Canada’s Oldest First Nations Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product haas^i>sa “Interesting News” Vol. 34 - No. 12 - July 5, 2007 Sales Agreement No. 40047776
Uchucklesaht Tribe ratifies Constitution The chief and council of the Uchucklesaht Tribe announce the ratification of the Constitution of the Uchucklesaht Tribe. In a vote held June 16, those Uchucklesaht people eligible to vote under the Maa-nulth treaty took the next step toward the ratification vote of the Maa-nulth Treaty. By a vote of 85 to 0 with two spoiled ballots (a 98 per cent “Yes” vote), they approved the Constitution that had been crafted by the community over the past five years. The Constitution sets out the basis of the governance system that will be utilized under treaty and the rights, privileges and responsibilities that will exist for their members. The participation of 87 voters represents 60 per cent of the eligible voters of the tribe. Chief Charlie Cootes expressed his satisfaction at the result. “We have worked very hard to get to this point and it is gratifying to see the work meet with the approval of the
people,” Cootes said. “We can’t rest on our laurels. We still have to get the treaty and band votes before the people and see them successfully passed. That will be a challenge for all of us, but this result gives us inspiration to get on with the work that must be done. Martin Sam, one of the Uchucklesaht hereditary chiefs (Ha’wiith) and councillor for the Tribe said “I am very happy with the outcome. It is the result of a lot of hard work. Now we can move on to the treaty” Carla Halvorsen, a young Uchucklesaht member who has been active in working on treaty said “because this Constitution was put together by our membership, I was confident that it would pass. I see this treaty as something great for the future and our generations to come.” The vote on the treaty document and the vote on the transfer of band assets from the Indian Act Band to the Uchucklesaht government will be held in October.
Debora Steel
Young Jonathan here took part in the potato sack races during National Aboriginal Day celebrations at Dry Creek Park on June 21. The day’s event was one of many that took place in the Nuu-chah-nulth territory. More coverage can be seen inside this edition of Ha-Shilth-Sa.
Ucluelet Nation members approve their Constitution Hit-tat-soo—The Ucluelet First Nation’s chief and council, ha’wiih and Constitution committee announced that the Yuu>u%i>%ath Constitution was approved by the Yuu>u%i>%ath= people. The Yuu>u%i>%ath= Constitution was passed with a percentage of 68.8 per cent “yes” and 30.6 per cent “no.” With two polling stations and the
option of mail-in ballots for members living away from home, 46.3 per cent of eligible voters came out and voted on June 15. The Yuu>u%i>%ath= people were asked to make an important decision regarding the future of their nation; as a result of that decision, the Yuu>u%i>%ath= people are now one step closer to their treaty vote.
CPR saves toddler after fall in pool............................Page 2 Chief speaks strong words to RCMP..........................Page 3 Grads told to be romantic and dream........................Page 5 Ahousaht opens its arms in welcome.........................Page 7 National Day of Action March....................Pages 12 and 13 Community and Beyond events................................Page 18
Debora Steel
A summer pasttime of young girls throughout the ages: Picking dandelions in a field, or in this case, outside the Nuu-chah-nutlh Tribal Council offices. Victoria Johnston and Baby Evelyn Charleson are bidding their time with simple pleasures while adults attend to important business. See page 6. If undeliverable, please return to: Ha-Shilth-Sa P.O. Box 1383, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M2
ISSN 0715-4143