UBCIC News (May 1978)

1.06-01.03 Nesika: UBCIC News

1.06.-01 Newsletters and bulletins sub-series

May 1978

english

1.06-01.03-02.05

10

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1978 - Page 2

WESTCOAST TRANSMISSION LOOPING
HEARINGS - Page 3

JOE DE LA CRUZ ADDRESS TO
GENERAL ASSEMBLY - Page 5

FISHING QUOTAS - Page 6

LILLIAN BROWN TO APPEAL - Page 8

GENOCIDE IN NORTHEAST - Page 15

and lots more

periodical

 ubcic INSIDE: GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1978 WESTCOAST TRANSMISSION LOOPING HEARINGS JOE DE LA CRUZ ADDRESS TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY FISHING QUOTAS LILLIAN BROWN TO APPEAL GENOCIDE IN NORTHEAST and 1Gf6. mores: <655556 558 ea eG Page 2 Page 3 Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 Page 15 oes ee oe 2 oe me MAY 1978  — : LAND AND RESOURCE We have observed that the Europeans have brought with them their animal compani- ons. We know that they have brought to this continent; horses, cows, sheep, goats, even rats and houseflies. We will concede that they should have respons- ibility to care for all of their companions. We fully expect and require that it be established that OUR companions, the salmon, deer, eagles, ravens, wolves, bear, songbirds, and all plants, shall henceforth be know as the responsibility of the Indian people of this land. These living creatures were established here with us by our Creator. We will now begin discussions as to the manner in which our responsibility wil] now be discharged. The white people will no longer claim ownership over our resources. They are not theirs. They did not come here with them. They are not theirs. Their living resources are horses, cows, sheep, goats, rats and houseflies. We will honor the law the Europeans make for them. Let us talk simply. If Canadian interests are truly to protect and, to keep the living creatures of this continent intact, we may seek advice and help to protect them from all dangers. But after that, we require that white men leave them alone. We must protect them as we must protect our lives. We will protect them, if nec- essary with our lives. If the white man wishes to deal fairly with us, let him recognize reason. Let him not use his own weapons and power as argument. He has formed his law, his economy, his social institutions, his government, into weapons against defenceless people. Let him leave his weapons far away. Let him lay all those aside, let him come with truth only. Then we can talk. (An elder representing the National Indian Brotherhood at the General Assembly.) If you have strong feelings about a topic of concern to you, we invite you to write it down and send it to: The Editor, UBCIC Newsletter, 440 West Hastings St., Vancouver, B.C.  GENERAL ASSEMBLY : 1978 a fragile solidarity Over 800 people from all over the Province attended the 10th Annual Assem- bly of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, held in Penticton April 18 - 22. Observers from the United Native Nations, The Indian Homemakers of B.C., The Native Media Society attended the Assembly, as well as observers from other Indian organizations in Canada and the United States. The General Assembly was an intense work- ing conference. The agenda was very heavy and activities were planned so that everyone could be kept busy in workshops, social activities and the big meeting itself, as well as the many small regional meetings that took place. Many people have commented that the General Assembly was too heavy. There was also the suggestion that we should have two big meetings a year so that we can all get all of the work done. The workshops were an important part of the Assembly because we were able to talk about important issues that were of specific interest to our bands, in an informal working session, outside of the formal Assembly. Politically, it could be said that the Assembly achieved ''a fragile solidarity'' in the words of George Manuel. Even though the West Coast District walked out of the Assembly on the second day, as the conference progressed, it became increasingly clear that there was mutual agreement about the major issues facing Indians in B.C. The most important achievement of this year's Assembly is that we now share a collective goal. George Manuel spoke about Indian Government in his speech to the General Assembly. He cited unemployment figures: ''The Indian people never used to live in poverty and we never experienced unemployment before the Europeans came and made it a way of life for us. Now at the best of times the average unemployment rate among our people is 57%. and at the worst of times over 90%. The government of Canada is concerned about a national unemployment rate of 8% while we have to deal with unemployment of 55% to 90%....The keys to Indian employment are Indian Government and Indian control of our resources. We have to work towards a just Aboriginal Rights agreement so that we can regain our authority over enough lands, waters and resources to provide a firm economic base for all of our Indian people. We have to develop our own Indian Government that will control all our hunting and fishing rights. That's the only way we can regain an economic base that will allow our people to enjoy a standard of living comparable to that of other Canadians." The General Assembly gave the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs the mandate to begin the long road towards Indian control of Indian lives and the means to live. We have achieved a ''fragile solidarity,'' but if anything becomes clear by the events of the Assembly it is that we all have an enormous amount of work to do. In concluding his speech to General Assembly, George Manuel stated: "The work that needs to be done for us to manage our Indian Fishing rights and to create a strong Indian Government is a monumental task. But | challenge you to keep pace with the job that we must do as Indian people. You know and | know that the only people that can solve our problems is us. The only people that can bring about our goals is us. |'m going to be a leader in this fight and | hope that | WILL HAVE YOUR SUPPORT, AND THAT IN EVERY BAND YOU WILL TAKE THE KIND OF ACTION THAT |S NEEDED, to protect and defend our rights.''  