April 18, 2013

Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw

Shuswap People of the North

Lexey’em “to tell a story” APRIL 2013 - Pesll7ewten (Melting Month)

Mine Revenue-sharing agreements benefit thetraditional Cariboo and First Nations territories. Economic and Community

Joint release - Ministry of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation, Williams Lake Indian Band and Xat’sull First Nation - Two new revenue-sharing

agreements will enable two Williams lake-area First nations to benefit from the expansion of the Mt. Polley Mine.

Economic and Community Development Agreements (ECDA) will facilitate the Williams Lake Indian Band and Xats’ull First Nation (Soda Creek Indian Band) to receive a share of mineral tax revenues collected by the Province enabled by the expansion of the Mt. Polley mine, located east of Williams Lake.

The agreements are the sixth and seventh ECDA’s that the BC Government has reached to help First Nations benefit from mining activity within their traditional territories. these agreements build on the BC Jobs Plan commitment to reach 10 new non-treaty agreements with First nations by 2015. the Mt. Polley ECDA’s are the 14th and 15th non-treaty agreements the BC government has reached since the Jobs Plan launch.

The agreements also fulfil the BC Jobs Plan commitment to support existing jobs and create new jobs through the expansion of existing mines and the establishment of new mines.

The Mt. Polley mine is one of Imperial Metal’s key projects, and is a significant employer in the Williams Lake and Likely areas. The Mt. Polley expansion received permit approval in August 2011. The mine is currently scheduled to operate until 2024.

Quotes: Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Ida Chong“These agreements underscore our government’s commitment to helping first Nations meaningfully participate in, and benefit from, resource activity happening within their traditional territory. It will help the Williams Lake Indian Band and Xats’ull First nation build a better future for their own communities, while also supporting a mine expansion that will provide huge benefits to Williams Lake and the surrounding area.”

Williams lake Indian Band Chief Ann Louie“We’re pleased to conclude this agreement and think it’s a very positive step that benefits will now be flowing to the Williams Lake Indian Band from Mt. Polley Mine. For industry, First nations and government to amicably co-exist, there has to be a reasonable sharing of the benefits derived from natural resources in First nations’

Development Agreements are one step in achieving that goal.”

Xats’ull First Nation Chief Bev Sellars-

“We welcome this long-awaited acknowledgment of the environmental and economic interests that Xats’ull holds in our Stewardship Area.”

Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett“The revenue-sharing agreement will bring real benefits to local First Nations communities.

It is also another key step forward for amine expansion that will create jobs and economic benefits for Williams lake and the surround area.”

Quick Facts:

WLIB councillor Rick Gilbert, Chief Ann Louie and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Ida Chong at the signing ceremony in Victoria.. Ann holds up the Economic and Community Development Agreement.

- photo courtesy of the B.C. Government

• The ECDA’s cover the Mount Polley Mine site east of Williams Lake, BC. • Mount Polley 2012 planned production is estimated at 34 million pounds of copper, 46,800 ounces of gold, and 90,000 ounces of silver.

• As committed in the BC Jobs Plan, eight new mines will open and nine will be expanded by 2015. The BC government is already more than halfway done in achieving the BC Jobs Plan goals.

• In addition to Copper Mountain Mine (near Princeton), which began production in June 2011, two new mines have begun production (New Afton, near Kamloops, and Treasure Mountain, near Hope), and three more are now under construction.

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rd

Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw Annual Citizens’ Assembly April 17 & 18, 2013 Elks Hall, Williams Lake, BC

Hosted by – Soda Creek Indian Band Theme “Unity is Working Together Through Effective Communication”

All NStQ Citizens are Invited

NStQTreaty News

Principal Negotiator’s Report

by Jim Doswell

1. the NStQ AIP ratification process A ratification approach has been developed and discussed by the treaty team, and was presented to Leadership at the February meeting.

I agree with the approach decided upon which is a simple majority vote in each of the communities with a basic question on whether or not to continue with the support of leadership to a final agreement. The Leadership Council will continue to discuss the issue.

2. Recommendation regarding the range of issues to be negotiated It is the intent of the parties to complete a list of outstanding issues by summer.

We are now moving to the development of a rolling draft, which will contain all of the Chapters that have been substantially completed. A copy if preferred, will be provided to Leadership on a monthly basis 3. The development of a work Plan In a tripartite process work plan is put

together by the parties and is subject to constant change. Our current work plan is to begin and complete the collaborative approach to lands and to address the issues within the Outstanding Issues List and in doing so, to develop a closing agenda. The agenda has been amended at BC’s request to deal with the chapters in groups, such as Lands and resources, governance, health and welfare, and so on. The outcome of the negotiations will be to resolve the issue, defer the issue to closing, or bridge the issue to final.

4. General Negotiations Update We met this month with Canada and BC in a very productive negotiating session in Canoe Creek and at the tribal offices in Williams Lake. We have made significant progress on the issue of greatest concern to everyone I have spoken with and that is Child and Family Wellness. We have more or less concluded the chapter and NStQ will have non-delegated, exclusive jurisdiction over it’s children under treaty.

This is a huge step forward for the treaty.

We will clean up at least three chapters per month until we complete the AIP

Call for Applications! Get Outside BC Youth Leadership Program To Youth across the province

Applications are due April 30th!

•

Do you live in or near the following communities: Victoria, Vancouver, Hope, Kelowna, Prince George or Kimberley?

•

Are you in high school?

For more information and to apply, go to www. getoutsidebc.ca Check out the video from last year’s project: http://vimeo.com/58565173

•

Do you have a passion for the outdoors and getting more youth outside?

•

This all-expenses-paid opportunity has 4 phases: 1. JULY 13 - 17: Youth Leadership Summit in Squamish - Build outdoor leadership skills, go camping, go hiking, network with 30 other youth from across BC, meet inspiring mentors and learn about cool green jobs.

2. AUGUST – SEPTEMBER: Events and Projects - Plan and organize your own outdoor event or community project.

3. OCTOBER: Reunion with Leadership Summit participants - Share your successes and make plans for future events.

4. NOVEMBER 2013 – MAY 2014: Monthly meetings with your Get Outside BC Regional Group - Work together to continue to get more youth in your community outside!

Get Outside BC is offered at no cost to youth across BC. Please consider donating so that we can continue to offer the program annually free of charge. Text “outside” to 45678 to donate $10 instantly or go to www.getoutsidebc.ca to donate any amount you would like. Thank you!

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draft.

5. Preparation regarding negotiation positions The preparation for negotiations continues to be a collaboration between myself and the treaty managers and staff from each of the communities. The treaty managers meet with their community working groups and bring their issues and positions to a technical working group meeting prior to our negotiation sessions. We discuss the ideas from the communities and develop a common approach and take that position to the table with Canada and BC 6. Preparation regarding concepts on treaty issues The concepts have been developed over the last 20 years. We are at the point of negotiating the details of what is possible given the positions of each party. We are working with Canada and British Columbia on a new approach to certainty.

