Canada’s Oldest First Nation’s Newspaper - Serving Nuu-chah-nulth-aht since 1974 Canadian Publications Mail Product Vol. 30 - No. 22 - November 6, 2003 haas^i>sa “ Interesting News ” Sales Agreement No. 40047776
Maa-nulth 1st Annual Assembly Communities Owning their Future By Denise Ambrose Central Region Reporter Port Alberni – Members of the five Maa-nulth Nations (Uchucklesaht, Ucluelet, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’, Huu-ay-aht and Toquaht) met at the Alberni Athletic Hall over the weekend of November 1 and 2 to gather input from their people about treaty issues.
Members of the five Maa-nulth Nations (Uchucklesaht, Ucluelet, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’, Huu-ay-aht and Toquaht) met at the Alberni Athletic Hall to gather input from their people about treaty issues. An opening prayer was offered by Benson Nookemis of Huu-ay-aht followed by a song led by Huu-ay-aht singers. Angela Wesley, facilitator, welcomed everyone and invited them to speak to their people and negotiators about treaty negotiations. Each First Nation leader warmly greeted their members in their opening comments. Ed Mack of Ucluelet said 70% of his First Nation lives off reserve. He observed that there were few Ucluelet members in attendance and said he needs to work on reaching those people. Charlie Cootes of Uchucklesaht said he is proud of the progress the Maanulth nations are making in treaty negotiations. He said it would give their communities a chance to address the social issues and poverty that First Nations communities face today.
Charlie Cootes of Uchucklesaht said he is proud of the progress the Maa-nulth nations are making in treaty negotiations. He said it would give their communities a chance to address the social issues and poverty that First Nations communities face today. “Before mamulthne came, our Chiefs were in control of everything. They had full ownership of the land,” said Robert Dennis, Huu-ay-aht. “Chief Louie once said ‘white people think they’re chiefs, they think they own the land’,” he continued. “He was making the point that the government of the day doesn’t
own the land, the Chiefs do.” He went on to explain that today they are trying to define a new system based on our history and apply it to today. “We want to put an end to having to go to the government to ask for everything; we want to do things for ourselves,” he concluded. The walls were papered with maps and treaty information specific to each Maanulth Nation. Door prizes provided by each of the Nations were awarded to lucky ticket holders over the two days. Huu-ay-aht hosted Saturday dinner and provided cultural entertainment. George Watts, Maa-nulth chief negotiator delivered his report on the Agreement-in-Principle and the progress of treaty negotiations. There will be a provision in the treaty that allows ratifying First Nations to implement their treaty regardless of the number of First Nations that may not ratify. He said people need to get used to the idea that their First Nations will no longer be bands, but will be governments in a post treaty world. The Indian Act will no longer apply and there will not be Indian reserves. Each First Nation will be the legal owner of their treaty land. Today, the federal and provincial governments are the legal ‘owners’ of the land. He went on to say that the final treaty would not affect other aboriginal people; it only applies to member nations that ratify the treaty. He reviewed the agreement-in-principle, offering his advice on possible treaty provisions. People were invited to make comments, offer suggestions or ask questions about treaty issues. They were reminded that the purpose of the meeting was to gather input so that Maanulth negotiators may negotiate a treaty that meets the needs and concerns of the people. Dennis asked participants to leave personal and individual community issues out of this meeting. Vince Robinson, Uchucklesaht, asked how people with low income would get housing once the treaty is signed. Watts said the answer to the question is to generate wealth in the communities so the people can have their needs met. Using Osoyoos as an example, he said the First Nation there was able to generate their own wealth over time after gaining control of their resources through a treaty.
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Feature Elder, Buddy Jack ...................................... Page 3 First Nations featured at Aquaculture 2003 ........ Page 4 Weavers attract tourists .......................................... Page 5 Luna move delayed until spring ........................... Page 6 Flu immunization .................................................... Page 9 NEDC Business News ............................................ Page 16
Rose Wilson of the Ucluelet First Nation displays her weavings at the TinWis Resort. See full story on page 4.
NTC Social Issues Forum By Denise Ambrose, Central Region Reporter Port Alberni – Nuu-chah-nulth human service providers, political representatives, Elders and interested members met at Maht Mahs on November 3 – 4 to participate in a First Nations social issues forum. The forum gave participants the opportunity to address issues such as drug & alcohol abuse and addiction, suicide, family violence, child abuse, poverty & employment, sexual abuse & assault and education. The first breakout groups of the morning addressed individual, family, community and leaders expectations and priorities for the outcome of the next two days. The following breakout groups allowed members to address each identified social issue. Chairperson, Deb Foxcroft introduced Tseshaht Elder Bob Thomas, who said the opening prayer. Dave Watts, Tseshaht Chief Councillor, welcomed the delegation to Tseshaht traditional territory saying he hoped this forum would be a step in the right direction in dealing with social issues in our communities. A moment of silence was observed for those that have recently passed away.
Central Region Co chair A-in-chut, Shawn Atleo thanked the Community & Human Services department for inviting him to take part in the forum. He said it would mark the beginning of work on very critical business.
Nuu-chah-nulth human service providers, political representatives, Elders and interested members met to address issues such as drug & alcohol abuse and addiction, suicide, family violence, child abuse, poverty & employment, sexual abuse & assault and education. Atleo went on to praise the Elders for their wisdom, keeping culture alive and their willingness to share the teachings. “I am happy that respect was shown for the Elder that passed away the day before, she gave us valuable teachings,” he said, speaking of Mae McCarthy. He thanked the Elders that are still here, naming some individually, for the teachings they gave him throughout his life and still continue to give freely. “The resilience of our people is absolutely astounding,” he observed.
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