Ha-Shilth-Sa August 16, 2007

Page 1

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. 16 - Aug. 16, 2007 Sales Agreement No. 40047776

Another green light on roadway to treaty

Darrell Ross Jr.

Members of a Maori dance group from the Cook Islands were welcomed to Tseshaht territory during a visit to Somass Hall on July 30. The group was touring the Alberni Valley.

The Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations voted to approve their Constitution in a vote on Aug. 4. Of the 309 eligible members who voted, 196 voted in favor, representing 86.3 per cent of the ballots cast. In order for the Constitution to be approved, 50 per cent of those who voted must have voted in favor of the Constitution. “I am very excited for our future,” said Chief Councillor Therese Smith. “For the first time in 150 years, this Constitution gives us back our identity as Ka:’yu’k’t’h’/Che:’ktles7e’t’h’. This paves the way for us to make decisions for our own people and ensures a firm foundation for our government. Thanks

to all who supported us in this important work for the future of our children, for generations to come.” The Constitution forms the basis for a democratically accountable Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations government and includes a process for enacting laws, a system of financial administration, and conflict of interest rules. Continued on page 6

Elders take time to renew friendships singing traditional songs when they indeed an honor to welcome you all here entered one nation after another. The on behalf of our elders, chiefs, chief and Master of Ceremonies, Ken Nahannee, council and community members,” from Squamish Nation, welcomed and Jacobs said. introduced each nation and organization He reminded the youth present of the Vancouver–There was an abundance of as they proudly marched into the importance of the land, sea, waters and excitement, anticipation and pride as convention centre’s main ballroom. resources to First Nations’ culture and hundreds of elders from across the The emcee then called on Chief Alana identity. Jacobs used a quote from the province gathered for the official Andrew to say the opening prayer. late Chief Dan George to inspire. opening and grand entry of the 31st Andrew said a special prayer for all of “Rise again like the thunderbird of old. Annual Elders Gathering in Vancouver. the young people gathered with their Use the white man’s The gathering was held from Aug. 8 to elders and thanked them all for attending education and 10, hosted by the Squamish Nation. The the gathering. especially share this opening ceremony was held at the This prayer was followed by elder with our young Vancouver Jimmy Nahanee, people. Stand united Convention a Squamish as a peoples to take Centre. Nation member, back our rightful This is the who called on the place for our second time the Squamish Nation people,” Jacobs Squamish Nation singers to said. has held the perform a Mayor Sam gathering. The spiritual song in Sullivan of first was in 1992. memory of the Vancouver The population of war veterans. provided a the Squamish Nahanee was welcome from By Jack F. Little Nation is 3,290 representing the the city to the Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacobs and Native Indian war and their delegates. population would Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan enjoy veterans who Sullivan spoke more than double grand entry at the 31st Annual Elders participated in the a few words in the with an estimated Gathering in Vancouver. First and Second Coast Salish language elder participation World Wars, and and received a very of four to 5,000. the Vietnam War. warm response from Last year the 30th Annual Elders Chief Gibby Jacobs from Squamish the crowd. Gathering was hosted by the Nuu-chahNation was asked to provide opening Continued on nulth in Port Alberni. remarks. page 3. There were a few war veterans that “Respected elders, matriarchs, chiefs led the elders and delegates in this and, especially, the young people: It is year’s grand entry. Most elders were Baby Evan Touchie enjoys a cuddle with mom Melody at the Yu-chuth-aht Musicfest held in Ucluelet Aug. 10 to 12. See dressed in traditional regalia and were story and photos on page 5. Photo by Denise Titian By Jack F. Little Ha-Shilth-Sa Reporter

Countdown to NAIG begins........................................Page 3 Musicfest a success, despite low turnout...................Page 5 How many clams on Equis Beach?.............................Page 7 Alano Club launched in late Tyee’s name................Page 11 Good to be home in the territory..............................Page 14 Community and Beyond events................................Page 16

If undeliverable, please return to: Ha-Shilth-Sa P.O. Box 1383, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M2

ISSN 0715-4143


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