These discussions are being held at the common table to which I contribute 7. G2G Negotiations The appointment of the new BC Chief Negotiator has continued to help in the negotiations of the G2G Agreement. The provincial representatives have shown a far more cooperative approach.

8. 2 TRM’s to be put before Canada • We have convinced Canada to agree to 4 TRM’s this year; Ranch continuation TRM, Land Use TRM, Water TRM and just recently the Economic Opportunities TRM • As well we have begun work on several more TRMs for next year and the new budget year with Canada.

The Lexey’em is brought to you by the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council and The Williams Lake Tribune Publisher: Lisa Bowering,The WLTribune Editor: Agness Jack, NSTC Advertising: The WL Tribune Lexey’em is an independent community newspaper, published monthly, by the Williams lake Tribune and the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council.

The circulation is 500, and it is distributed to the NStQ members through the community treaty offices, to various businesses in Williams Lake and it is mailed out to the NStQ members throughout B.C. and North America.

It is also available on the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council website at http://www.northernshuswaptribalcouncil.com/ & by e-mail to NStQ members. If you would like to receive the Lexey’em by e-mail please forward your e-mail information to a.jack@nstq.org.

NStQ News

April 2013

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Last year saw something new - three female ewe lambs

Canim Valley 4-H members proud of their ‘lamb’ additions

By Paige Archie The Canim Valley 4-H Club has started to drift from just having market projects to also having female projects. Something new last year was female ewe lambs; we had three in the club.

The members with ewe lambs were myself, Paige Archie, and Jolee Campbell and Dusty-Rose Sellars. Paige’s lamb’s name was Wilma, Jolee’s Rosetta, and Dusty’s Feathers. During the month of March we had wonderful little additions to the club.

The first one to lamb was Feathers, and she had twins on March 3. A boy named Starlight and a female named Moonlight. My mom and I were going down to the barn to feed and we heard a faint baa and looked in the stall and found two baby lambs. We quickly grabbed our lambing box and put iodine on both of the ends of the umbilical cords, and went and got Dusty.

The female lamb was very little when she was born and wasn’t getting much milk from her mom because her brother was bigger and kept hitting her out of the way, because of this we had to bottle feed her for about two weeks. But she ended up growing stronger and was able to eat on her own.

Then it was Wilma’s turn to lamb and she had one big boy who is named Pebbles born on March 7. He was a big boy because I weighed him two days after and he weighed 13.3 lbs, so he was probably about 12 lbs when he was born.

Because he was so big Wilma had a lot of trouble having him on her own. I got called down to the barn because it had looked like Wilma was going into labour, this around 7 and Wilma kept trying to push but Pebbles was just too big for her.

Around 11 p.m. I decided that she needed help so she wasn’t in much more pain.

Hadden and shown to myself. After I was shown, I had helped Jolee castrate Taz and showed her how it was done. Now all the girls have new knowledge.

All the girls were very excited when the lambs were born, and are excited to bring them to Williams Lake to the Show and Sale. Dusty is using Starlight as her market project and Jolee is using Taz as her market project.

We, the members of the Canim Valley 4-H hope to see you at the Williams Lake and District 4-H Show & Sale later this year. [top right] Paige helping Wilma to deliver her 12 pond lamb Pebbles [right] Jolee’s Rosetta with her lamb Taz who was five punds at birth [below] Dusty’s ewe Feathers with twins, a boy named Starlight and a female named Moonlight

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This was the first time that I had ever had to help and I only read about how to help and so I was very nervous. But all went well and Pebbles was born at 11:15 pm Last was Rosetta with a little boy named Taz. Rosetta had Taz throughout the night on March 15 when no one was around. He weighed about 5 lbs when he was born.

Jolee was very excited that she had finally had her lamb. Although it was a surprise that Rosetta only had one lamb because everyone thought that she would be having twins or even triplets because she was the biggest out of the three.

With having the new little lambs around the members had learned how the tails had to be docked and the boys needed to be castrated. I learned how to dock the lamb’s tail with my first ewe lamb, so I showed Jolee and Dusty how it was done and why it was done.

I showed them where the right part was to put the elastic so it’s not too long and not too short.

The castrating was done by Bill and Maureen

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Soda Creek Band Voters Needed

All eligible Soda Creek Band Electors can vote in the upcoming Band Councillor Election on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 either at the Pollor by mailin ballot.

An Elector is a person who is a member of the Soda Creek Indian Band and at least 18 years of age on the day of the day of the election, May 14, 2013.

If you live off-reserve or will be away on May 14, 2013, please contact me and provide your mailing address and I will make sure you get a voting package that includes a ballot.

Please tell your family members to contact me or individuals can send me their family members mailing addresses.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, Marg Casey,

Electoral Officer

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Phone: 250-392-7361

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E-mail: m.casey@nstq.org

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NStQ Youth Governance Workshop

In the May issue of the Lexey’em there will be a complete write-up on the Youth Governance Workshop that was held at T’exelc at the Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium on March 26.

The event was well attended and everyone had a great time by youth from each of the four NStQ communities.

WHEN:

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From: Invermere, BC (TBC)  August 16th August 17th

Chase, BC  Green Lake, BC Provincial Park Secwepemc Gathering

EVERYONE IS WELCOME, You can RIDE or join us along the ride or at the camp.

Everyone is responsible for their own camping gear, further details to follow.

[top photo] - Chief Ann opened the day’s activities as she welcomed everyone.

Co- facilitators were WLIB councilor Willie Sellars and Canim Lake Band councilor Andrea Boyce. [bottom photo] There was a ‘future leadership meeting’ played by the youth.

NSTC and TRU Grad Celebration

The May issue of Lexey’em will also feature the TRU and NSTC grad celebration which was held on Friday, April 12 at Sugar Cane in the Elizabeth Grouse gymnasium.

The theme ‘Honouring the Journey’ was certainly apparnet as the day progressed.

Councilor Henry Anthony, Adams Lake Indian Band Phone: 250-517-8851, Email: hanthony@alib.ca

These individuals with Language teacher Cecelia DeRiose took the language ‘just to learn the language’ not for credit

There was recognition of the Education Champions from each of the four NStQ communities, and from Esk’et, as well as reconition of the Language mentors/ teachers, First Nations Studies students, SFU Language courses, Shuswap Language & Culture Course, the Computer courses, Early Childhood Education Cindy Charleyboy, NSTC chair Mike Archie, NSTC executive and the Managment director Yvonne Smith and TRU director Ray Sanders. course for the NSTC community staff.