WESTCOAST WANTS MORE Here we go In January of this year, Westcoast Trans- mission applied to the National Energy Board for approval to ''loop'' portions of its pipeline from Chetwynd, in north- eastern B.C. to Huntington on the Canada - U.S. border. (Looping is doubling a pipeline by laying another pipeline beside it). Westcoast proposes to loop sections of the line totalling 111.5 miles. By looping the pipeline, Westcoast would be able to carry more oil to Amer-. ican markets at a time when the cost per barrel is high because of shortfalls in the American mid-west. If the Chetwynd- Huntington line could be looped quickly and without a big fuss, then Westcoast Transmission could cash in on the high prices before the prices per barrel drops. The general attitude towards looping applications is to say: ''Oh well, they're small projects, the pipeline has already gone through the area once, the environmental impacts and the social impacts are not serious.'' However, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs is opposed to industrial developments until companies can prove that they will do everything in their power to make sure that the land and the people are not damaged in the process of development. After consultation with the bands affected by the looping pro- posal, it was decided that the UBCIC would intervene in the National Energy Board hearing into Westcoast Transmission's application to loop the Chetwynd-Hunting- ton line. The Looping hearing began April 25 and lasted two weeks. There were many other parties who were opposed to the application: these were oil companies who would be affected economically if West- coast succeeded in its application. The UBCIC was the only party which intervened on public interest grounds. 3 Loop de Loop The hearing took place ‘in a room which looked like a court room in the B. C. Energy Corporation offices in downtown Vancouver. The room was packed with men in three piece suits and real leather attache cases. Most were oil companies' lawyers and technical advisors ~- engineers, biologists, etc., all brought in to argue the ''rightness'' of their cases. In the back row by the windows sat the Indians and their ''technical advisors'' (2) and their lawyer (1). We were dressed in varying shades of blue jeans, work shirts, shawls and cowboy boots. It was very funny to be sitting in a room full of three piece suits and shiny shoes. On the other hand, we were all aware of the seriousness of our case. From time to time through- out the two week hearing we would catch each others! eye and smile, a secret smile - the smile of people who know they are right. Our Evidence The UBCIC challenged the company on the grounds that the company had not done sufficient environmental and socio-economic studies to know what effect the pipeline would have on the lands and on the people. Many of the people along the pipeline route came down to the hearing and told the National Energy Board of problems that they had with Westcoast Transmission in the past. They also told the hear- ing about their land. Robert Simon from Deadman'seek came before the Board and pointed out that there was salmon spawning in a creek. Westcoast had not known this when they had described the environment in his area. Herman  Sellars from Deep Creek told the Board that he was unhappy with the right-of- way contracts which the company nego- tiated in 1955 with the help of the Department of Indian Affairs. He was also worried about his fishing. ‘It is all we have left around our place.'' Arlene Laboucane and Stan Napoleon from the northeast, told the Board of the problems they have been experiencing in their area now that the Silver-Dahl Pipe- line is being built. Westcoast Trans- mission had come to the Fort St. John area and had said that they could build the pipeline without any negative effects. Arlene Laboucane, told about the increas- ed alcohol abuse which had occured in the area since the construction workers had come. She told about the problems which their reserves have when Indian women go off with the white workers. Stan Napoleon told of the damage which West- coast had done to rivers and traplines in constructing the first pipeline. Mary-Lou Andrew from Seabird Island told the Board that Westcoast had done damage to their creek in constructing the first pipeline. She also expressed her fears which were shared by other people about the safety of the pipeline once it is in place. What assurances do we have that the line will not blow up with the increased pressure on the line once it is looped? she asked. Andy Solonas from McLeod Lake told the Board that his people wanted compensa- tion for the pipeline going through their traditional lands. He was also very skillful in pointing out the lack of knowledge which the Company had about the land on which hispeople live and the lives that they lead. Ray Hance, a Vice-President of the UBCIC put before The National Energy Board, the resolution which had been passed at the General Assembly in Penticton in which all the Chiefs agreed to oppose the con- struction of the pipeline until we were satisfied that the pipeline could be built safely. We called on Mr. Chris Hatfield who has experience in the preparation of environ- mental studies for other pipeline projects and in his evidence he said that he felt that the material which the company sub- mitted was so defective that the National Energy Board should not grant the company the right to go ahead and build the pipe- line. He also stated that he felt the environmental damage in a looping applica- tion could be more serious than firsttime pipeline construction because the area had already experienced damage and would probably take longer to recover the second time round. Our Impact Many questions were raised at the National Energy Board hearing. Few were answered. Our witnesses at the hearing spoke of our feelings. They asked real questions and they received no answers. They spoke of our interests and showed that the companies did not work on our behalf. What can be done? How can we fight back? Every time Indian people go before a hearing, every time an Indian speaks of Our past, present and future a few will listen, a few more will remember. We had a great impact on the looping hearings. We have lost nothing and gained a lot. Government and business people know we are not going to let ourselves be for- gotten and that we will take our turn to tell of our experiences, our truths of the work of companies. It is important to us to remain strong and firm with these people, these people who use power in ''our best interest''. We will not be silent in these hearings. We will have our say. We will continue to teach these people of the wisdom of our people.  “Boldt Decision not a total victory” Joe de la Cruz, President of the National Tribal Association in the United States and one of the main figures we associate with the Boldt decision in the State of Washington, was invited to address del- egates to the General Assembly about Indian fishing in the State of Washing- ton. Fishing has always been as impor- tant to the people of Washington State as it is to us. They have always harvested salmon from the rivers, both for both subsistence and trade. They have also had to fight to retain their _ aboriginal rights to the fish. ''| have to agree with George Manuel said Joe in his introduction, that the people that manage and administer fisheries in Canada and the United States are our public enemy number one''. THE BOLDT DECISION In 1973, 22 tribes got together to fight back. They hired the best tech- nical experts, anthropologists and attorneys. They pooled their resources, built their own data base, built their own hatcheries and proved they could manage their fishing resources far better than the government agencies. Their fight earned a court ruling that 50% of the harvestable catch belongs to the Indian people. ''Most of you have heard of that as the Boldt decision. That Boldt decision was not a total victory for the Indian people, !'1ll assure you that''. Some tribes can never reach that harvest realistically: other tribes caught more before the ruling. The Boldt decision also turned the genral public totally against the Indian people in the view of the media. The State of Washington has refused to pass the Boldt decision into law and wont't authorize enforcement officers to stop non-Indian poachers in Puget Sound. = — Joe de la Cruz Finally, after a few shooting incidents, the President appointed a Task Force to look into the continuing problems. This Task Force came up with recommendations that both the State and the Indians dis- agree with. The Indian Fish Commission, with commissioners from each of the five treaty areas, declare there is no way, they can give up any more rights - in spite of the fact they are made to feel they are at the negotiating tables with a gun to their heads. "We have got a tough battle. Even though we legally won and we morally won, they are trying to legislate us and legislate our rights completely off the map". INDIAN MANAGEMENT BETTER The only way they have been able to fight, said Joe, is by continuing to pool their resources. In most cases their data is better and their methods are better than the Fisheries Department. We have always been told that Indian people are not capable of resource management: but the government is 'making halfbreeds out of fish, through enhancement programs’. When logging had depleted the salmon, Fisheries agents were taking eggs from one stream to another, genetically messing up the fish with weaker strains, in spite of warnings of our people. To- day few streams have strong genetic native strains left in them. Indian restoration methods, using fish with natural genetic strains, have been far more successful and an embarassment to the State. In Phase Two of the Boldt decision, the Indian people are suing the State for Environmental damage. We have always been blamed for the decline of fish runs, in Washington as in B. C. The proof of continued page |  ANGRY ASSEMBLY REJECTS QUOTAS The Federal Fisheries seem determined to find a scapegoat for the decline of the B.C. salmon fisheries. Rather than take on the big corporations who are making our rivers and streams unliveable for the salmon, they are blaming us: rather than limit the commercial fishermen who take 93% of the salmon, rather than take on the politically powerful sports fisher- men who take 4% at least, they find it easier to hide their mismanagement by harassing the Indian people. We use less than 2% of the salmon and we have managed the fisheries for thousands of years with good effect. The imposition of the regu- lations about cutting off the nose and dorsal fins was an insult to our people. Now the Fisheries Department are cutting off our very livelihood. We are being unreasonably victimized by further regulations on food fishing We are charged with wastage of fish, without any accurate documentation of such accusations. Though we recognize that the depletion of fish is a serious concern, the task we face as a part of our heritage is to preserve and ensure the protection of our traditional rights to the salmon and marine resources. a quota by any other name..... The proposal to impose quotas for Indian food fishing was first indicated in a speech by the Regional Director of Fish- eries, Dr. Walley Johnson to the UBCIC Provincial Fish Form held on December 15th and 16th, 1977. Shortly afterwards the Minister of Fisheries Romeo LeBlanc called the UBCIC office inviting our President, George Manuel, to meet with him on Jan- uary 23, 1978. George did not learn till the very day of the meeting that the Native Brotherhood of B.C., and the Indian The United Native Nations also lt was at this also. attended this meeting. meeting that Minister Romeo LeBlanc announced that the B.C. Indians can expect a quota system for Indian food fishing. The Minister can now say that he ''consulted!'! with B.C. Indian organizations before pro- ceeding with the quota regulations. The Minister stated that if the word ''quota'' offended Indians, he could use another term to restrict Indian food fishing. Regional Director for B.C.. was also present at this meeting. our resolutions The Because the UBCIC strongly protests any more impositions regarding our rights the General Assembly of the UBCIC resolved: WHEREAS the Indian Bands of British Columbia have 4tshing rights which they have never given up and these rights cannot be Limited without the consent and agreement of the Indian people involved, and WHEREAS The Federal Fisheries Department 44 now amposing a Quota System on Indian Fashing An British Cokumbia. BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT THIS ASSEMBLY, (THE UNION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA INDIAN CHIEFS' ASSEMBLY,) REJECT ANY EFFORT OF THE FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO CURTAIL OR LIMIT INDIAN FISHING RIGHTS. In the meeting with the Fisheries Minister, President Manuel made a constructive offer: "give us the opportunity to do necessary research,'' he said, ''and | promise you we'll come up with proposals that wil] benefit all Canadians.'' This promise was backed up by a second General Assembly resolution on Indian fishing: WHEREAS when fisheries in B.C. were com- pletely managed by Indian Bands, the fisher- ies were well cared for and there were plenty of fish and, WHEREAS due to one hundred years of control and mismanagement by the Fisheries Depart- Homemakers Association of B.C. were invited ment, and due to over-fishing by non-native 6  people, the fish stocks have become endanger- ed and are now in need of massive rehabil- itation and restoration and, WHEREAS all Indian Bands whether on the coast or in the interior depend on many of the same species of fish and, WHEREAS all Indian Bands must exercise management of Indian fisheries. