Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw
Shuswap People of the North
Lexey’em “to tell a story” FEBRUARY 2013 - Pellsipwenten (Cache Pit Month)
Williams Lake Indian Band’s Coyote Rock Development Project to be Featured at Aboriginal Business Match 2013
Aboriginal Business Match (ABM) is the most significant Aboriginal business development event in British Columbia. ABM 2013 will bring leaders from well over half of First Nations in BC in contact with the broader business community to develop economic opportunities. by Kirk Dressler, WLIB Communications
The event employs a unique trade show format of pre-scheduled appointments to discuss business opportunities between pre-qualified business matches. First Nations and Tribal Councils are one side of the match, and all other delegates participate on the exhibitor side. Exhibitors include
[right] An artists rendering of Williams Lake Indian Band’s Coyote Rock Development Project which will be located next to Coyote Rock Golf Course along Highway 97.
Program. Looking forward to participating next year.”
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First Nations and Métis businesses looking for procurement opportunities;
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industry sharing information and discussing business and procurement opportunities;
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consulting firms offering expertise;
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financial institutions with tailor-made packages for business & partnership development;
ABM 2013 will be held in Penticton during the period of February 18 to 21st and WLIB will be featured prominently at that event. Williams Lake Indian Band’s Coyote Rock Development project has already received a very significant block of AANDC funding, and WLIB hopes and expects that the construction of the water, sewer, roads and other infrastructure needed to get that project market-ready will begin in 2013.
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construction companies ready to build and looking for partners;
A brochure developed by AANDC, to be distributed at ABM 2013 states:
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manufacturers with employment opportunities;
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associations offering programs to develop and grow industry sectors; and
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government agencies offering programs to support economic initiatives.
Some have compared the format to “speed dating” – as attendees go through a series of focused and rapid-fire meetings with the explicit goal of getting deals done. 2012 was the first year that the annual Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Economic development conference used this format, and feedback was almost uniformly positive. Aecon Infrastructure VP of Business Development, Bill Clarke states: “Aboriginal Business Match was a fantastic opportunity for Aecon to meet with Aboriginal community representatives and companies to discuss future opportunities for training, projects and partnerships, as well as sharing and building on our Aboriginal Engagement
The Williams Lake Indian Band is seizing the opportunity to capitalize on central British Columbia’s growing economy with plans for a large residential and commercial project near the town of Williams Lake, BC. With funding support from AANDC’s Community Economic Opportunities Program, the Coyote Rock Development project will help revitalize the transportation corridor of Highway 97 with potential for up to 20 acres of market-based housing and 60,000 square feet of leasable commercial space for businesses such as restaurants, automotive shops and retail. The spin-off benefits for the region are huge – strengthened partnerships with local governments and businesses, the creation of over 200 new jobs and ability to inject millions of dollars into the regional economy.
Inside This Issue Secwepemc Unity
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Stswecem’c Xgat’tem News p. 3 Secwepemc7ulecw p. 4 Secwepemc & First Nation News
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Tsq’escen’ Community News
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NStQ News
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Secwepemc Language
p. 8
First Nations Rights
p. 9
A FN Historicla Document Response to ‘Idle No More’
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NSTC & NStQ Treaty News
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Secwepemc Unity
Pelltsipwenten p.2
Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Hosted the Secwepemc Unity in December Tk’emlups Indian Band hosted the Secwepemc Unity Meeting which was held at Moccassin Square Gardens on the T’kemlups reserve on December 7, 2012. An Elder from Tk’emlups did the Opening Prayer and a drum song was performed by the Seklep School of Excellence Cultural Program. Chief Shane Gottfriedson welcomed the Secwepemc leaders to his community. Following the review of the agenda there was a round table introductions of the delegates. The leadership had discussions on Kinder Morgan; Green Lake presentation by Tsq’escen’; the Terms of Reference; youth participation in the Secwepemc Unity meeting;, the The chiefs and representatives at the December Secwepemc Columbia River Treaty; the Declaration Unity Meeting hosted by Tk’emlups te Secwepemc on language and intellectual property; Treaty. First Nations court; the Stsmemelt Project; Canoe Declaration on language and intellectual project; Secwepemc Elders Gathering; and, the property- It was discussed on the importance of St. Joseph’s Mission Commemoration project. putting together such a declaration in order to Kinder Morgan - There was a meeting in educate all the schools that the language belongs Vancouver with Kinder Morgan, and it was to the secwepemculucw. Bonnie Leonard and suggested that the Secwepemc communities Allan Tweedie have been tasked to work on begin working together on this. There will be a creating a declaration. briefing note put together so that everyone will Doctorine of Discovery - Doreen Manual will be be aware of the issues, including impacts on at working with others to create a dvd from the least 60 archaeological sites, surrounding the Doctrine of Discovery conference that took place Kinder Morgan Project. in Kamloops last September. Green Lake - Pam Theodore provided an The Stsmemelt Project - The province has overreview of how the Green Lake heritage informed the project will not be funded any site had been discovered and that it once was further than the end of March 2013. There will a Secwepemc meeting place. A development be more discussion at the March Secwepemc had started there and while in the process of Unity meeting. digging the foundations, human remains were discovered and it was known that there are arch There will be an update on the St. Joseph’s sites there. The remains were taken to Victoria Mission Commemoration Project at the March and this past year Chief Mike Archie had gone unity meeting. down to Victoria to bring the remains back. Canim Lake does have a specific claim on the area, and it is now protected under the Heritage Act. The owners are willing to sell. The Secwepemc Leadership need to be aware of our Secwepemc and other First Nation ancestors who are showing themselves throughout the territory and throughout in the province. Terms of Reference will have to be worked on and there are documents that can be used as guides, and there is the unity agreement is built right in and can be used as the terms of reference. There is a Secwepemc Gathering at Green Lake this year where the leadership can inform the people that we are working together as 17 Secwepemc Bands. Youth Participation - The tribal council has youth involved at their meetings. The Chiefs agreed that youth representatives can attend Secwepemc Unity meetings and will have a vote. The policy working group and technical working group will begin working together on the important issues surrounding the Columbia River
Secwepemc Elders Gathering – There was discussion around having an Secwepemc Elders Gathering at Green Lake and to have the focus on Elders and knowledge keepers. Each community will appoint a rep to sit on the planning committee, the tentative dates: August 16-18, 2013. A number of the members present agreed to be part of the planning group which will meet in January, 2013.
