about a just, honorable and peaceful resolution to the confrontation. -30- 10 FALL 1995  August 1, 1995 Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Dear Sir/Madame: Re: Recruitment of First Nations Big Sisters Currently, Big Sisters is working to recruit First Nations Big Sisters to fill the needs of the significant number of First Nations Little Sisters in the Lower Mainland. If anyone is interested or would like more information on becoming a “Big Sister", a First Nations Counsellor will be made available to do a group presentation or meet individu- ally. For further information please contact me, Cheryl Morgan at (604) 873-4525. Yours truly, Cherly Morgan The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Monique Cote (formerly Good) for her commitment and dedicaton to the Chiefs Mask Bookstore & Gallery for the past 2 1/2 years. A job well done Monique & good luck. ! Grand Council Treaty #3 Election Results As a result of the Treaty #3 elections held on October 4,5, 6, 1995, effective immediately, the following are the Grand Councils elected political representatives. Grand Chief Eli Mandamin Kenora Tribal Area Chief Alfred Sinclair Dryden Tribal Area Chief Roy Napish Fort Frances Tibal Area Chief Willie Wilson Should you require further clarification on this matter, please do not hesitate to call our office at (807) 548- 4214. Meegwetch! UBCIC NEWS HEALING OUR SPIRIT October 12, 1995 Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs To: All First Nations Greetings to Chiefs, Elders, Ladies and Gentlemen! For those of you who don't know about our organization we would like to take a moment to tell you who we are and what our mandate is as well as some upcoming functions that we would like to have more involvement and support from First Nations. Our Goals are to: Increase the awareness of HIV and AIDS in both urban and rural First Nations Communities. Provide educational workshops throughout B.C. on the preven- tion of HIV and AIDS. Advocacy and support to individuals living with HIV and AIDS, as well as to their families and caregivers. Increase community accessibility to HIV and AIDS. educational materials and resources. Increase acceptance of people living with HIV and AIDS. We will be having our 3rd Annual General Meeting on Novem- ber 16, 1995 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. An agenda will be sent shortly to all members. At this time we will also be having Board elections, and you must be a member to vote. For more information about Healing Our Spirit we would be happy to meet with you. (604) 879-0906 Sincerely, Rod Cunningham, Vice President "This should be good... he’s eaten the whole bowlful of tobacco and now he's smoking a rotato’” FALL 199) 11  UBCIC NEWS UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS © SUBSCRIPTION FORM NAME: FOR OFFICE USE ONLY ADDRESS: DATE RECEIVED: CHEQ/M.0. # a EXPIRY DATE: i _ AND at PROVINCE/STATE: POSTAL/ZIP CODE: 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION NLETTER INDIVIDUALS: $35.00 NCLIPPING MEMBER BANDS: $75.00 INDIVIDUALS: $160.00 TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $ Please make cheque or money order payable to: UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS, 5TH FLOOR - 342 WATER STREET, VANCOUVER, B.C., V6B 1A1 CHIEFS MASK BOOKSTORE A BOOKS ARTS & CRAFTS - FIRST NATIONS ie "TAL LER VY - JEWELLY (GOLD AND SILVER) - ABORIGINAL ISSUES - POTTERY - INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS - PRINTS - LAND CLAIMS Bs - T-SHIRTS N@ as 2 - LEATHERWORK - ART © - CHILDREN'S BOOKS eS - BEADWORK - TEACHING AIDS - TRADITIONAL MUSIC - POETRY CALL, WRITE OR - AND MUCH MORE! DROP IN TODAY! CONSIGNMENT ITEMS ACCEPTED Owned and operated by the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs 12 FALL 1995