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: THAT this Assembly direct the President to involve all interested Bands in devel- oping a strategy to provide province-wide lr ‘ian representation that would deal with rent critical concerns in fishery matters. B.C Talent Over 1,000 people crammed the Assembly Hall at General Assembly to see one of the best talent shows ever held in B.C. The proof of the interest and entertainment value of the evening was the fact that 1,000 people sat in the darkened hall for hours to watch and enjoy act after act of talented people. The acts ranged from young children singing and acting out skits to semi-professional singers, fiddlers, poets, and comedians..... The Talent show began at 8:00 p.m. and lasted until 2:00 a.m., babies, kids,? fathers, mothers, young people, old people, PI AA Pe AAAI AA AAA ATA AAAI stayed rooted to their seats, clapping, | ON ctd. from pageby where the damage really happens brings out the opposition of the multi-national corporations, but ''we feel our case is strong enough....and if we are successful it's not only going to benefit the Indian people, it is going to benefit all people; it is going to benefit the economics of this whole Pacific region''. BOLDT DECAS A COMMON UNDERSTANDING Because of the crisis we face in the U.S., Canada and internationally in terms of our aboriginal rights, because of the similarities of our struggle, we should collectively help each other. This laughing, and cheering their people on. People like the inimitable Larry Pierre from Penticton singing ''Chatanooga Choo Choo", Ron Wood from Williams Lake singing ''T.B. BLUES'', Alphonse Stager and his puppet who figures the words to the national anthem '0 Canada' should say: ''Our home on Native Land". =, The Talent Show provided a common ground for many people to set aside political differences, regional tensions and tribal rivalries to be a part of the music,poetry and humor. We could all appreciate the talent, and the common theme throughout.. is who we are and this is what we feel as Indian people. The number of acts and the many people who participated are too many to mention in this little space but it was a great even- ing and a good time was had by all "| feel it's going to be necessary for more of our people to be meeting with your people to exchange ideas!'', ended Joe de la Cruz, ''to begin better communications with our brothers in Canda so we can build a common under- standing to beat and defeat our enemy'', PIA IAAAAAAAAA IAN 7  LILLIAN BROWN to APPEAL Tax Decision Lillian Brown, on her own behalf and on important to be aware that there is nothing behalf of all other Indians who purchase in the Indian Act that suggests any such electricity or gas from B.C. Hydro and thing. Power Authority on a reserve and who pay sales tax, is suing B.C. Hydro. Lillian It is perfectly possible to read the two Brown is claiming that as an Indian person Acts so that there is no conflict. If the living on a reserve, she is exempt (free) Judge recognises that our people living on from having to pay the Social Services reserves have a special status as regards tax, Tax. Lillian said that under Section 87 the Social Services Tax does not apply. of the Indian Act, the following property is exempted from taxation: The decision is being appealed and the case # the interest ot an Indian or Band in will be continued in the fall. reserve or surrendered lands and x*e**the personal property of an Indian The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs has called or Band situated on a reserve***%* on all Bands to support this case. All The whole idea for Section 87 of the Indians living on reserve have been asked Indian Act was to encourage Indian to withhold this tax portion of their bill. people to live on reserves. Hydro has sent a directive to all of their offices saying that there will not be any The case was heard in Vancouver, April 3rd disconnections until the court case has been and 4th. The Court took a long time to settled. We recommend that individuals decide whether this tax was legal or not. continue not to pay the tax portion of When he finally made his judgement against their hydro bills. However, you must Lillian Brown, on May 3, 1978, the Judge realize that if this case is lost then gave the following reasons: you will be liable to repay all the tax you have withheld. Therefore, this money 1. there are some taxes which Indians should be set aside until the final living on reserves have to pay: decision has been handed down. for example customs duties for MMO He Ie 2c He aie Ie ae oh 3c 3k 2 ok 2c ke CK I I KK ae ak ie ake ak ae things bought outside Canada; and * tax on anything bought off the reserve. The National Indian Brotherhood believes that Indians in Canada should not be part of any | d { D a taxation process. In la n a YS 2. Anybody taking legal action has to prove there has been some kind of wrong. This has to be proved by law. If the Judge is left in any doubt, he will dismiss the case. JUNE 24 - 25th at SPALUMCHEEN BAND George Manuel will officially open the new administration building at 1.00 p.m. Saturday 24th. EVERYBODY WELCOME 3. Judges have to try and get around any conflicts with the Constitution of Canada. Judge MacDonald did not want to see any conflict between the Social Services Tax Act and Section 87 of the Indian Act. So the Judge decided that the electricity used in one's own home is indeed personal property - but not the kind of personal property suggested in Section 87 of the Indian Act. It is HEE ACHE I I RO OE OR OK OG ASK OK oS OK 2S i oR OK 2K OK oi og ok Kk aie ee oie oie oie 2 2s 2k oie 2s 2c 2c 26 og 26 2 2 2g ok 2 2 2k 2 2 2K ok 2K 2s 96 HEAR HEE I Ie 2 CE I 2 OK OK KK KK OK OK eK 2k 2K oe ¥ OO  PENTICTON ‘78 ALL TRIBES  ALL POINTS OF VIEW  11 Ist Annual Indian Gathering in Memory of Doug Hance In memory of Doug Hance, who passed away earlier this year, the Toosey Indian Band is having a gathering of all inter- ested people at the Toosey Reserve #2 near Riske Creek, B.C. Doug was a very special individual who committed his whole life to helping his people in every way possible. He was very active as an organizer and the people of the Williams Lake District are indebted to him for his many successes within our District. Although Doug has left this world to live in another we have all benefited from his work and will continue to do so for many years to come. Our Band would like to invite everyone to come to our Reserve to remember Doug, but also to do something that Doug would have liked to see. A lot of Indian people together: This is not a political conference, it is a social get to- gether of people. We will have dancing, singing, bone games, sports, and lots of sharing. There will be no drinking or drugs allowed. Please come and spend a week at our reserve starting July 10 through July 16, 1978. Bring your family and friends. lf anyone interested in acting as security people contact: The Council of the Toosey Band Box 4681, Williams Lake, B. C. > oc KC iC = = = ot i ‘  Chiefs - WildlifeFederation to Co-operate A cooperative effort has grown out of two B.C. Wildlife Federation draft resolutions calling for tighter restrictions on Indian fishing. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs expressed concern over the resolutions and the B.C. Wildlife Federation replied by inviting the Union's President, George Manuel, to address a luncheon meeting at the Federation's Annual Convention in Chilliwack on May IIth. One resolution blamed Indians for alleged "fish wastage'' along the banks of the Fraser River and called for a quota on Indian food fishing. The other reso- lution would require Indian fishermen to attend to their own individual nets "at all times, all year round.'' George Manuel explained why Indian people totally reject any quotas that might be imposed on Indian food fishing by the Fisheries Department. He told the del- egates that we Indians have never surrendered our land or our resources. We still retain our aboriginal hunting and fishing rights. He made it clear, however, that we have no intention of displacing other people from these provisions or taking away any rights they may have acquired. ''We have accepted that you are here to stay,'' he assured the delegates and observers but you must accept that we are here to stay ....This is our only homeland. We have no other'', MANY COMMON AIMS — Manuel said that the Federation and the Union have many things in common and also some differences. We are not going to fight you if you accept us as people of dignity and if you will sit down with us to discuss the issues with us''. He recommended that both organizations get together to form a joint committee to develop constructive solutions to prob- lems and effective ways to help each other in the struggle to reach common objectives. Immediately following the speech a date was set and a small, exploring meeting was held in the Union Office on May 25th. Plans were laid for the first meeting of the joint committee in June. George Manuel's speech was strongly supported by about 75 Indian observers who attended the Convention, including the members of the UBCIC Executive Committee, who were meeting in Chilliwack (at the same time). OFFENDING RESOLUTIONS TABLED The two offensive resolutions were discussed in three workshops and acted upon in a plenary session. Both were tabled by a near unanimous vote of the BCWF delegates. They will therefore not be considered again for at least a year. This will allow time for the joint committee to examine the reasons for the resolutions and to work together on more acceptable solutions to any real problems that may be identified. Possibilities for improved communication and cooperative action begin to look hopeful. On Friday, May 12, Fisheries Minister Romeo LeBlanc spoke. He praised the Salmonoid Enhancement Program for putting into focus on ''the potential of the future instead of assigning blame for the past.'"' Though the Minister stated that ''Discussions are going on between my department and Indian leaders,'' the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs has not been included yet in any serious process for studying and dealing with basic issues. UBCIC FRUSTRATED BY FISHERIES During the question period George Manuel explained why the UBCIC is totally frustrated with Fisheries and regards the Department as "public enemy number one''. Three substan- tial proposals have been submitted to the aerate 12  Department since January 23 when B.C. Indian groups met with the Minister. At the time George Manuel spoke, the Union had received no response whatsoever. (The next day we did receive a letter from the Fisheries Department inviting the Union to discuss with their staff one of our proposals submitted March 23.) The Minister called upon his Regional Director-General, Dr. Wally Johnson, to help with his reply to George Manuel. Dr. Johnson publicly stated that his door was always wide open, but, he said, his Department had heard nothing from the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. George Manuel attempted to correct this’ bold faced lie but the chairman cut him off because time had run out. Six letters and a telex had been sent to the Fisheries Department by the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs since the January meeting when the Minister specifically asked George Manuel to re-activate a provincial Indian council on food fishing. Our March 28 proposal for that very purpose has not even been acknowledged as of May 26. STRONG INDIAN PRESENCE There is no doubt that the presence of a large number of Indian people at this con- vention, together with the strong speech by George Manuel, contributed substantially to a promising beginning for more cooper- ation and less conflict between the B.C. Wildlife Federation and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. The B.C. Wildlife Federation, the Federal Fisheries Department, the provincial Fish and Wildlife Branch and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs all share at least one common objective. We all want to restore the healthy fish run and fish habitats that existed a hundred years ago, 13 More THREATS to Fishing In 1930, land was expropriated from Fort Langley Band for a ferry landing. Whether the $75.00 paid was per acre or for the whole area has to be cleared up still. It certainly did not compen- sate the people for the loss of valuable fishing grounds. The closing of these ground forced the local Band to fish further up the river. Now, in May 1978, another ferry has started operating and threatens this other fishing ground. Joe Gabriel, chief of the MacMillan Band, contacted the UBCIC to find out the legal- ities of this new threat by the Depart- ment of Highways. Joe has been consistently harassed by the ferries. Last September his net was cut in half by a ferry. The captain of the ferry claimed he did try to stop, but couldn't. Joe lost his net. The new ferry means a game of cat and mouse between the fishing boats and the ferry. '‘''The ferry can manoevre to avoid the boats,'' the Department of Highways spokesman, Mr. Al Wallace says, "It is all a question of co-operation.'' But if the ferry Captain wishes, he can legally charge the fishermen for obstructing the ferry service. On the one open day per week in the fishing season, sixty fishermen crowd the area to set their nets. If there is a conflict with the ferry, there is a real possibility of having boundaries established for the fisher- men. The people of MacMillan Island have fished this area all their lives. It is our Aboriginal Right. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: We want to know what you think about the topics discussed in the newletter or what you think of the newsletter generally. We invite you to send in comments, criticisms and ideas and we will print your letters. EE — —————————eE———————  If you go down in the woods today... The Revised Forest Act was in- troduced into the Legislature on May 12. It presents some major changes to the way the forests of B.C, will be managed. At the time of writing, the Act was not available for detailed review. However, it would seem that the Act does not make pro- vision for special timber allo- cations to Indian bands. At the recent General Assembly, the Chiefs passed the following resolution: WHEREAS a Provincial Committee has been formed with the ob- jective of ensuring that the new New Forest Act will ensure, encourage and assist greater Indian involvement in the Industry, and WHEREAS Indian people require op- portunities for Economic Development BE IT THERFORE RESOLVED: THAT this AsSembLyY Support thts commattee BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: THAT in the short term thts Assembly support changes tn the Forest Act guaranteeing the opportunity for involve- ment tn the industry and guaranteeing the opportunity fon allocation of timber re- Sources to Indians on a mean- Angfuk basis and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: THAT in the Long term this Assembly give the Unton the mandate to work with bands to develop Long range stra- tegies within the Forestry Andustry. Therefore the Forestry Committee now must review this legislation in detail and urge the provincial government to make adequate pro- vision for much greater Indian in- volvement in the industry. Copies of the Act will be sent to all committee members within the next few days. Qur CESO consul- tant, Lorne Swannell, will provide his analysis of the legislation. A meeting of the committee will be called shortly to plan the ac- tion which must be taken. All bands are invited to partici- pate in the work of the Forestry Committee. Pands wishing to do can contact the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs office in Vancouver. Copies of the Revised Act will al- sO be available from the Vancouver office. DO YOU LIKE TO WRITE? DO YOU LIKE TO WRITE? We want to know what is happening in your community. Other communities want bo know what is happening in your community. PLEASE WRITE!!! 14  GENOCIDE IN THE NORTHEAST The Northeast is, to governments and business, a promising and prosperous region. To the Indian people, the Northeast is a despe- rate and deadly place. Indian people must face the realities of the decisions of governments and business. Indian people must suffer the most; governments and business have a way about choosing the victims. The Indian people have had to fight off attacks on their land, their culture, their economic resource base and their pride as a people for too long in the Northeast. PowPEL INE WIE T 1A SS Indian leaders have come to every region, to speak with Indian peo- ple. George Manuel came to the Northeast to talk and listen to the Indian people of the Northeast. He saw the destruction and peril of the Indian people. He Saw the brutal genocide being cast on the Indian people in the Northeast. In early April, George Manuel visited all the reserves in the northeast B.C. "As a southern leader," he told the people there, "I want to see how you people live, find out how you peo- ple feel about things, so that we can represent you better." The Chiefs had already asked the Union for help against the pipe- lines that are being put through the Northeast. Westcoast Trans- mission, major pipeline company in the area, has declared that these have no effect on life up here; but the people were telling George how prices have been going up and up, how impossible it is to find housing in the towns - and what does become available is rented at ridiculous prices. Some 15 Indian people lived through the last winter in a tent in Fort St. John. Alcoholism is already a major problem here. The. old people say it is not safe to be out after 9:00 p.m. Game gets more and more scarce, scared away by pipeline construction. Many traplines have already been dam- aged and plans for more construc- tion threaten more traplines. The people here are already victims of pipeline development. Another ma- jor "development" at this stage would be genocide; the deliberate destruction of a people. In March, the chiefs of the north- east and southeast went to Ottawa. They went to tell the Pipeline Parliamentary Committee how alarmed they are about the effects of the proposed Alaska Highway Pipeline. They told the Parliamentary commit- tee how urgent it is to have an en- aquiry about how the Alaska Highway Pipeline is going to affect our people, an Enquiry like the one Judge Berger held into plans to build a pipeline down the MacKenzie Valley. Elisa at Prophet River introduces her father to George Manuel. They talked of the signing of Treaty 8.  George Manuel, when he was president of the National Indian Brotherhood, had helped get the Enquiry going and he told how the Indian and Inuit people in the Northwest Territories united to fight the pipeline and how strong they became because of the fight. We showed the film about the MacKenzie Valley Enquiry at each reserve. The film shows a couple of the community hearinas where the Indian people are telling the Judge how stronaly they feel about con- tinuing their traditional life style and their opposition to the pipeline that threatened this. They stopped the pipeline in the MacKenzie Valley. Now that pipeline is planned for northeast and southeast B.C. and it is our turn to look very carefully at the effects of such a large plan. "Who is going to benefit from this pipeline?", asked George Manuel. "Not the Indians: Skilled workers, the companies that sell the gas, the Provincial and Federal governments that collect the taxes and, of course, the people of the United States who will use the gas. Maybe one or two Indians in B.