Lunch was prepared

by Cody William and hand drumming was performed by the Sugar Cane drummers and from the neighbouring communities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

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April 2013

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Shuswap Nation Tribal Council encourages First Nations not to fish ‘There’s just not enough and they are continuing to decline’

By Jason Hewlett Kamloops Daily News Staff Reporter, April 5, 2013

In order to prevent the further depletion of early chinook salmon stocks, the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council encourages First Nations not to fish until the more abundant run comes later this summer.

“We agree that we have to do our bit,” said Murray Ross, SNTC’s director of fisheries.

SNTC also backs the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, who called on First Nations to suspend all fishing of Fraser River early chinook, Ross said.

The chiefs have demanded the federal government halt all non-aboriginal fisheries for the same run.

Ross said the government must be more restrictive toward the fisheries affecting the fish, adding stocks are in deep trouble.

“They are almost wiped out,” he said. “There’s just not enough and they are continuing to decline.”

particularly the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, must take immediate and meaningful steps to protect early chinook runs.

The chinook stock in Louis Creek used to have several hundred fish, but is now down to its last 20, said Ross. When biologists checked Bissett Creek last year there were none.

He said ensuring the recovery and restoration of the stock is important to the continued survival as indigenous peoples.

“They used to have easily 400. At one time these individual stocks used to be fished by every sector,” he said.

UBCIC president Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said the early chinook stocks returning through the Fraser River and into the Nicola and Thompson systems have seen drastic declines.

With several fisheries in the Lower Mainland and along the Fraser River it’s hard to tell which hurt the chinook the most, said Ross. This is why it’s important everyone holds off.

Phillip accuses DFO of what he calls “poor and sloppy” management of the entire Fraser system, allowing further deterioration of the river’s salmon stocks.

“Trying to figure out which one is catching them is just about impossible,” he said.

An official with the DFO could not be reached for comment.

This is the third consecutive year the chiefs have called for a complete ban on fishing of the early salmon run to allow for its continued recovery.

The union’s vice president, Chief Bob Chamberlain, said all levels of government, and

Cknucwentn a first step Kamloops Daily News, March 25, 2013

The first day in Kamloops of the Cknucwentn (Kamloops) First Nations court began on March 4. It was a special day in an ordinary courtroom.

But it wasn’t the room or the ceremony that was special on the first day, it was a process that appears foreign to anyone who spends time at the courthouse.

Most notably, Frame vacated the elevated bench at the front of the courtroom to sit below at a rectangular table. With her, and at the same level, were lawyers, court workers and, in turn, the accused persons.

Most uniquely, also at the table were a number of First Nations elders, both from on- and offreserve. Pioneered in New Westminster, First Nations courts are a form of restorative justice — a bid to move one step away from the traditional courtroom given to us by English law.

Informality is the hallmark of the proceeding, which is scheduled to sit once a month.

Any person who identifies themselves with First Nations heritage is eligible to be sentenced in the court.

As one of the first hearings in the new court demonstrated, things work differently. A young man with a serious criminal record, who was in custody at the time, sat nearby his aunt and grandmother.

Elders told him in straight-talking terms his mistakes and future if he does not change. They also served as a resource about counselling available in this province.

He will be back in front of the same elders with a “healing plan” that will dictate his future — and the court will back it up.

The First Nations court sat here for the first time only weeks before Howard Sapers, the federal correctional investigator, released a damning report showing aboriginal people account for 23 per cent of offenders in federal jails.

Outside of jail, aboriginals represent four per cent of the population.

The Cknucwentn court is a small step in what must be a much larger social effort — beginning with parenting and education — needed to change lives and alter this statistic.

NStQ members please Note

The questions that have been asked in the Survey have been approved for release by the NSTC Board of Directors, as of today Tuesday, April 16.

An electronic copy will be sent out by e-mail to those members we have e-mail addresses for or you can see your Treaty office staff for a copy.

Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw

Northern Shuswap Tribal Council

17 South First Avenue, Williams Lake BC V2G 1H4 Ph: 250-392-7361 Toll free: 1-888-392-7361 Fax: 250-392-6158

Executive Director - Yvonne Smith Treaty Team Coordinator - Allan Tweedie Executive Assistant - Frieda Belleau Consultation, Accommodation & Reconciliation Coordinator–Vacant Communications Coordinator - vacant Communications Assistant - Agness Jack

Stswecem’c/Xat’tem First Nation (formerly Canoe Creek

Band)

General Delivery, Dog Creek BC, VOL 1J0 Ph: 250-440-5649 Toll free: 1-888-220-4220 Fax: 250-440-5672 Treaty Manager - Ernest Kroeker Governance - Allan Adams Treaty Assistant/Comm. - Rick Archie

Tsq’esecn’ (Canim Lake Band) PO Box 1030, 100 Mile House BC VOK 2E0 Ph; 250-397-2002 Toll free: 1866-797-2277 Fax: 250-397-2769 Treaty Manager - Elizabeth Pete Governance - Helen Henderson Treaty Assistant - Melody Henderson Mapping Tech/Communications - Irene Gilbert

Xat’sull/Cmetem’ (Soda Indian Band) 3405 Mountain House Road, Williams Lake BC V2G 5L5 Ph: 250-989-2323 Fax: 250-989-2300 Treaty Manager- Gord Keener Governance - Cliff Thorstenson Treaty Assistant -Kellie Louie

T’exelc (Williams Lake Indian Band) 2672 Indian Drive Williams Lake BC V2G 5K9 Ph: 250-296-3507 Toll free: 1-877-856-3507 Fax: 250-296-4750 Treaty Manager - Chris Wycotte Governance - Charlotte Gilbert Communications - Kirk Dressler Treaty Assistant - Judy Boston

Williams Lake Indian Band

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Williams Lake Indian Band and Gibraltar Mines Ltd., conclude a Participation & Cooperation Agreement [left] Chief Ann signs Agreement while WLIB council look on

Williams Lake Indian Band and Gibraltar Mines Ltd. Joint Media Release, April 3, 2013

Williams Lake Indian Band (WLIB) and Gibraltar Mines Ltd., announced today that they have concluded a Participation and Cooperation Agreement with respect to Taseko’s Gibraltar copper-molybdenum mine. The agreement addresses a variety of issues, ranging from environmental management, employment and contraction, to economic benefits flowing from the operation of Gibraltar Mine. The agreement is intended to establish a cooperative an mutually respectful working relationship which will allow both parties to meet their respective obligations and protect their rights, values and interests.