The next Secwepemc Unity Meeting will be hosted by Xat’sull First Nation at the Deep Creek Hall, on Friday, March 8, 2013. For more information contact Kellie Louie at (250) 989-2323.
[top photo] Tk’emlups Chief Shane Gottfriedson and SNTC Tribal Director- Bonnie Leonard [middle photo] Crystal Camille, Chief Bev Sellars and Chief Ann Louie [bottom photo, right to left] Richard Jules, Tk’emlups; Gerald Etienne, Bonaparte; Jessie Archie and Pamela Theodor, Tsq’escen’
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.
Stsw ecem ’c Xgat ’em First Natio n New s
February 2013
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SONA Signs Agreement with China Machinery Engineering Corporation for Development of the Blackdome - Elizabeth Gold Project VANCOUVER, February 13, 2013 – Sona Resources The table below outlines the key parameters of Corp. (the “Company” or “Sona”; TSX-V:SYS, the MOU between CMEC and Sona. Frankfurt-QS7) is pleased to announce it has signed a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) Blackdome-Elizabeth Gold Project with China Machinery Engineering Corporation Terms (“CMEC”) of Beijing for an engineering, Operator Sona or a Sona-appointed contractor procurement and construction contract (“EPC”). Loan amount Up to $55 million This will facilitate development of Sona’s Interest rate 8% Blackdome-Elizabeth Gold Project (the “Project”), Eight years located in the Clinton and Lillooet Mining Districts Term Loan repayment 60% of mine cash flow in BC, approximately 220 kms north of Vancouver. Based on the terms of the MOU for the Project, CMEC will: • Assist Sona with the arrangement of a buyer’s credit for production financing for the Project, for the capital requirements, the construction and the start of mining operations; • Construct & deliver turnkey operations for the Project, based on an industrystandard engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) contract; • Provide for ongoing resource definition and expansion, and; • Collaborate with Sona to implement an employment skills training program for personnel.
Percentage of financing by lender
85%
Percentage of financing by Sona
15%
Grace period
Principal and interest payments commence three months after full commercial production is achieved
Timing of definitive EPC contract
February 28, 2013. May be extended by mutual agreement
The terms of the financing, repayment, mine recoveries are about 94% for gold and 78% for development and production will be set out in a silver. During the initial stages of operation, Sona definitive final agreement. will closely follow the mining plan developed by Micon. China Machinery Engineering Corporation Sona also holds 100% interest in the Montgolfier CMEC is a member of China National Machinery Project in Quebec, 40 kms east of the multimilIndustry Corporation, a listed Fortune Global lion-ounce Casa Berardi Mine gold deposit. 500 enterprise. CMEC began operations in 1978 as China’s first large state-owned corporation to Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not integrate engineering contracting and foreign have demonstrated economic viability. trade with industry. This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, and such statements involve risks and
Since the start, CMEC has undertaken projects uncertainties. The results or events predicted may differ in over 45 countries on all five continents. CMEC materially from actual results or events. Any forwardsuccessfully went public on December 21, 2012, looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news and trades on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the symbol HK1829.
The EPC contract will include, but is not limited to, the costs of engineering, procurement, design, civil works and other construction expenses; transportation of equipment; labour; all ancillary buildings, electrical equipment and power sources; and all related mine and administrative infrastructure, to begin commercial production at Sona Resources Corp. the Project. Based in Vancouver, Sona is a junior gold resource Nick Ferris, Sona’s Executive Chairman, says, “We company with a focus on bringing its Blackdomeare delighted to have this agreement with CMEC. Elizabeth Gold Project into full commercial It is an international engineering group with an production. Since its inception in 1990, Sona has excellent reputation for the design, engineering engaged in a wide range of mineral exploration and construction of high-quality industrial and activities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, infrastructure projects worldwide. We look as well as small-scale gold production. forward to working with CMEC to expedite Sona owns a 100% interest in the former the commencement of gold production at the Blackdome Gold Mine, south of the Gang Ranch; Blackdome-Elizabeth Gold Project.” and the Elizabeth Gold Deposit Property, 30 The transaction is subject to a number of kilometres south of Blackdome. conditions, including but not limited to the Sona aims to bring the fully permitted Blackdome completion of a review by CMEC and its affiliates, mill back into production at an initial rate of definitive documentation for the project financing 200 tonnes per day, from the formerly producing and the EPC contract, and approval by the TSX Blackdome Gold Mine and trucking feed from Venture Exchange and Sona’s board of directors. the Elizabeth Gold Deposit Property. A positive Preliminary Economic Assessment by Micon NOTE: Sona Resources CorInternational Ltd., at a gold price of $950 per poration has a partnership with ounce over an eight-year mine life, has estimated the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First costs of $208 per tonne mined, or $686 per ounce Nation. In the past Sona has of gold recovered, based on approximately 23,500 employed members of the SXFN ounces of gold recovered per year. communities, as executive asPlanned underground mining activities at both sistant, cooks, security, drilling, road mainBlackdome and Elizabeth will be conducted. tenance and small construction and as they The Blackdome mine was in production for four begin full operation will be hiring and training years in the late 1980s, and thus the processing more SXFN and other interested First Nation technologies and metallurgical recoveries are individuals. thoroughly documented. Precious metals are to be recovered at Blackdome, and expected
NStQ Citizen Data Base
The NStQ Citizen Data Base is up & running. The NSTC needs your current information. To have your information included, s ee 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) Roxanne Stobie 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.
Secwepemc7ulecw Making a case for white reservations by Rick Gilbert, Williams Lake Indian Band
little city people.
In response to the letter written by Ms. Veera Bonner, I kind of like her idea. She’s thinking along the right track. As a matter of fact, maybe we could even go a few steps further. For starters, maybe we could draw a boundary around all of the cities and we’ll call them white reservations. Then for the longest time it will be against the law for any Indian to go onto these reservations, except for the white agents who will have been sent by the Department of White Affairs.
Meanwhile after a couple of decades your children who have come out of our residential school systems won’t be able to hold any kind of jobs in the city because all they will have learned from these schools will have been how to sing and dance our Native dances and how to live in harmony with Mother Earth which has nothing to do with Wall Street (city people’s center of religion).