€. will get labourers' jobs for a few months. Will the destruc- tion of our people be worth these few jobs?" FULL ENQUIRY DEMANDED The Indians and Inuit of the North- West Territories felt very strongly that no amount of jobs would be worth such destruction. We need an Enquiry here to find out what effects the Alaska Highway Pipeline will have on Indian people in B.C.: will it be the final genocide - the final destruction of a people - that we fear? This is the scale of the issue. Drying moose meat at the home Chief Jerry Attachie of the Doig Reserve WE HAVE TO FIGHT BACK George Manuel, like other Indian leaders, was humbled by the seve- rity of the lives of the Indian people of the Northeast. He was pained greatly by the inevitability of the invasion by government and business: how the constant chip- ping away of resources and life- style by these people. He recog- nized the last resort -- that the Indian people of the Northeast have to fight back, have to win back their natural rights as Indian people, as human beings. He knew the Indian people of the Northeast have to have a voice that was strong, proud and wise to govern- ments and business.  INDIAN GOVERNMENT Assembly v At this years annual assembly, the Indian Government Portfolio held several workshops which covered the various aspects of the Unions position on Indian Government. In these workshops we reported on our activities over the past year. Robert Manuel, the Indian Government Portfolio Chief, - presented this report and also reviewed the Aboriginal Rights Position Paper. The workshops were valuable for a number of reasons. First, they provided a much needed opportunity to exchange ideas concerning the concept of Indian Government. Secondly, it was these workshops that helped to formulate the resolution which was passed at the assembly. The resolution reads as follows: MOTION - Moved by Dennis Alphonse Seconded by Tom Sampson THAT the Aboroginal Rights Position Paper proposed by the U.B.C.1.C. Indian Government Portfolio be adopted as the Aboriginal Rights Position of the U.B.C.1I.C. under the condition that it is reviewed and revised from time to time according to clause 5 of the Aboriginal Rights Position Paper. It was through the workshops and this resolution that our tasks for the coming year have been more clearly defined. We propose to hold Indian Government workshops in the very near future which will further clarify our proposed plan of action. Charlotte Gilbert 17  Education In all the latest issue of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs Newsletter, the Education Portfolio has just given in- formation on the Master Tuition Agree- ment. In this issue, | will describe what the Education Portfolio is and what it does for the Indian people of Bs Gs First of all, the Education Portfolio is directed by Phillip Paul of the Tsartlip Band in Saanich and he handles the education details at a political level for the Chiefs Council and sit on the Executive Committee as Vice-President in charge of education. 1 am the Education Co-Ordinator for the Portfolio and carry out the planning and other technical details of the work which we are given to do by Chiefs Council or the Executive. Sometimes, we are asked to do research or to make recommendations on how work should be carried out but the final decisions are made by the Chiefs Counci | and the general assembly of the U.B.C.1.€. | am not from B.C. but have lived here off an on 14 years in Vancouver. | am from the Old Crow Band in the Yukon originally. The Education Assistant for the Educa- tion Portfolio is Ronald Dan who is from Mount Currie, B. C. and he handles other responsibilities whenever Phillip or | are busy with certain Rosalee Tizya issues. Ron also handles all band requests that we get and arranges any workshops that the bands ask for. Last year, Ron's main responsibility was with the cultural education centres program while mine was the Master Tuition Agree- ment. We are still dealing with both the Cultural Education Centres Program and the Master Tuition Agreement and were given further direction by the general assembly in Penticton this year to con- tinue dealing with these two issues. Sandy Cameron has been doing much of our research dealt with the Master Tuition Agreement. Sandy used to teach in addition to other kinds of work such as Mining and Logging and he has been a big help in doing a lot of the background work for us. It is the responsibility of the Educa- tion Portfolio to provide proper infor- mation regarding education issues to all bands in B.C., who request technical or expert help. We are also asked by Chiefs Council and Executive Committee to deal with outside groups who either make requests or proposals which would have a good or a damaging effect on the Indian people of the Province. Specific issues on Education will be provided in the next issue along with information we have available. 18  _YOUTH The General Assembly was extremely valuable for the Youth Development Portfolio as it provided the opportunity for direct contact with a number of young people. This contact gave us a much more realistic kind of in- sight into the needs and interest of B.C.'s Indian young people. It also gave us an insight into the kinds of Youth Programs that are already in existence in the pro- vince, and also what kinds of programs are needed and wanted. The portfolio has since been involved in helping to organize a Conference at U.B.C. The Theme of the conference was "Human Rights in Your Community'' and was sponsored by The United Nations Associa- tion In Canada. The portfolio arranged to have 26 Indian Students from all areas of the province participate in the con- ference. Some of the students have agreed to document their experiences at the con- ference and some of these reports may be featured in future issues of the newsletter. The Portfolio also arranged to have’ 17 people from the various Indian Communities of B.C. to act as resource people at the conference. These people gave workshops on a variety of topics such as Education, Indian Government, Aboriginal Rights, Youth Development & Fishing Rights. These Work- shops were very successful as they stimu- lated a large number of Non Indian students to think about the struggle of B.C.'s Indian people. 