“We are extremely pleased to conclude this agreement with Gibraltar Mines Let.,” stated WLIB Chief Ann Louie. “Gibraltar Mine has been in existence since the ‘70s, and we know that it’s not going anywhere. Now we have clarity as to how we can work together to deal with future activity at the mine. Williams Lake Indian Band’s approach, where possible is to work with industry to build relationships and partnerships. We’re hopeful that this will be the beginning of a lengthy and cooperative relationship with Gibraltar Mine. We commend Gibraltar, and its parent company Taseko, for working with us to conclude this agreement.”

Russell Hallbauer, President and CEO of Taseko, commented, “We are pleased with the working relationship that has been develop[ed with WLIB over the past year. The agreement reflects a commitment to work together for mutual benefit. Both parties are aligned in their interests and in their commitment to ensure the Gibraltar Mine continues to generate local value and opportunity through environmentally sound mining practices.”

[top] Cody William was the caterer for the event, with Cody are Willie Sellars and Jean William Shuswap Nation Tribal Council Stsmémelt Project Job Posting TERM POSITION: Services Transition Facilitator

The Service Transition Facilitator is responsible for developing capacity and resources to transition child and family services into those communities. Community Circles of Protection will be established to guide the transition process using an integrated community based approach.

The Services Transition Facilitator will assist by: establishing Circles of Protection in each community, identifying training needs and resources for Circles of Protection members, adding expertise and leadership as members develop a comprehensive and culturally based transition action plan and developing a mentorship and working relationship with Knucwentwecw Society and Ministry for Child and Family Development (MCFD).

Sugar Cane drummers do an honour song

For more information, please contact Kirk Dressler, WLIB Communication Officer at (250) 296-3507 or on his cell at (250) 303-1362, or Christy Smith, Taseko Mines Ltc. Manager of Community and Aboriginal Affairs at (250) 2933100.

The Services Transition Facilitator will:  Develop culturally relevant community child and family services transition plans in collaboration with Circle of Protection members;  Assist and support capacity building with Circle of Protection members by developing Terms of Reference and identifying and implementing training needs and resources;  Engage Circle of Protection members in a working relationship with delegated agency;  Other duties as described in the job description.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Degree in Social Work, Sociology or related field.  Minimum of 2-5 years experience working with First Nation communities  Experience facilitating community groups.  Literate in computer and technical equipment operation.  Ability to work within timelines and on budget.  Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.  Willing to submit to a Criminal Records Check.

APPLY with resume and cover letter no later than 4:00 PM, April 24, 2013 to: Stsmémelt Project Attn: Jody Beckett, Administrative Assistant 680 Athabasca St. W Kamloops, BC V2H 1C4 Fax: 778-471-5804 stsadmin@shuswapnation.org In accordance with the SNTC Human Resource Policy, the first priority will be to hire qualified persons of Secwepemc ancestry. Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry.

Kristy Palmantier’s son taking a sample of the icing on the cake Shuswap Nation Tribal Council Stsmémelt Project Job Posting TERM POSITION: Administrative Assistant

The parties celebrated the completion of the Participation Agreement at a signing ceremony on Wednesday, April 10 in Sugar Cane at the Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium.

Implementation of the agreement will begin immediately and will be administered through an Implementation Committee consisting of representatives of both WLIB and Gibraltar Mines Ltd.

– Williams Lake, BC

POSITION PROFILE: The primary intent of this position is to support the transition of child and family services to 5 Northern Secwepemc Bands of Canim Lake, Canoe/Dog Creek, Esket, Soda Creek and Williams Lake Indian Band using a Nation-based approach to caring for children and families within the community and with the vision of re-establishing the inherent aboriginal rights of parents and families.

– Williams Lake, BC

POSITION PROFILE: The Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to the Stsmémelt Project staff in the areas of clerical, office coordination, data management and filing. The Administrative Assistant also provides event coordination, meeting planning and travel arrangements for the Stsmémelt Project.

The Administrative Assistant will:  Provide project staff with administrative support;  Prepare and edit correspondence, communications, presentations and other documents  Liaise and communicate with band leadership and members, as assigned  Assist with conducting community research, assemble and analyze data to prepare reports and documents  Update Project’s databases and contact distribution lists  Answer and manage incoming and outgoing correspondence  Develop and order promotional items  Plan, organize and coordinate functions, meetings and special events for the Project.  Prepare Project hosted meeting packages and distribute same.  Update and maintain Facebook page or call for technical service if required.  Coordinate the Project Director’s schedule, appointments, travel arrangements and reservations.  Type correspondence, process documents and distribute as required.

Williams Lake Indian Band’s ‘mining trainees’ with their heavey duty machinery operator instructors. The first part of the training was at TRU in BC Aboriginal Mining Training’s program. There is another group doing phase one of the training. This group can be seen operating heave equipment along the highway corridor near Coyote Rock Golf Course.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Recognized completion of an office administration program or equivalent obtained through relevant job experience.  Demonstrated competency in secretarial and administrative tasks  Proven ability to prioritize work flow  Extremely detail oriented  Strong computer literacy, including intermediate to expert skills in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and Access Database.  Operation of basic office equipment.  Excellent knowledge of standard office administrative practices and procedures.  Self motivated, organized and capable of working independently.  Previous work experience in a First Nations environment is an asset.  Ability to work within timelines and on budget.  Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.  Willing to submit to a Criminal Records Check.

APPLY with resume and cover letter no later than 4:00 PM, April 24, 2013 to: Stsmémelt Project Attn: Jody Beckett, Administrative Assistant 680 Athabasca St. W Kamloops, BC V2H 1C4 Fax: 778-471-5804 stsadmin@shuswapnation.org In accordance with the SNTC Human Resource Policy, the first priority will be to hire qualified persons of Secwepemc ancestry. Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry.

Stswecem’ Xgat’tem News Coyote Rock Golf Course open, Saturday April 13th, 2013 April 2013

Williams Lake Indian Band & Sugar Cane Enterprises, April 12 – Williams Lake Indian Band (“WLIB”) and Sugar Cane Enterprises today announced that the season opening of the Coyote Rock Golf Course will be Saturday April 13th, 2013 at 8 a.m. Located 15 minutes south of town, on the hillside overlooking Williams Lake, Coyote Rock is a nine hole, masters’ level golf course.

Cane Reserve. At the end of the day, wrapped around our course we will have a new multiphase residential subdivision and a ten-plus acre highway commercial business park.”

New features at Coyote Rock in 2013 will include a putting green adjacent to the pro shop that will enable golfers a chance to practice their chipping and putting. Annual Passes will also be

“This is going to be an exciting year at Coyote Rock,” states Acting Manager, Willie Sellars.

“We’ve got a number of new programs and initiatives at the course, and we will be breaking ground on our Coyote Rock Development Project this Spring, as well.

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issued, which will allow holders to engage in unlimited golf at the course.