For education, we would have to take all the city children from their parents for 10 months out of every year and send them to residential schools where they will be taught by our Indian elders and medicine men. They will not be allowed to speak English at these schools as it will be our goal to have every city child speaking some Indian dialect because they have to fit in and be like us you know. This separation of children from parents will ensure that the culture of the city people will be lost in at least two generations. We will also make it against the law for the people in the cities to practice their cultures and their dances (rock and roll, and the two-step). The separation of child from parent and loss of culture will certainly leave the parents with very little to do with their time for most of the year. To lessen your loneliness for your children and to kill the time you have on your hands, you may very well begin to start drinking yourself into an alcoholic state. To ensure this we will take away any initiative you might have by not allowing you to use any of your cities for economic development purposes. You see this is not really your land, its just a reserve. But you have to live, right? Don’t worry a bit; we have that already figured out. You see we’ve got this safety net thing, called a welfare system where you won’t have to do a thing just collect your cheque every month and be nice
Pelltsipwenten
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This is really getting stupid but what I’m trying to get across to Ms. Bonner is that there is much more to what the Natives of Williams Lake and of the rest of world are doing. Indians and ranchers and guides and outfitters and environmentalists don’t protest just for the sake of protesting. Many of us would like nothing better than to be off on some holiday watching a beautiful sunset. But if we don’t do something to prevent the destruction of this beautiful country or if we don’t do something to resolve the outstanding issues, surrounding Native claims, I’m sure that people like Ms. Bonner won’t and there certainly won’t be a beautiful country for her to return to in future years. By the way, at the beginning when we made all the cities into reserves, we took away all the surrounding land that you thought was yours. That’s why you were setting up a roadblock at the edge of the city to try and get back some of that land. [note: Rick Gilbert contributed this ‘letter to the editor’, which appeared in the Williams Lake Tribune back on March 24, 1998, 15 years ago]
Secure Status Cards Important Notice The BC Regional Office for Indian Registration and Band Lists in Vancouver is now processing applications for the new Secure Certificates of Indian Status (Status Cards). If you are planning a trip to Vancouver and would like to apply for the new secure Status Card you must first make an appointment ( 1-800-6659320 and ask for the Status Card office). No one will be served without an appointment. There are very strict identification requirements when applying for the new secure Status Cards so please call first to make sure you bring the proper identification with you when applying. The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council will continue issuing the current laminate cards for the foreseeable future. Please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions. Marg Casey
Community Services Coordinator Northern Shuswap Tribal Council 17 S.1st Avenue, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1H4 Phone: 250-392-7361
Email: m.casey@nstq.org
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
Secwepemc & First Nations News First Nations Work Together on Mine Concerns North Thompson Star Journal, February 7, 2013
The Simpcw First Nation and Adams Lake Indian Band have signed an agreement to work together on issues of mutual concern surrounding the potential impacts of the Harper Creek Mine, Yellowhead Mining Inc.’s proposed open pit copper, gold and silver mine. The mine, which is located within the bands’ traditional territories, will include a tailings pond and waste rock piles, access roads and a power line right-of-way. Its estimated lifespan is 28 years and it is expected to process an average of 70,000 tonnes per day. The two Bands are considering a list of concerns that include: fieldwork results showing the extensive long term First Nations traditional use in the area and at least two known burial sites; presence of at least one species at risk; the destruction of traditional food and medicinal plants; potential threats to fisheries due to water withdrawal and underground seepage of tailings; potential aie-shed contamination and seismic vulnerability; lack of proper
risk assessment; and, lack of secure, quantifiable long-term economic benefits to the Bands. Simpcw and Adams Lake have not yet taken a firm position for or against the mine. Editor’s Note: In a Media Advisory issued last November 2, 2012, the Simpcw First Nation stated, ‘At this point in time Simpcw First Nation neither supports nor opposes the project’. The community held an information picket in Vavenby on Thursday, November 8 of last year, and they issued the Media Advisory on the Friday before informing the public of their intentions, and inviting them to stop by to visit the Simpcw information picket. The Simpcw release also states, ‘ They (the Simpcw First Nation members) also want to ensure that, if the project is implemented , the level of local long-term economic benefits is proportional to the environmental impacts and risks borne by local communities both during the mine’s operation and after it is decommissioned’.
News Bulletin
GFSD
February 2013 Announcements On January 23rd and 24th, the Stsmémelt Project staff attended the Indigenous Approaches gathering hosted by Sts'ailes. This meeting was an opportunity for us to meet with other projects like the Stsmémelt Project and share information. At this meeting, Assistant Deputy Minister, Doug Hughes, and Director of Aboriginal Leadership, Liaison and Reconciliation, Brenda Lewis, discussed possibilities for next steps with moving the projects forward. The Stsmémelt Working Group met in Kamloops, on February 8th, 2013. At this meeting we discussed the proposed plan for 2013/2014 and provided updates on community engagement and research. On March 13th and 14th, 2013, at the Quaaout Lodge, the Stsmémelt Project will be making its 3rd Year Report to the Secwepemc Chiefs and stakeholders. The Project staff will report on all of the work completed to date and work with band staff, leadership, partners and stakeholders to develop next steps in moving forward.
Community Engagement
Community plans have been completed and we are moving into the implementation phase for next year. Summaries of the plans are included in the Third Year Report; Full plans will be shared at the Stsmemelt Project meeting on March 13th and 14th. It has been rewarding to see the dedication from the communities in developing these plans and I want to express my thanks to the coordinators and working groups who shared their knowledge and time. Although each plan is different, reflecting the needs and current realities within individual communities, we have identified some common elements and it is these commonalities that guided our recommendation for the implementation phase.
Bonnie Leonard (SNTC Tribal Director), Barb McLean (Community Engagement Facilitator), and Kelly Connor (Researcher) participating in the Indigenous Approaches Gathering January 23rd, 13.
Séwem ell s7éytsen Séwem: What can we expect of the Stsmémelt Project in the upcoming year? S7éytsen: The Stsmémelt Project will be working on a First Wave Pilot program in collaboration with delegated agencies to transition some child and family services into communities.
Tek’wémiple7 Research Unit The first draft of the storytelling research relating to the traditional laws and values surrounding children and families has been completed. The laws and values obtained from the stories have been compiled into a “Tribal Casebook”. This Casebook is currently being reviewed and revised. It will be presented at the March 13th and 14th meeting at Quaaout. Copies of this research will be made available to each community at this time as well. Each community will be able to customize this research by supplementing it with their own traditions and stories.