19 Michelle Stiff We were also very fortunate to have George Manuel as the Keynote speaker of the day. George made a vital presentation which covered and gave the students a much deeper insight into Aboriginal Right and how that is a Human Right. The speech really aroused the students interest and pre- pared them to participate more fully in the following workshops. The conference was a success and | would especially like to thank all the Indian students who participated as they really helped to make their fellow student dele- gates more aware of the struggle of B.C.'s Indian population. The Youth Development Portfolio is also involved in a Summer Hiring Program. We plan to do a great deal of research into the area of Youth Development that will hopefully lead to comprehensive, long term Youth Development Programs. He Bc af NC fe 9 9c 3c ac aC 9 9K 9k BOOK REVIEW The Youth Development Portfolio is starting a 'Book of the Month' section for the Youth Development section of the Newsletter. This means that each month there will be a brief review of recommendial books that depict all aspects of the struggle of Indian people. This months book is HalfBreed by Maria Campbell. Campbells book is a very moving personal story of what it is like to be a half- breed-woman in Canada. This book is highly recommended as it intrinsically brings up the question of status laws by depicting how the loss of status can so negatively effect the lives of Indian women. The Book is very easy to read and once you pick it up it becomes increasingly difficult to put it down!!  Indian Workers Strike The Muckamuck Restaurant in Vancouver is currently the scene of a labour dispute. The Muckamuck, well known as an “authentic Indian restaurant", employs a staff that is 90% Indian. The management and owners are all white. The restaurant has had a history of poor employee/employer relations from its beginnings. The Muckamuck has a large turn-over of staff; the wages are low $3.00 - $4.25 per hour; the employees have no say in scheduling and they have short notice of change of work hours. The all- Indian staff were fed up with the poor treatment they were getting. On February 21, the Muckamuck employees applied for certification to form Local 1 of the Service, Office and Retail Workers' Union of Canada. On that day, the Union organiser and Muckamuck employee, Cay Jung, was fired. Since Union certification, on March 21, four employees were fired or intimidated into quitting: Ethel Gardner, Loretta Hill, Rey George and Vikki Peters. The Muckamuck employees are fighting four of the dismissals with unfair labour practice charges at the Labour Relations Board. To date, repeated attempts to negotiate with the Muckamuck management have failed. On May 20th, Local 1 or SORWUC (Service, Office and Retail Workers Union of Canada) began to pass out in- formation leaflets outside the restaurant. The leaflets stated their position and their grievances. The managements claims the Union is acting in bad faith by passing out leaflets outside the restaurant and that it is an illegal picket. On Sunday, May 28, the Indian workers finally said - Enough: and voted to strike. The strike began Thursday, June 1. The Muckamuck workers Local | of Sorwuc have called on Indian organisations to support their strike to win decent working conditions and to be treated with respect by the Muckamuck management. Local 1 of Sorwuc is calling on all supporters to contribute to their strike fund. The strike could be long and the employees will need money to live on if they are going to win this battle. They are also calling on the Indian community in Vancouver to Support their picket line by going down to the Restaurant and picketing with them. They are asking people not to eat at the Muckamuck restaurant until there is a Union contract and the workers are rehired. Strike fund donations should be sent to: Muckamuck Workers, Sorwuc, #1114 - 207 West Hastings, Vancouver, B. C. Tel: 684-2834 or 681-2811 20  +e Mm VIDEO WORKSHOP Quite a few people have been asking about workshops on video: what is available and what to do with what you have got. The television staff at Capillano College in North Vancouver have agreed to put on a two-three day workshop in late August. This would be for all Bands in B. C. who already have, or hope to get, video equipment, and for any other groups or persons who are interested. The workshops have been planned to include: equipment: how to use it (we will have i b. & w. gee l to reel, cassette and /," colour cassette equipment) digcussions on the uses of each kind production: basic tastruction in camerawork sound and lighting pre-planning, editing scripts and editing (if you have any edited tapes or tapes that you would like to edit, please bring them) If you have any particular video problems that you would like us to cover, please let us know. One of the other advantages to a workshop of this kind is to get together with all other Indian video groups or individuals: find out who is doing what, who can help who - and to start a kind of distribution network, so that useful programs aren't just sitting on someone's shelf. If you could let us (Communications UBCIC) know that you will be coming and if there are particular areas that you want to cover, it would certainly help with arranging the workshop. 21  *%* JOB NOTICES #*# INTERIOR INDIAN FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY POSITION: Assistant Executive Director Interior Indian Friendship Society DUTIES: prepare all funding submissions ly 2) direct training programs for new staff members 3) liaise with other community agencies 4) assist Executive Director in monitoring and assessing I.I.F.S. sponsored programs 5) attend conferences and work- shops as required 6) assist Executive Director and Board in formulating policy 7) assume all duties and respon- Sibilities of Executive Direc- tor in his absence 8) perform counselling and refer- ral duties as required. SALARY: Negotiable CLOSING DATE: Friday, June 2, 1978 SEND RESUME TO: INTERIOR INDIAN FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY 387 - 4th Avenue KAMLOOPS, B.C. V2C 3P1 SPALLUMCHEEN BAND TEACHERS WANTED The Spallumcheen Adult Basic Education Program is a unique, community-based, Indian controlled program that involves twenty Indian adult students, one co- ordinating teacher. It employs an in- novative, flexible, highly individualized instructional approach and curriculum materials adapted to the particular needs of the students in the program. Curri- culum areas include English, Math, Social Studies, Bookkeeping and typing or con- struction and students receive accredation through Okanagan College in grades 9-12. POSITIONS OPEN 1) Co-ordinating Instructor 2) Full-time Teacher Aides 3) Construction Instructor (part-time) Deadlines for written resumes; June 30th, 1978. Please specify position applied for and set interviewing date for week of July 3 - 7, 1978. Submit applications to: WAYNE M. CHRISTIAN Education Co-ordinator Spallumcheen Indian Administration P.O. Box 430 ENDERBY, B.C. VOE 1V0 Essential that the people are Native Indian or have worked for Indian People for a number of years. 22