“We aim to give everyone a great, affordable golfing experience,” adds Sellars. “Coyote Rock is awesome for golfers of all skill levels, and it’s a fun place to take the family for the weekend, or an afternoon.

We wanted to pick the perfect time to open this year, and with the Masters this weekend we feel there is going to be some major golf fever. No pun intended.”

To find out more about Coyote Rock Golf Course or to book your tee time, call the Pro Shop at 250 303-4653 (GOLF).

To book tournaments, large groups, or obtain sponsorship, contact Willie Sellars, 250 302-1883 or willie.sellars@williamslakeband.ca.

“The full build-out of the project will take several years, and will coincide with the four-laning of Highway 97 through the Sugar

Coyote Rock Golf Course ready for 2013 season opening, and Willie Sellars, Acting Manager is looking forward to an ‘exciting year.

Full Steam Ahead on First Nations Land Management at Williams Lake Indian Band WLIB is in the process of shifting to the First Nations Land Management regime. This is a form of self-governance over lands management that allows WLIB to get out from under the Indian Act’s paternalistic lands regime.

A key part of this transition process is drafting what is called a “Land Code”, which will be WLIB’s land constitution – it will set out all the key rules and processes with respect to land management. A brief summary of the elements includes the following topics: • identify the reserve lands to be managed by the WLIB • the general rules and procedures for the use and occupation of these lands by WLIB members and others, • Financial accountability for revenues from the lands (except oil and gas revenues, which continue under federal law), • The making and publishing of WLIB land laws, - The conflict of interest rules, • A community process to develop rules and procedures applicable to land on the breakdown of a marriage, • A dispute resolution process, • WLIB procedures by which to grant interests in land or acquire lands for commu-

nity purposes,

• The delegation of land management responsibilities, and - The procedure for amending the Land Code.

The WLIB members will develop the Land Code.

A technical committee consisting of WLIB staff will be holding community meetings with the members to develop the policy upon which the Land Code is based. The draft Land Code will be circulated in the community for comment. Door to door meetings with members will also be arranged to allow members an opportunity for more indepth discussion of the draft Land Code.

Once complete, and in order for WLIB to assume control over its lands, the WLIB Land Code must be ratified by the Members. The procedure for the community ratification process is developed by the community in accordance with the Framework Agreement on Lands Management.

This process will be set out in a document all the details of the process. The ratification procedure involves a thorough process to locate all eligible voting members and to provide them with the opportunity to vote in person or by mail.

All members of the WLIB who are at least 18 years of age, living off-reserve or on-reserve, have the right to vote on the Land Code.

Please get involved in this process and provide input on the development of the Land Code. We will have evening meetings, at 5:30 pm in the following locations to discuss First Nations Land Management and the content of the Land Code: • April 16 @ Chief Louie Centre, Kamloops • April 23 @ the CJL Boardroom, Sugar Cane • April 30 @ the Vancouver Friendship Centre The schedule for additional meetings will be announced in the near future!

For more information on the above, please contact Byron Louie, WLIB Manager of Economic Development, or Kirk Dressler, WLIB Economic Development Contractor, at (250) 296-3507 or by email at byron.louie@williamslakeband.ca or kirk. dressler@williamslakeband.ca.

First Nation News

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First Annual FNHC Health and Wellness Leadership Challenge - Inspire your community!

Beefy Chiefs and Champions!

Check out and share the Video Challenge link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcOBVgWveDU

Guidelines and Eligibility - Are you a leader in a BC First Nations Community? Do you strive to be a role model to your people, and want to obtain better health? Do you want to win prizes for your community? Join the First Annual First Nations Health Council Leadership Challenge: Beefy Chiefs and Champions!

What’s with the term Beefy Chiefs? - Writer Rod Mickleburgh lauded the efforts of FNHC leadership in taking the transfer of responsibility personally in a Globe & Mail article on February 2nd - “Chiefs walk the talk as BC natives prepare for takeover of health care from Ottawa”, “Although the final transfer of authority is still months away, leading BC chiefs are already taking their historic responsibility seriously, in a way few desk-bound bureaucrats or cabinet ministers would consider part of the job. They’re getting fit.”

He added “In recent weeks, Sto:lo Grand Chief Doug Kelly lost 22 pounds, while Chief Willie

Charlie of the nearby Chehalis Band is down nearly 20 pounds. The beefy chiefs have cut junk and fast food from their diet, and they are exercising.” And with that the term “Beefy Chiefs” was born!

Who can participate? - This contest is specifically for FN leadership- Elected Chiefs & Councilors, Hereditary leadership, Health Directors and Health staff. We won’t turn anyone away, however, only those listed above will be eligible for prizes.

When is the Challenge taking place? The Challenge begins April 15th and closes on October 15th. The winners will be announced on October 24th at Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey Forum in Vancouver.

How is a winner determined? - The challenge includes two categories: most inches lost and most weight lost. In the registration process each participant will be asked to enter their current height, weight, and waist, hip, chest measurements - Most Inches Lost (1 winner per region); Most Weight Lost (1 winner per region); Secret Prize (to be announced!)

Art show: Art n Crafts from First Nation artists/crafters will be displayed or for sale at the SJM Reunion. Contact: Phillip Robbins

Camping: available at Chief Will-Yum campsite. Trailer hookups and tenting sites at a 30% reduced fee.

Dance: 6 FN Bands will perform for your dancing pleasure! PLUS an open mike! Contact: Les Johnson

Auction: Saturday afternoon! Donations accepted. Contact: Phillip Robbins and/or Annette Frank

Lahal games: begin Saturday afternoon and may continue into Sunday afternoon!

Contact: Mary Harry Performances: Korean dance and music displays by Daybreak Mission Society!

Meals: served at the Arbor. Snack vendors will be onsite!

Cariboo Indian Girls Pipe Band – they played throughout the province and got to go to Expo’ 67 in Ottawa

St. Joseph’s Mission Reunion

Kids’ activities: Knucwentwecw & Denisiqi agencies.

May18th & 19th, 2013 Chief Will-Yum Pow Wow ArborSugar Cane Thank you for keeping’ the Mission’ Reunion an ALCOHOL & DRUG FREE Event!

Volunteer Coordinator: Doreen M. Johnson (doreen9@shaw.ca) or Phyllis Webstad 250-989-2222.

This event is made possible through the tireless efforts and dedication of event coordinators and many wonderful volunteers. The goal is to reconnect old friends and to have fun!!

Why are we focusing on weight loss?

The FNHC health leadership challenge will be focused on a different aspect of wellness each year. The first annual FNHC health leadership challenge is focused on weight loss because unhealthy weight is one of the most pressing health concerns facing our communities today.

We believe that our leadership is well positioned to act, inspire, and turn this trend around.

Am I ready to take this challenge on?