Planning a future for our children and families
CONTACT US:
Stsmémelt Project, 680 West Athabasca Street, Kamloops, BC V2H 1C4
Jody Beckett, Administrative Assistant, Phone: 778.471.8210 / Fax: 778.471.5804 E-mail: stsadmin@shuswapnation.org Website: www.shuswapnation.org/departments/stsmémelt
February 2013
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Congratulations to the NStQ students who completed their courses last semester! Much hard work and dedication is put into these classes, and we are glad to be able to support your educational goals. This semester is half way...and many students are feeling the stress and commitment challenges of working, taking care of family, and driving to and from school from our communities on weekends. We are here to support our students success in different ways. If you are interested in helping tutor or mentor our students, please contact Cindy or Cody at the Tribal Council. Thank you to Our Elders and Mentors who teach and support our Language Program, we could not do this without you! We are having an Student/Teacher Appreciation Day on April 12th at WLIB gym. Watch for your Invitations to come out and support everyone! Cindy Charleyboy. Skills Development Coordinator Northern Shuswap Tribal Council 17-South 1st Ave., Williams Lake, BC V2G 1H4 Phone: 250-392-7361 EXT. 221 Fax: 250-392-6158
Job Opportunity – Health Director
The Three Corners Health Services Society is an accredited Health Service that will be hiring a Health Director who provides health care to Canoe/Dog Creek, Soda Creek and the Williams Lake Indian Bands. The Health Director will be responsible for the successful leadership and management of the Society. The Society is currently working with the transfer of Health Canada to First Nations Health Authority that will ensure a cultural lens with programs developed for the people and with the people. Understanding of the current health culture and political environment in BC and excellent knowledge of the history of the Secwepemc Nation will be needed. Job Summary The Health Director is responsible for the efficient design and management of all programs and departments, setting goals and measuring the achievement of the organization‘s objectives through strategic planning. This role focuses on: establishing effective working relationships with community groups and government funding agencies and other external contacts, efficient financial responsibilities and managing budgets of the organization, Human Resources, policy management, and accreditation. The transfer of Health Canada to First Nations Health Authority is an area that requires the participation of the Health Directors time and expertise to move through the process. Education Degree/Diploma in Business Administration or relevant field. Experience: Five to seven years of progressively responsible program management experience in health services with First Nations. Experience managing 20 or more staff as well as development and management of budgets
Salary
Salary will be based on experience and education and will follow a wage grid. Successful candidate must have a reliable vehicle with a valid driver’s license. This is a full time position of 35 hours a week.
Deadline: February 28, 2013. Please see the website for a complete job description at www.threecornershealth.org Please submit Resume with Cover Letter and names of Previous Supervisors for reference to: Jennie Walker, Health Director 150 North 1st Avenue Williams Lake, BC V2G 1Y8 Fax: 250-398-9824 Preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal Ancestry as per Section 16 – 1 of the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Tsq’escen’ Community News
Pelltsipwenten
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February 13 - 15, 2013
EAMS Holds Annual Carnival Days with Three Days of Family Fun Eliza Archie Memorial School held its annual Carnival Days. The students and staff enjoyed the activities which included some traditional aspects. Many community members assisted in making the activities a success for all. The Carnival Days started on Wednesday February 13th with tubing at the 108 Hills Health & Guest Ranch, later that night some of the community members traveled to 100 Mile House for bowling. The highest score for the night belonged to Ivan Christopher with 205. On Thursday February 14th there was snow shoeing, skiing, skating, a tea making contest, snow sculpture, etc… Thursday night the Tsq’escen’ Parents Club put on a SweetHearts Dinner and Dance. Friday, February 15th the Eliza Archie Memorial School held its annual ice fishing trip to Bobbs Lake. Twenty plus EAMS students and six staff were involved in the ice fishing. It was a beautiful sunny day to be out on the lake. There were 15 plus adults who attended, Elders Mitch Theodore and George Pete showed up and participated with the ice fishing. The Canim Lake Band Forester John Kalmokoff was the only one who caught two kokanee. Everyone enjoyed roasting hot dogs and drinking hot chocolate.
Jaci Gilbert and her dad Chris Amut, having parents and Elders attend the EAMS Carnival Days is what it is all about for the students as they get to spend three days having fun with one another and their families. It is one of the perks of having a ‘community run school’.
ELDERS GATHERING MARCH 27-28, 2013 ESKET
!
Meeting$sponsored$by$SNTC$&$Esket$Elders$Society$ Qelmucstin,will,be,spoken,throughout,the,meeting, Elders'at'sacred'ceremony'
[top] Lexus Amut takes a break from fishing and watches the other Tsq’escen’ members from her perch on a four wheeler. A nice day away from the office for Liz Pete [photo top right] - families, the land and the fish are all part of the NStQ treaty process topics, and its nice to be able to take part in the activities, away from the office and the negotiating table. Edward Dixon Jr. - no doubt hoping and praying for a fresh kokanee for the supper table.
DAY$1$Wednesday$March$27$ 12:00! Opening!Prayer! 12:10! Welcome!from!Esketemc,!Councilor!Andy!Chelsea,!Round!Room!Introductions! 1:00! ElderBYouth!Forum!Kamloops!Presentation,!Tina!MatthewBCollen,!Simpcw! 1:30! Secwepemc!Youth!Council,!Reanna!Leonard,!Tk’emlups! 2:00! Doctrine!of!Discovery,!Kelly!Connor! 2:30! Break! 3:00! UpdatesBChildcare!Human!Rights!Hearings,!Shuswap!Gathering,!Sk’elep!School/Language! 4:30! Prize!Draws! 5:00! Dinner! 6:00! Dance/Band:$“The,Famous,Alkali,Nighthawks”Thomas,Sampson,,Les,Johnson,,William,Johnson,,,, ,, Hilary,Johnson$ $ Day$2$ Thursday$March$28$ 10:00! Opening!Prayer! 10:10! Recap!of!Day!1! 10:50! Break! 11:00! Kukpi7!Ron!Ignace,!SkitsestenBTseq’yul’ucw!Ri7!Ne!Tmicw! 12:00! Lunch! Elders'observe'desecration'at'sacred'site' 1:00! Irvine!Johnson,!EsketemcBPictographs,!Petroglyphs! 1:50! Break! 2:00! Andy!Chelsea,!EsketemcBHistoric!Family,!Clan!Systems! 2:30! Loonie!Draw/Grand!Prizes! 3:00! Announcements! DRIVE$HOME$SAFELY!! Please$note:$there$are$NO$hotels/accommodation!in$Esket.!
