VICTORIA, BC, PRESS RELEASE–(Oct. 12, 2007) – The WSÁNEC (Saanich) people have been here since the dawn of time, living off the land and water for thousands of years. It was evident to Governor James Douglas that the WSÁNEC were the sole occupants of the territory just as we are today. We are the direct descendant of those who signed the 1852 Douglas Treaty.
The BC legislature opens Monday October 15, 2007 to debate and vote on the signing of the Tsawwassen Treaty.
Time will tell that this treaty process is fundamentally flawed “The government has become a wedge in First Nations communities” said Chief Tom “taking from Peter to pay Paul is not the solution.” According to the First Nations groups opposing today’s Treaty deals: Shuswap Nation and Treaty 8 First Nations vs Lheidli T’enneh, Tseshaht vs Huu-ay-aht, Cowichan vs Tsawwassen and WSÁNEC vs Tsawwassen, clearly something is not working and this will continue until the problem is fixed. First and foremost the BC and Canadian Governments needs to honor existing treaties.
It’s all ways been the traditional way to support First Nations in their endeavors “It is difficult to support Tsawwassen in their treaty when they infringe on our traditional territory and on our [Mayne Island] reserve” said Chief Tom, meaningful consultation needs to take place in the modern treaty process.
The 130 ratification votes in favor of the Tsawwassen Final Agreement has the potential to affect approximately 2000 WSÁNEC People, due to the fact there has never been meaningful consultation. Until that moment WSÁNEC People will continue to assert our inherent right over the land and water.
For more information, please contact
Chris Tom, Chief, Tsartlip First Nation
Primary Phone: 250-889-7824
Secondary Phone: 250-652-3788
E-mail: var id=’chief’;var host1=’tsartlip.ca’;var host2=”;document.write(‘‘+id+’@'+host1+’.'+host2+’‘);chief@tsartlip.ca.