Getting back into physical activity should be tackled like any project, carefully and with sound planning. That’s why we are asking all Beefy Chief and Champion participants to please fill out this simple 7 question PAR-Q form: http:// www.csep.ca/cmfiles/publications/parq/par-q. pdf Register Online Here: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/ fnhc-beefy-chiefs Check out the Facebook event page here: https:// www.facebook.com/events/148689605304015

Register today and inspire your community!

NStQ Citizen Data Base The NStQ Citizen Data Base is up & running. The NSTC needs your current information.

To have your information included, visit, call or e-mail the ‘contact’ person for your community.

Northern Shuswap Tribal Council Dave Feil Contact person Ph: 250-392-7361, Ext, 206 Fax: 250-392-6158 Canim Lake (Tsq’escen’) Jesse Archie Ph: 250-397-2227 Fax: 250-397-2769 E-mail: eas@canimlakeband.com Stswecem’c Xat’tem First Nation Loni Fastlin Ph: 250-440-5645 Fax: 250-440-5679 E-mail: socdev@canoecreekband.ca Soda Creek (Xats’ull) Vacant Ph: 250-989-2323 Fax: 250-989-2300 E-mail: r.stobie@xatsull.com Williams Lake (T’exelc) Shawna Philbrick Ph: 250-296-3507 Fax: 250-296-4750 E-mail: shawa philbrick@williamslakeband.ca

The Citizen Data Base will assist in areas such as planning for funding needs for Citizen training & education programs.

First Nations News

April 2013

FAC T S H E E T March 25, 2013

Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

Non-treaty agreements with First Nations A key part of the BC Jobs Plan is government’s commitment to improving opportunities and resources for First Nations to participate in resource activity in their traditional territory.

Non-treaty agreements improve economic certainty and bring benefits more quickly to First Nation communities.

B.C.’s non-treaty agreements underscore an innovative approach that supports economic growth and job creation — not only for the First Nations involved, but for neighbouring communities. Strengthening government’s relationships with First Nations creates benefits for all British Columbians.

Under the BC Jobs Plan, the B.C. government committed to reach 10 non-treaty agreements with First Nations by 2015. The Province fulfilled this commitment two years early, in January 2013.

Non-treaty agreements include: strategic engagement agreements; reconciliation agreements; and forestry and major project revenue-sharing agreements.

Strategic Engagement Agreements (SEAs) Strategic engagement agreements are intended to encourage a positive and respectful government-to-government relationship with First Nations; strengthen B.C.’s investment climate; and establish mutually agreed upon procedures for consultation and accommodation.

Entering into SEAs with First Nations is one of the many approaches being used by government to support the New Relationship and Transformative Change Accord objectives.

First Nations who have negotiated SEAs include: Tahltan Nation; Kaska Dena Council; Taku River Tlingit First Nation; Tsilhqot’in National Government; Ktunaxa Nation and Nanwakolas First Nations.

Reconciliation Agreements The Province has completed several agreements with First Nations in B.C. that create the opportunity for comprehensive and lasting reconciliation. At the heart of some of these agreements are also strategic engagement agreements.

These agreements are with the Musqueam Indian Band, Coastal First Nations, Haida Nation, Nanwakolas First Nations, Gitanyow Nation and Tseycum First Nation. British Columbia expects to announce another reconciliation agreement with Snuneymuxw First Nation in the near future.

Economic and Community Development Agreements (ECDAs) ECDAs are agreements between government and First Nations for sharing the direct mineral tax revenue on new mines and major mine expansions.

The Province committed to share revenue with First Nations as a means to create certainty on the land and to partner with First Nations in resource development. The Ktunaxa Nation, Nak’azdli First Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, and the Stk’emlupsemc of the Secwepemc Nation each have negotiated ECDAs. B.C is engaged in numerous other negotiations and expects to finalize a number of additional ECDAs in the near future.

Forest Consultation and Revenue Sharing Agreements (FCRSA) In 2010, B.C. introduced a new type of forestry agreement, the Forest Consultation and Revenue Sharing Agreement, which provides First Nations with economic benefits returning directly to their communities, based on harvest activities in their traditional territory.

British Columbia has signed 100 FCRSA agreements with First Nations throughout the province since adopting the new model.

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) Since 2011, B.C. has invested more than$3.5 million to help 72 Aboriginal communities participate in the clean-energy sector, including wind energy, biomass and run-of-river hydroelectric power.

The FNCEBF provides money to build capacity in First Nations communities and invest in cleanenergy infrastructure.

In addition, on March 14, 2013, British Columbia and the Tahltan First Nation signed the first agreement to share revenue from clean-energy projects through the FNCEBF. By providing a mixture of capacity building, feasibility and project development funding combined with equity funding for projects and revenue-sharing, the fund helps to generate jobs for families and provide opportunities that benefit First Nations and non-First Nations’ communities, alike. It also helps to foster economic independence for First Nations.

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Secwpemc Language Lesson

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First Nations, Last Hope

Indigenous Sovereignty in British Columbia ...

Columbia Political Review

by Julian NoiseCat

Julian Brave NoiseCat, son of Ed Archie NoiseCat and Alexandra Roddy, is a member of the Canim Lake Band and a descendant of the Lil’Wat Nation of Mt. Currie. His paternal grandparents are Antoinette Archie and the late Ray Peters, and his maternal grandparents are Suzanne Roddy and the late Joe Roddy.

Julian is in his second year at Columbia University in New York City where he studies history.

This summer he will continue learning Secwepemctsín with his kye7e, while researching current and historical words for the White Man in Secwepemculecw. He loves his family. He can be reached at: jbn2114@ columbia.edu The First Nations of British Columbia stand at a crossroads, confronted with a Faustian bargain.

Should they sacrifice their identity and principles in return for land and monetary settlements?

Should they accept current recompense for past injustice while relinquishing the legal distinctions that have offered some (albeit meager) resources for their survival? Too often perceived as welfare-consuming dependents on a payroll subsidized by Canadian taxpayers, the First Nations of BC hold but one bargaining chip: un-extinguished claims to Canadian lands. This could be their chance to take some of that land back. However, the current framework for treaty negotiations asks First Nations to exchange their rights and entitlements as sovereign nations for land and money. In this inequitable deal, Canada would settle the ongoing “Indian problem” once and for all, while First Nations would gamble with their future as a people.

For nearly 150 years, BC—a province one-anda-half times the size of Texas—has exercised extraterritorial rights over the unceded lands of hundreds of First Nations. Aboriginal land claims comprise roughly 90% of the province’s landmass. Since the creation of the Canadian Confederation in 1867, it has been common practice for First Nations to sign treaties with the Queen, ceding title to their land while maintaining a government-to-government relationship with the Dominion of Canada.