FOR$MORE$INFORMATION$PLEASE$CALL$ANDY$OR$PHYLLIS$CHELSEA$AT$(250)$440X5662$
Celina!Harry!picking!Wenex!
Andy!Chelsea!Q’wlewmes!
Celebrating!Sobriety!Years!
NStQ Treaty News
February 2013
NStQ Survey Report Since time immemorial, we have had a relationship with our land and have been fighting to have our rights recognized since the 1800s. Chief William’s statement in 1879 said “The white men have taken all the land and all the fish. A vast country was ours. It is all gone.” NStQ entered the BC treaty process in 1993 and signed a framework agreement in 1997. The proposed treaty between the NStQ, British Columbia, and Canada, endorsed by our Leadership, reflects our strong relationship to the land, to our neighbours and to the rest of the Shuswap Nation. We have created a survey for members to learn more about how we can better communicate about the treaty negotiation process. The following is our report on the results so far.
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NStQ Urban Meetings Dates & Locations Monday, March 4
Kamloops
Chapters Viewpoint
610 Columbia Street Coordinator, Carl Archie carlarchie_o8@hotmail.com
Wednesday, March 6
Abbottsford Interim Results • • • • • • •
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Over 219 surveys completed! 65% of respondents are female The average age is 40 70% of respondents are community members 55% live off-reserve There is good representation from all communities, with Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake) having the best response The top three values are Healthy Children and Families, Meaningful Education and Employment, and Protected Land and Territory 65% are either ‘somewhat’ or ‘a little’ familiar with the Treaty The top three current sources of treaty information are Word of Mouth, Treaty News in the Lexey’em, and Community Meetings For receiving Treaty Updates, most preferred Email, followed by Treaty News in the Lexey’em, Facebook, and Community Meetings.
If you haven’t reviewed the survey report, please do so at www.nstqsurvey.com
University of the Fraser Valley
33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC – ROOM A225/A229 – BUILDING A
Thursday, March 7
Vancouver
Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Center
1607 East Hastings Street –
Coordinator, Cheryl Chapman (604) 910-3223
Secwepemc Language Brief Introduction in Secwepemctsin Weyt-k Xwexweytep! (Your Name) ren sqwekst, (Your Band) e estēkwen. Ec re e7elkstwen ne (who you work for) Example: Weyt-k Xwexweytep! Cody William ren sqwekst, T’exelc e estēkwen. Ec re e7elkstwen ne Language Coordinator ne Spi7uy Squqluts Language & Culture Society. Hello everyone! My name is Cody William and I am from Williams Lake Band. I work as the Language Coordinator for Spi7uy Squqluts Language & Culture Society.
Percentage of B.C. Aboriginal students graduating from high school increasing By Janet Steffenhagen, Vancouver Sun February 15, 2013
The percentage of Aboriginal students in B.C. who are completing high school within the expected time frame is continuing to climb, the Education Ministry says. The completion rate for students attending public and independent schools in 2011-12 rose to 56.4% from 53.7% the year before and 50.4% in 2009-10. The rate is up almost 14 percentage points from 10 years ago, the ministry says in a release. Some districts are showing remarkable improvement, the ministry says, mentioning Comox Valley and Boundary districts in particular. “These results show that while there is still much to be done, we are on the right track,” says DeDe DeRose, the province’s new superintendent of aboriginal achievement. “Aboriginal education enhancement agreements, Aboriginal curriculum, bringing Elders into classrooms - these are some of the ways we are helping to make Aboriginal students feel welcome and valued in our schools.” A recent report by Boundary school district, in south central B.C., says its Aboriginal completion rate in June 2011 was 87%, up from 72% the previous year, compared to the non-aboriginal completion rate of 97%. The district had 376 Aboriginal students that year, roughly one-quarter of its total enrolment. Education enhancement agreements, which have been signed in 53 of the 60 districts, are intended to bring together district officials, Aboriginal communities and the ministry to encourage students and introduce more Aboriginal culture and history into the curriculum. The completion rate refers to the percentage of students who finish high school within six years of first starting Grade 8. (That allows one extra year for students to earn all the necessary credits to graduate.) The completion rate for all B.C. students has hovered around 80% during the past decade, but recent evidence suggests that number is not as accurate as it could be and work is under way to improve the count.
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Secwepemctsin 232-2
Sentence Structure Example: Course – Williams Lake TRU
The term “W7ec” indicates that someone is doing an action now or it exists in a place. The pattern for this is: W7ec + re + plain/interactive verb + person ending
Example 1: W7ec re illenes means S/He is eating: W7ec + re + Illen (eat) + es (s/he/it/they) Illen = to eat, - es = s/he/it/they
Example 2: W7ec re illenes re George means George is eating: W7ec + re + Illen
+ es (s/he/it/they) + re + George means George is eating.
K’wsēltkten – Family Sentences from Secwepemc Language Handbook W7ec ēlkstes ne Esket.
She works in Alkali.
Mūten re kī7ce?
Is your mother at home?
The7e re Ki7ce?
Where is your mother?
Tsutst-ken e stēgtwenmen re nxpē7e
I’m going to visit my grandfather.
Lē7en t’ucw re k’wsētkten?
How are your relatives doing?
Kēnem wel ta7 k smut.s re Kyē7e?
Why isn’t your grandmother at home?
Re m-qwetsets te m-t’qellq re nkyē7e.
My grandmother went to gather root foods.
Penhē7en me7 tspelq’īlcwes?
When will she return?
Pexyēwt me7 tspelq’īlcwes hēqen.
Maybe she will return tomorrow.
Kēnem mē7e?
How come?
Yeri7 re nsqwetsēts…putucw.
I am leaving now, goodbye.
