Salmon Arm Observer Wednesday, January 23, 2013
www.saobserver.net A9
Omnibus bills spark frustration By Martha Wickett OBSERVER STAFF
The Harper government’s two recent omnibus bills don’t sit well with local First Nations bands. At a meeting last week involving Sexqeltkemc Enterprises Inc., a partnership between the Adams Lake, Neskonlith and Splatsin bands, the chiefs took a moment to comment to the Observer on the Idle No More movement. Chief Nelson Leon of the Adams Lake Band said he’s spoken several times at regional Idle No More gatherings. “I feel it (Idle No More) is a clear indication of frustration in the treatment and consideration of aboriginal interests in this country, specifically Bill 38 and 45, and their implications to our interests in the land, both traditional and cultural, as well as the ongoing need to reconcile our aboriginal rights and title.” Chief Judy Wilson of the Neskonlith Band noted that Secwepemc elder Evelyn Camille recently met with Secwépemc chiefs, Senator Nancy Greene Raine, and Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod to discuss the two bills. Wilson said First Nations people are frustrated with the existing B.C. treaty process and comprehensive land claims, and would like fundamental change on a nation-to-nation basis. “Our people are tired of being impoverished where we have constitutionally held rights that are being legislated away through such bills as C-38 and C-45.” She said the statement of Indian Affairs Minister John Duncan that the legislation will not be changed is disturbing, and is evidence of the unilateral process of the federal government. Chief Wayne Christian of the Splatsin Band says he sees Idle No More as a wake-up call to Canadians. “The disturbing part is Harper’s unilateral action specifically on
the Navigable Waters (Protection Act) removing the word ‘water’ from the act, removing two million lakes and rivers from protection. That’s one thing we as individual people and Canadians have in common is that we all need water.” He said he sees Idle No More as an opportunity for all Canadians. “It’s an opportunity to become educated and also to walk along beside us. It’s not just about aboriginal rights and title, and treaty rights, it’s about our human rights to live off our lands. That is recognized internationally in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and other international covenants.” Christian said the Idle
No More World Day of Action planned for Jan. 28 is a signal to the world. He notes that Canada has been an upholder of human rights at the UN for decades, but now the prime minister is attentive to China, which violates human rights. “It’s not a surprise he’s doing the same thing to us.” The Idle No More website notes that the day of action is intended to peacefully protest attacks on democracy, indigenous sovereignty, human rights and environmental protections when Canadian MPs return to the House of Commons. Contacted by telephone, Chief Felix Arnouse of the Little Shuswap Band said he sees Idle No More mov-
Suspect every snowflake.
MaRtha Wickett/OBSERVER
Ready for change: Splatsin chief Wayne Christian, Neskonlith chief Judy Wilson and Adams Lake chief Nelson Leon take time out from a meeting at Pierre’s Point. ing away from its original intent. “I don’t think they’re focused; they’ve completely gone away from the purpose of the thing that was C-45, water, environment, they’re not even talking about that…” He also said he doesn’t like the fasting
that’s been involved. “I think that’s ridiculous. Fasting in our culture is a spiritual thing, not a political thing.” Staff at OkanaganShuswap MP Colin Mayes’ constituency office said he is out of the country for two weeks and cannot be reached for comment.
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