This practice has resulted in eleven numbered treaties signed between 1871 and 1930 spanning a huge geography, from the Yukon to Ontario.

Although the word “treaty” with respect to First Nations is often a euphemism for “swindle,” treaties are nonetheless essential to the structure, function, and economic well-being

of Canada and its provinces, which could not proclaim sovereignty and ownership over Indian lands without these pacts.

In 1871, the colony of British Columbia (BC) joined the Canadian confederation. This was just one month before the first of the numbered treaties was signed in present-day Manitoba and Saskatchewan. At that time, unlawful dispossession of Indian land was well underway in BC, fueled by a powerful combination of greed and poor governance. Settlers had poured into the colony during the Gold Rushes of the 1850s and 1860s, and, even after provincehood, mainland BC was often referred to as “the Gold Colony”—a tacit acknowledgement that the province was dependent upon natural resources and that the original inhabitants had been colonized. They brought with them the familiar diseases and policies of conquest: Smallpox epidemics in 1862 and 1863 killed off as much as two-thirds of interior First Nations, and the reservation system was introduced at about the same time. In these early years, the groundwork for provincial governance and economics was established—erasure of aboriginal title and exploitation of natural resources. The foundations of this system remain in place today.

In BC, treaties were never drafted or signed, perhaps because profitable natural resource industries provided and continue to provide ample incentive to ignore the province’s dubious title to its land. First Nations have protested this outright theft for over a century. In 1910, chiefs of the Shuswap, Okanagan, and Couteau tribes wrote a letter to the then-Prime Minister of Canada, Sir Wilfrid Laurier:

To claim that the BC government has been nonresponsive to First Nations’ demands for treaties not only misleads but also grossly understates the extent of governmental wrongdoings. While land theft in BC was facilitated by indefinite delay of treaty negotiations, the Department of Indian Affairs, with the help of churches across Canada, used the residential school system to render this dispossession not only physical, but also spiritual and intellectual. Much has been written about the horrors of the residential schools.

Physical and sexual abuse, negligent exposure of unvaccinated children to highly contagious but also highly preventable diseases, institutionalized psychological and corporal punishment for speaking in the only languages students understood—their own— and murder were commonplace. In 1922, Dr. Peter Bryce, DIA’s Chief Medical Officer, revealed that at least 24% of the pupils of residential schools died because of “criminal disregard” to their health, with one school reporting a 75% mortality rate. The history of Indian relations in Canada generally and in BC, specifically, is about more than taking land. Unfair and inequitable dealings— including some bent on cultural annihilation— are longstanding structural underpinnings of Canadian society and government.

They say the Indians know nothing and own nothing, yet their power and wealth has come from our belongings. The Queen’s law, which we believe guaranteed us our rights, the BC government has trampled underfoot. This is how our guests have treated us—the brothers we received hospitably in our house… We desire that every matter of importance to each tribe be a subject of treaty, so we may have a definite understanding with the government on all questions to date between us and them.

Because the land could not be fully dispossessed from the Indian until the Indian was dispossessed from himself, Canada set about a project to eradicate the cultural and intellectual property that served to differentiate and distinguish First Nations from other Canadians. For example, the potlatch, an important economic and ceremonial gathering to coastal people, was banned until 1951. Similar cultural prohibitions affected First Nations throughout Canada, the most pernicious of which was manifested in the residential schools, where children were forbidden to speak their native languages so that they would permanently unlearn the ways of their families and communities and become good British subjects. The effect was that the Shuswap Nation, or Secwepemculucw, was now “British Columbia,” and that the earth, or tmícw,was now “private property,” or “not yours.”

The grievances and demands of this letter— specifically to build and honor a treaty-based nation-to-nation relationship between Canada and its First Nations—are still unresolved. These century-old words resonate with Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo’s statement on January 24, 2013 that First Nations “want to see the Crown come meaningfully to the table and address the outstanding treaty relationship.”

Eradicating the culture was key because indigenous cultural practices maintain a fundamental relationship to the land that manifests itself in a distinct but real form of ownership. Cultural and intellectual property not only differentiates First Nations from nonNatives, but also legitimizes their territorial claims. The centrality of land to indigenous people is obvious in subsistence practices such as hunting, fishing, gathering, and farming; cont. next page - ‘Stand at ...’

First Nations News

... Stand at a Crossroads however, this relationship also manifests itself spiritually and ideologically through oral histories, ceremonies, songs, dances, and games. For example, in lahal, which on the surface looks like a gambling game, songs composed in honor of the land and in memory of deceased ancestors accompany the exchange of gambled items (physical property). It is not surprising, then, that missionaries and government agents outlawed lahal along with other cultural practices in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as these practices presented an implicit challenge to the settlers’ title to the land. Cultural prohibitions together with forced removal to reserves facilitated the erasure of indigenous land claims and ownership. Thus, the land question in BC is not merely about land. It must also be about culture.

The BC Treaty Process was started in 1993 to address outstanding land claims surrounding unextinguished Aboriginal title to vast territories throughout the province. Widely considered a failure, the process has produced just two treaties: Tsawwassen, implemented in 2009, and Maa-Nulth, in 2011. (The first modern treaty was implemented with the Nisga’a outside of the process in 2000.) Part of the problem is that the government’s settlement offers come in at about five cents on the dollar—honoring a paltry 5% of First Nations’ land claims. With court cases such as that of the Xeni Gwet’in demonstrating that First Nations can prove irrefutable Aboriginal title to over 50% of their traditional territory, it is clear that First Nations are right to resist signing for just 5%. Not surprisingly, the Xeni Gwet’in case has been called “the final nail in the coffin” for the BC Treaty Process.

Even such dire predictions did not foreshadow the resurgence of an energized indigenous rights movement under the banner of “Idle No More.”

Idle No More began in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, when four indigenous activists held a teachin responding to the Harper administration’s unilateral introduction of omnibus Bill C-45. Bill C-45 removed environmental protection from thousands of bodies of water throughout Canada and changed the language of the Indian Act to allow tribal councils to surrender reserve lands without receiving the consent of a majority of their community. The bill was introduced without First Nations’ consultation. Responding to Bill C-45 as an assault on indigenous sovereignty, Idle No More has grown into an international protest movement. While Idle No More has focused on upholding the eleven numbered treaties, the movement also draws attention to the outstanding land question in BC. Idle No More is catalyzing the treaty process, and treaties are exactly what many First Nations throughout the province have been demanding

April 2013

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for over a century.

To be fair, however, the current state of negotiations is in part the result of First Nations’ demands for treaties. Thus the Faustian bargain—to reiterate: an exchange of Aboriginal rights for land and money—is as much a product of First Nations’ willingness and demand for compromise as the provincial government’s mismanagement of Indian affairs. Compromise is all too often inadequate, and this compromise, in particular, creates a false dilemma stemming from an incomplete understanding of what dispossessing First Nations’ of their lands has truly entailed. This century-long mistake seems to forget, or even ignore, the fact that it is cultural and intellectual property rights that make First Nations’ land claims meaningful.