Health Connection Transit Bus Williams Lake to Kamloops
Mondays:
Leave Williams Lake
7:30 am
Arrive 100 Mile
9:00 am
Clinton
9:45 am
Cache Creek
10:15 am
Kamloops
11:30 am
Leave Kamloops
3:00 pm
Cache Creek
4:15 pm
Clinton
4:45 pm
100 Mile
5:30 pm
Williams Lake
7:00 pm
One Way Fare is $5.00
Please call ahead to book your seat - 398-7812. Medical Appointment clients have priority over shoppers. Williams Lake to 100 Mile 3 x /week Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
First Nation Rights
February 2013
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Aboriginal men take stand against violence toward women, children Judith Lavoie / Times Colonist February 15, 2013
First Nations men and non-aboriginal supporters across the country, including some police departments in Ontario, wear the patches of moose, deer or bear hide to signify their commitment to honour, respect and protect women and children in their lives. Although aboriginal women are not the only ones to suffer domestic violence, they do face disproportionately greater violence, said Aboriginal Relations Minister Ida Chong. “This is an issue that affects all of us, each and every day of our lives,” she said.
Aboriginal men and supporters march to the legislature in Victoria as part of the Moose Hide Campaign’s annual gathering on Friday. The event was part of a province-wide campaign to end violence against aboriginal women and children. Photograph by: BRUCE STOTESBURY, Times Colonist
Violence against women and children was never part of traditional First Nations culture and it is time for aboriginal men to reclaim their path as spiritual warriors, an annual gathering was told in Victoria Friday. The Moose Hide Campaign, organized by the B.C Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, culminated with a gathering of First Nations men on the legislature steps where participants pledged to speak out against all forms of violence. Pointing to the small patch of moose hide on his lapel, Songhees artist Butch Dick said, “We are wearing this little patch to say, we, as men, will spread the word among our communities that violence against women and children must stop.”
Aboriginal communities and families need to heal, said organizer Paul Lacerte, after speakers at the conference talked about feelings of dislocation caused by residential schools, poverty and addictions. “When I wear this [patch] it’s a commitment that I will never use my fists against women and children in my life,” he said. “If we see and hear violence is taking place, we have made a commitment to speak up.” That includes speaking up about missing and murdered aboriginal women across Canada, said Scott Fraser, Alberni-Pacific Rim MLA and aboriginal relations critic for the NDP. “It’s a provincial problem. It’s a national problem and there needs to be an inquiry. That has been resisted by government and I don’t know why,” he said. The conference was witnessed by women, several of whom spoke about growing up in violent homes. Dealing with violence is not just about stopping the beatings, it is about showing children how partners can respect each other and how men can show affection and kindness, said Karen Joseph. “We all need to be OK with love and not let fear lead us to this place,” she said. jlavoie@timescolonist.com
The life of Hume (Antoine Sargent) is a life experience presentation explaining how addictions can take control of your life.
Introduction My name is Antoine Sargent I’m from the Community they call Williams Lake Indian Band aka Sugar Cane located in British Columbia.
First presentation to the Williams Lake Indian Band/Dog Creek Youth 2012
I would like to share my life story about my experience with drugs and alcohol with every child & youth possible so that they can perhaps learn from my mistakes by listening & embracing my story, not only that but this helps keep me stronger as well by talking about my life it reminds me what it was like to sacrifice in life for drugs.
Seminars By Request
The Life of Hume ohol) (Dr ugs & Alc
Contact Information 701 Mission Road Williams Lake, BC V2G 5K9 Phone: 250-320-5517 Fax: 250-296-4750 E-mail: antoinesargent@hotmail.com
Historical First Nations Document
Many people know about the Laurier Memorial, of August of 1910. This Memorial of May 10, 1911 to Frank Oliver, then a member of the federal Cabinet, is less well known. At the time this letter was signed by the chiefs of Canim Lake, Williams Lake, Soda Creek, Canoe Creek and Dog Creek. Dear Sir and Chief, We, the undersigned Chiefs of the Shuswap, Couteau or Thompson, Okanagan, Lillooet, Stalo or Lower Fraser, Chilcotin, Carrier and Tahltan tribes in the interior of British Columbia, assembled at Spences Bridge, this tenth day of May, 1911, hereby greet you, and make known to you as follows: In this letter we desire to speak to you heart to heart, about those things which concern us most. ... We wish to obtain our rights, and the justice we believe we are entitled to. We ask for the same treatment accorded to other Canadian Indians in the settlement of our land question, and in other matters.... We believe the settlement of our grievances will result in benefit to the whites of this country, as well as to us. You already know most of those grievances, and the position we take regarding them. Our chiefs have written you from time to time, and several have visited the government in Ottawa within the last ten years. Your gov’t received petitions from the Thompson tribe in 1903 & 1909. The Declaration of the Shuswap, Thompson and Okanagan tribes, July, 1910. The Sir Wilfred Laurier memorial at Kamloops, August, 1910. Then Mr. McDougal, Special Commissioner, visited us twice, and no doubt sent in a report to your gov’t as to our condition. Consequently we need not reiterate everything here. You know how the B.C. gov’t has laid claim to all our tribal territories, and has practically taken possession of same without treaty and without payment. We want to know if we own any land at all in this country. As a last chance of settling our land question with the B.C. government, we visited them in Victoria on the third of March last, and presented them with a petition (we believe a copy was sent your gov’t), asking for a speedy settlement. Forty of us from the Interior waited on the gov’t along with the Coast Indians. In this letter we wish to answer some of the statements made to us by the B.C. gov’t at this interview. Premier McBride, speaking for the B.C. gov’t, said “We Indians had no right or title to the unsurrendered lands of the province.” We have never surrendered any lands. This means the B.C. gov’t asserts we have no claim or title to the lands of this country. Our tribal territories which we have held from time immemorial, often at cost of blood, are ours no longer if Premier McBride is correct.... McBride made the statement, “We Indians were well satisfied with our position...” We deny this statement completely. The fact of our visiting the Victoria Gov’t”many of us from long distances, and at great expense shows that we are not satisfied. As we stated before, we never had at any time been satisfied with our position, and now the country is becoming more settled up, and we are more restricted in our liberties year by year, we are very far from satisfied. ...What promises made to us when the first whites came to this country have been broken. Many of us were driven off our places where we had lived and camped because these spots were desirable for agriculture, and the Gov’t wanted them for white settlers. This was done without agreement with us, and we received no compensation. It was also in direct opposition to the promises made to us by the first whites, and Gov’t officials, that no white men would be allowed to locate on any place where Indians were settled or which were camping stations and gardens. ... Then we were promised full freedom to hunt, fish and travel over our country unrestricted by the regulations of the whites, until such time as our lands were purchased or at least until treaties were made with us. ...What of Governor Seymour’s promises made to the Lower Fraser Indians who convened at his request purposely to hear his message
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Memorial to Frank Oliver, Minister concerning the proposed policy of the whites towards the Indians of this country? ...