Culture and indigenous intellectual property, like the land, were wrested away from First Nations through insidious, institutionalized efforts throughout the 20th century. And so, treaty negotiations that solely address the “land” issue and do not include a cultural component miss the bigger picture.

However, noting that treaty negotiations should not be structured as an exchange of land and money for sovereignty and self-governance does not explain what those negotiations should look like. Modern treaties are not marketed as exchanges of rights for land and money. Indeed, treaties often include provisions related to education, economic development, annuity payments, and even semblances of cultural investment that distract indigenous counterparties from what’s really at stake. One of the tricks of treaty negotiations is to frame agendas of assimilation in more favorable terms such as economic and social development. This makes the disagreeable seem more palatable.

Belying these selling points is the plain fact that treaties are negotiated with a stated monetary value for the land that is doled out in payments over time, thereby demonstrating that final agreements between nations are actually market transactions—or, better yet, bribes. To underline this point, it is rare for trade agreements, let alone treaties on the international scale, to be discussed, valued, or negotiated monetarily. It is generally understood that agreements between nations possess sanctity above and beyond the market, though they may be tied to and shaped by economic concerns. The fact that the BC treaties are stated in terms of their monetary value is revealing.

Whereas First Nations who sign treaties gain title to more lands, they must exchange rights as sovereign nations in return. In 2000, the Nisga’a Final Agreement, which was negotiated outside of the BC Treaty Process (and became a blueprint

for it), required the Nisga’a to conform to Canadian standards of governance, thus imposing foreign rule over a nation whose inherent right to self-governance means that they can govern themselves on their territory however they choose. While this deal might remind some of the International Monetary Fund’s strings-attached loans, there are key differences here. Though First Nations in many instances resemble developing countries, it is uniquely audacious of the Canadian government to dictate how the people whose natural resources have enriched Canada for centuries ought to govern themselves. Given the centrality of natural resource extraction to the Canadian economy, in a more equitable world, current Canadian-Indian policy would reflect and respond to the history of First Nations’ gracious sharing of their lands—the generosity at the foundation of current Canadian prosperity.

However, the unfortunate reality is that natural resource extraction in Canada and elsewhere is attached to a long history of twisted facts and cultural denial. cont. next issue - May Lexey’em

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NSTC - NStQ Treaty News

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For a pair of Island First Nations, land transfers a mark of good faith Richard Watts / Times Colonist , March 26, 2013 Chiefs from two Vancouver Island Aboriginal communities and the province signed steppingstone “good faith” agreements Tuesday, part of ongoing talks toward new treaties, in a special ceremony at the legislature preceded by First Nations dancers and singers.

Called “incremental treaty agreements,” the documents will see the Pacheedaht, near Port Renfrew, and the Ditidaht, around Nitinat Lake, take ownership of land parcels in their respective traditional territories.

As the treaty process continues, two more parcels will be turned over to each First Nation, eventually totalling 596 hectares for the Pacheedaht and 420 for the Ditidaht.

Ida Chong, B.C.’s minister of aboriginal relations and reconciliation, called the two agreements a historic and co-operative step toward signed treaties for the two peoples, stating “We are moving forward on this journey”.

Two parcels of land are Crown land. But the Ditidaht parcels are within a tree farm licence held by Western Forest Products. If the BC can’t conclude an agreement with the company in nine months, land of similar value will be found for the Ditidaht.

The words “good faith” were used frequently by the two Aboriginal communities’ representatives to describe the move by BC to make the land transfers, even before a final treaty agreement is reached.

Pacheedaht Chief Marvin McClurg, who has been involved in treaty talks for 16 years, said taking immediate ownership of these land parcels is proof of how worthwhile final treaties will be for B.C. First Nations. “It gives us a tool we can use to develop different programs,” McClurg said.

“Try to borrow money using land on a reserve,” McClurg said. “You can’t — and I don’t care if you have a 1,000 acres, it’s on a reserve, so it’s useless.”

The land will be transferred in fee simple, a form of freehold ownership, and become treaty settlement land — not reserve land.

Throughout their histories, neither the Pacheedaht nor the Ditidaht has signed a treaty with Canada. But the Ditidaht have been negotiating since 1993 and, in 1997, invited the neighbouring Pacheedaht to join them at the table.

The ongoing talks have been tough, said Ditidaht Chief G. Jack Thompson, who welcomed the latest move by BC.. “They are the ones stepping forward and showing good faith in the treaty process,” he said.

Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw 3rd Annual Citizens’ Assembly April 17 & 18, 2013 Elks Hall, Williams Lake, BC Hosted by – Soda Creek Indian Band Theme “Unity is Working Together Through Effective Communication” DAY 1 – AGENDA MC – Tony Mack  Opening Prayer & Drum Song  Agenda Review & House Keeping  Opening Remarks: Chief Bev Sellars & Chief David Archie B R E A K – 10:45 – 11:00 AM – Door Prize Draws  AIP Info Jim Doswell, NSTC Principal Negotiator L U N C H 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Guest Speaker - TBA  Chapter Summaries Coppermoon & Jim Doswell B R E A K – 3:00 – 3:15 PM - Door Prize Draws  Wrap Up & Questions  Closing Prayer & Drum Song

10:00 – 10:15 AM 10:15 – 10:30 AM 10:30 – 10:45 AM 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 1:00 – 3:00 PM 3:15 – 4:00 PM 4:00 – 4:30 PM

DAY 2 – AGENDA MC – Shawna Sellars  Opening Prayer & Drum Song 10:00 – 10:15 AM  Agenda Review & House Keeping 10:15 – 10:30 AM  Opening Remarks: Chief Mike Archie & Chief Ann Louie 10:30 – 10:45 AM B R E A K – 10:45 – 11:00 AM - Door Prize Draws  Constitution Governance team  Governance Governance team 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM L U N C H 12:00 – 1:00 PM Guest Speaker – Gwen Phillips, First Nations Health Council  Government To Government Governance team  Language & Culture Governance team  AIP Referendum & Update – Mock Vote 1:00 – 3:00 PM B R E A K – 3:00 – 3:15 PM - Door Prize Draws  Wrap Up & Questions 3:15 – 4:00 PM  Closing Prayer & Drum Song 4:00 – 4:30 PM NStQ Treaty & other Displays

LOTS of Door Prizes

Elders Honouraria

For Transportation – Contact your Treaty Department For more information - Contact: Gord Keener or Kellie Louie @ (250) 989-2323

ALL NStQ Citizens are invited to attend!!!!