Our position has been gradually becoming unbearable..... We, the Indians of the Interior, and the Indians of the Coast have only lately joined forces to try and obtain a settlement of all questions concerning us. McBride gave a partial explanation of how the BC Reserve System originated. This does not concern us. What we are concerned with is the fact the BC Gov’t has already taken part of our lands without treaty with us, and without payment of any compensation, and had disposed of them to settlers and others. The remaining lands of the country, the Gov’t lays claim to as their property, and ignores our title. Out of our lands they reserved small pieces here and there, called Indian Reserves, and allowed us the occupancy of them... No proper understanding was arrived at, nor proper agreements made between ourselves and the BC Gov’t, when the reserves were laid out. Not one of us understood this matter clearly.... We always trusted the Gov’t, as representing the Queen, to do the right thing by us.... McBride claimed many reserves are larger than we need, and much of the land remains unoccupied. We claim this is not so. We should have as much land of our own country to farm as is allowed to white settlers (viz.: 160 acres), or as much as our Indian friends of Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana retain on... their reserves (viz.: from 80-160 acres of the best agricultural land available, chosen by themselves, for each man, woman and child. At the time the Indian Reserves of BC were set apart, the BC Gov’t allowed 320 acres of land to each white person pre-empting land from them. As this time our population was much greater, the amount of reserve land per capita would be smaller in proportion...) We ask McBride to state the amount of good land in the Reserves which can be successfully cultivated by us under present conditions. Why should we be expected to make a good living on four or five acres of land, whilst in 1881 and later 320 acres was deemed none too much for a white man? Pasture need not be taken into consideration, as then the unfenced range country formed sufficient pasturage, and was used equally as much by whites as by Indians. A few of the reserves may appear large on paper, but what amount of good land is in them? Most of them consist mainly of barren side hills, rock slides, timbered bottoms hard to clear, and arid flats devoid of water for irrigation. In very few places do we have any chance to have good farms, and they must of necessity be small in area. Either the land or the water is lacking. In many places even the total acreage of the reserves is exceedingly small. All reserves are used by us one way and another as fully as possible, considering... the nature of the lands. If by occupancy McBride means actual living on or cultivating of each part of reserve, then we plead guilty to our inability to occupy the greater part of them, for we cannot live on and cultivate rocks, side hills and places where we cannot get water. Even in many places we do occupy fully, and cultivate, we lose our crops altogether, or in part, every year, owing to whites taking the irrigation water, and stopping us from using it when we most require it under the claim of prior rights to the water. In this they are sustained by the BC Gov’t who recognize their water records as superior to ours. ...We desire a complete settlement of our land question, and the making of treaties which will cover everything... in our relations between the whites of this country as represented by their Gov’ts, and we as Indian tribes. As the BC Gov’t through McBride refused to consider any means of settling these matters legally, we call on the Dominion Gov’t at Ottawa the central and supreme Gov’t of Canada to have the question of title to our lands of this country brought into court and settled. We appeal to you for what we consider As the building of railways and settlement in this country is proceeding at a rapid pace, we wish to press
Response to ‘Idle No More’ Movement
of the Interior, Ottawa - May 10, 1911 on you the desirability (for the good of all concerned) of having these matters adjusted at as early a date as possible. In the hope that you will listen to our earnest appeal, we, the underwritten chiefs, subscribe our names in behalf of our people: - Okanagan - John Chilahitsa, Douglas Lake; Babtiste Chianut, Nkamip; John Leokonaghen, Ashnola; Charles Allison, Hedley; Francois Pakelpitsa, Representative Penticton; Babtiste Logan, Vernon; John Inhamchin, Chopaca; Alexander Chilahitsa, Hereditary Head Chief. Shuswap - Louis Ghlegheghken, Kamloops; Basil David, Bonaparte;
Francois Selphghen, Shuswap Lake; Babtiste William, Williams Lake; Samson Soghomigh, Alkali Lake; James Capel, Clinton; Thomas Petlamistsa, Deadman’s Creek;. Major Cheschetselst, Leon Creek; Antoine Chelahauten, for Chief Etienne, Chase; Joseph Istchukwakst, High Bar; Frank Taimesket, for Chief Samuel, Canim Lake; Logshom, Soda Creek; August James, for Chief Maximin, Halowt; Andre, Chief North Thompson; Louis Chuieska, Captain Spallumcheen; John Inroiesket, Acting Chief Canoe Creek; Joseph Tseopiken, Dog Creek; Pierre Kenpesket, Chief of the Kinbaskets, Kootenay;
Opinion Editorial:
February 2013
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Robert Kustaselkwa, Pavillion Band. Lillooet - Adolph Thomas, for Chief Dennis Skelepautken, Fountain Band; James Inraitesket, Lillooet; James James, Chief Seton Lake; John Kioustgen, Pasulko; David Eskiepalus, Zezil No. 2, Lillooet; James Stager, Pemberton; Charles Nekaula, Nkempts; James Smith, Tenas Lake; Harry Inkasusa, Samakwa; Paul Roitelamugh, Skookum Chuck; August Akstonkail, Port Douglas; Jean Babtiste, Chief No. 1, Cayuse Creek; David Skwinstwaugh, Bridge River; Peter Chalal, Mission; Thomas Bull, Slahoos; Thomas Jack, Anderson Lake; John Nelson, Carrier. Chilcotin - Simo Nizde, Representative Anahem; Dick Anahem, Representative Risky Creek. Nankok, Head Chief Tahltan Tribe. Couteau or Thompson - William Makeltse, Thompson, ; Antoine Yaapskint, Coldwater; Michel Shakoa, Quilchena Creek; William Luklukpaghen, Petit Creek; George Edward Inkwoitunel, Potatoe Garden; Charles Kowetellst, Kanaka Bar; Benedict Inghaulets, Keefer; Shooter Sutpahehn, Nicola Lake; Paul Hehena, Spuzzum; George Sroi,North Bend; Jonah Kolaghamt, Representative Coutlee; John Whistaminista, Spence’s Bridge; Simon Wauesks, Ashcroft Band; John Tedlenitsa, Pekaist Band. Stalo or Lower Fraser - Michel Inhutpesket, Marin Island; Pierre Ayssuk, Cat’s Landing and Hope; James Kwimtghel,Yale; Harry Yelemitsa, Agassiz; Harry Stewart,Chilliwack; Joe Kwokwapel, Quoquapol; Charles Jacob, Matsqui.
A Sikh Response to the Idle No More Movement
By: Santbir Singh, Canadian Daily
I try to imagine the government coming to my house one morning and taking my five year old daughter and eight year old son away to a boarding school hundreds of kilometres away. I try to imagine that at this school, my children’s hair will be cut, their dastars and kakkars will be removed and they will be forcibly baptized as Christians. I try to imagine that they will be beaten for speaking Panjabi, reading Bani or trying to maintain their religious and cultural traditions. I try to imagine that even their basic health needs will not be looked after and they may well die from treatable infections and diseases. And then, I must admit, I am not able to imagine the rest; I cannot bear to imagine them being abused, assaulted, beaten and raped. That is what occurred in this country for one hundred years as the Canadian government, along with government sanctioned church groups, kidnapped First Nations children from their homes and took them to residential schools where unspeakable horrors were committed on them. Of course the history of colonization in the Americas does not begin with the Residential School system but is in fact a legacy going back centuries. It is estimated that 90 to 95% of all indigenous people living in the Americas were killed by smallpox within the first century after European first contact in the late 1400’s. It is difficult to fathom death at that scale. Those that remained had their land stolen and were forced onto reservations to live as non-citizens in their own lands. As a nation, Sikhs are extremely proud of our own anti-colonial struggle against the British. Yet we have completely failed to acknowledge that in Canada we have succeeded due to the colonial oppression of other nations. This land where we build our homes and businesses was the land of nations that lived here for tens of thousands of years. Yes, one hundred and seventy years ago the British annexed Panjab and ended Khalsa
Raj. But the British did not exile us from our own villages and towns. The British did not take our land and build new cities. The British did not migrate to Panjab and force us to live on inadequate reserves.
We face discrimination in Canada and suffer from chronic underfunding in order to address challenging issues like domestic violence, sexual abuse and drug use. However, we are not without means. We have Sikh representatives at every level of government across the country and have been financially successful as a community. We owe a debt to this country and to its true heritage; not the Canada evolved from French and British colonies but to a land that was the sovereign territory of nations that sustainably farmed, fished and hunted here since before the dawn of history. It has become an integral part of how we define ourselves, this message that “Sikhs believe in equality” but speaking those words is easy; living this in truth is much more difficult. We need to demonstrate our commitment to the revolutionary message of Guru Nanak Sahib, that every human being contains equally an aspect of the divine and that we are all truly worthy of having our basic human needs and rights protected and defended. In fact, this impulse to speak against the oppressor in defense of the rights of the other stems from the Gurus themselves. It was Guru Nanak Sahib himself who faced down the first Mughal Emperor Babur after his invading forces had committed horrendous massacres. Though Guru Nanak Sahib stood alone, he did not hesitate to speak against those who had perpetrated the crimes he witnessed. One of the most treasured episodes in Sikh history is the Shaheedi of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. In November of 1675, Guru jee gave his life in the streets of Delhi. He did not die for Sikh rights but instead he gave his head as an act of political disobedience against the Mughal
Empire’s forced conversion of Hindus. That a leader of a religion would die to to defend the rights of another religion is almost unbelievable and Guru Tegh Bahadur’s example still stands uniquely in all of human history. It is our Ninth Guru’s example that Sikhs strive to emulate when we defend the rights of those who are different from us. But it is more than just defending the rights of the other. The Guru asks us to stand with those who are been marginalized, those who society considers low and unworthy. As Guru Nanak Sahib reveals in Asa ki Vaar, he himself identifies as one of those who others call low: Ha▫o dẖādẖī kā nīcẖ jāṯ hor uṯam jāṯ saḏā▫iḏe. (SGGS 468). That is the challenge put forth to us by the Guru, that we must place ourselves in the position of those who have no power in our societies, those who have been cast off and dehumanized.
Idle No More is a response not only to the legacy of colonialism but the continuing colonialism that First Nations people are being subjected to. First Nations simply want the their rights as a sovereign people respected. They want justice for the crimes of the past and the basic human dignity that all people are entitled to. They want control of their resources and the right to educate and govern themselves as they see fit. Does this sound familiar? It’s exactly what Sikhs have been struggling for in India for the last several decades. From the Anandpur Sahib Resolution to the demand for justice for victims of massacres, human rights abuses and pogroms to Panjab’s ongoing struggle with government enabled substance and alcohol abuse, the parallels between Idle No More and contemporary Sikh struggles is striking. Editor’s note: I met a Japanese Canadian who echoed similar sentiments paralleling Japanese Canadian history, when his people were placed in internment camps, to First Natuions oppression.]
NSTC - NStQ Treaty News
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Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw
3rd Annual Citizen’s Assembly April 17 & 18, 2013
Theme: ‘Unity is Working Together Through Effective Communication’
Hosted by: Soda Creek Indian Band Location: Elks Hall,Williams Lake, B.C. Agenda and Guests Speakers to be confirmed. Included on the agenda will be: NStQ Community Updates; Land Selection Status; Urban Meeting Updates; Proposed 2013-14 Workplan; NStQ Governance & the NStQ Constitution; G-G; Language & Culture; the AIP Referendum; and time for Questions fromt he members.
Citizens’ Assembly 2012 Hosted by Canim Lake Band
Lunch provided both days
There will be Lots of Door Prizes!
ALL NStQ Citizens are invited to attend Note: Honouraria for the two days will only be provided to the NStQ Elders.
For more information, Contact Kellie Louie or Gord Keener at Soda Creek Treaty (250) 989-2323.
Computer Corner – By Dave Feil,
NSTC Technology Training Coordinator
Are you a mouse person or a keyboard person? If you are a keyboard person here are a few little handy keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate around windows. Remember Win means the little Windows logo on the bottom of your keyboard.
Shift+Right-Click Enhances Send to Menu
Win+Space to Quickly Show Desktop
Win+Up/Down/Left/Right for Moving the Active Window
Win+P for Quickly Connecting Your Laptop to a Projector
Ctrl+Shift+N to Create a New Folder
Try them out, maybe one or two can speed up your processes!