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BC First Nations News
NISGA'A DEAL GOOD FOR BUSINESS, LEADERS TOLD
-- Vancouver Sun, p. B6, Chad Skelton, 03/11/98 --
Premier Glen Clark told business leaders Monday the current uncertainty over aboriginal land
claims is a "barrier to investment in our province" at a luncheon set up by David McLean,
chairman of Canadian National and Brian Smith, chairman of B.C. Hydro. He stressed that the
deal must be solved so that people know the rules of the game when they invest in the province.
Smith and McLean also spoke of their support of the agreement at the lunch, attended by about
130 company presidents, CEOs and senior executives.
NISGA'A VIDEO RIDES WAVE OF CHEAP EMOTION
-- Nanaimo Daily News, p. A8, editorial, 24/10/98 --
The editorial states that the provincial government's video on the Nisga'a treaty is more
blatant propaganda than educational, and says it is an insult to students who won't appreciate
being talked down to about the deal. It argues that the emotionalism of the piece is a problem,
and that the historical background presented is shallow and subjective.
KATZIE TREATY TALKS PROGRESS
-- Maple Ridge News (Burnaby), p. A5, Karin Mark, 25/10/98 --
The recent approval of more local input from Ridge Meadows residents into the Katzie First
Nation treaty process has paved the way for the band to proceed to the next stage of
negotiations, and they have signed the papers, along with federal and provincial officials, to
proceed to stage three of the negotiation process.
B.C. FED SUPPORTS TREATY PROCESS
-- Nanaimo Daily News, p. A4, Nelson Bennett, 26/10/98 --
The B.C. Federation of Labour has expressed its support for the treaty process in B.C., and the
announcement was made following a three day conference with First Nations Leaders. However, the
federation's leaders did not officially endorse the Nisga'a treaty. Federation President Ken
Georgetti said resolutions related to the Nisga'a deal will be dealt with at the federation's
annual convention.
PICK MUSHROOMS, DON'T CUT TREES
-- Alberni Valley Times (Port Alberni), p. 1A, Rob Diotte, 26/10/98 --
Dr. Roslyn Kunin, executive director of the Vancouver-based Laurier Institute, advised First
Nations communities that intact old growth forests are worth more standing than as logs, and
suggested that they collect expensive wild mushrooms, conduct bird watching tours and grow
medicinal plants. She wrote the report after touring nine coastal communities in collaboration
with the David Suzuki Foundation, which is exploring economic development initiatives with
small, remote communities.
EUROPE IS THE NEXT STOP FOR NISGA'A PR CAMPAIGN
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A22, no byline, 31/10/98 --
The federal government is sponsoring Chief Joseph Gosnell on a 13-day speaking tour of Europe
to explain the treaty to Europeans. Funding will also come from the Nisga'a themselves, and
some major corporate people.
NISGA'A TREATY BACKERS SUMMON SUPPORT
-- Vancouver Province, p. A7, staff reporter, 02/11/98 --
Brian Smith and C.N. Rail head David McLean are co-hosting a business lunch today with the hope
that National Geographic chairman Gilbert Grosvenor will sell the CEOs on the benefits of the
Nisga'a treaty. Among the guests will be representatives from B.C.'s major industries, Tribal
Council president Joe Gosnell and Premier Clark.
NORTHERN REGIONAL NEGOTIATIONS OPEN WORKING GROUP MEETING
-- Vancouver Province, p. A7, advertisement, 02/11/98 --
The item informs the public that the Teslin Tlingit Council, Champagne and Aishihik First
Nations, Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Canada and B.C. are
engaged in negotiations leading to a modern treaty under the B.C. Treaty Commission process,
and the public and media are invited to observe the session November 5 in Vancouver.
CHECKS AND BALANCES
-- Globe and Mail, p. D7, letter to the editor, 31/10/98 --
Michael Holmes of Victoria writes to say the proposed Nisga'a treaty needs to be subjected to
intense scrutiny and criticism before it becomes a blueprint for the future, and states that
cultural sympathies, guilty consciences and bureaucratic and political investment in the treaty
process should not obscure judgment.
JUST WHO'S MISLEADING WHO?
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. B14, letter to the editor, 01/11/98 --
Three members of the Cowichan Nation write to support the NDP's decision to teach
schoolchildren about the Nisga'a treaty.
NEGOTIATOR RESPONDS TO THE NISGA'A QUESTIONS
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A11, letter to the editor, 02/11/98 --
Tom Molloy, Chief Negotiator with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, writes to
provide answers to some questions regarding the treaty. He responds to such issues as land,
costs to taxpayers, how the overlapping issues were solved, and whether the treaty will be used
as a template.
MONEY SQUANDERED ON NISGA'A TREATY NEEDED ELSEWHERE
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A11, letter to the editor, 02/11/98 --
H.M. Thornton of Victoria writes to say that untold amounts of money is being squandered in
response to Indian land claims, but the government is neglecting the interests of senior
citizens and the collapse of hospital services for them.
MAJORITY DESERVE A VOICE, TOO
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A10, letter to the editor, 02/11/98 --
William Sit writes to question Premier Clark on when the interests of the majority will be
heard, since they are affected by the treaty as well. He feels a referendum is logical.
ISLAND BAND MOURNS LOSS OF STRAIT'S BOUNTY
-- Vancouver Sun, p. B1, Mark Hume, 31/10/98 --
Members of the Sliammon Nation are bitter about the losses in the Georgia Strait. The Nation is
in the process of cataloguing the aboriginal presence in the area just north of Powell River as
part of the treaty process, and are finding evidence that their people were once heavily
dependent of the resources of the Strait for survival. The pollution and overfishing that have
contributed to the damage have resulted in the fact that the Sliammon could not live today the way they once did.
JUDGE WON'T RULE ON MALAHAT BAND'S LAND SWAP CHALLENGE
-- Victoria TimesColonist, p. B3, Roger Stonebanks, 30/10/98 --
The Malahat Indian band's bid to stop a land swap near Shawnigan Lake has been thrown off one
legal track, but band lawyer Rory Morahan said he expects to file a new application in B.C.
Supreme Court. Justice John Cowan said it was inappropriate on an interim application for him
to grant an interim injunction. The band is trying to halt a deal between the Lands Ministry
and Hayes Forest Service Inc. to trade about 35.5 hectares of Crown land for about 18 hectares
of the Hayes Group lands.
NISGA'A NEGOTIATION GETS GLOBAL ATTENTION
-- National Post, p. A10, Stewart Bell, 30/10/98 --
Government and tribal officials claim the Nisga'a treaty has become a global curiosity. They
say they are being deluged with calls from foreign diplomats, academics, parliamentarians and
journalists. Nisga'a leader Joseph Gosnell tour Europe next month to speak about the treaty.
Peter Baird of the Federal Treaty Negotiation Office said that while interest is due in part to
a "fascination" with the art and culture of native Indians, other countries also want to learn
how Canada has managed to resolve the grievances of its aboriginal people peacefully. The
Nisga'a tribe votes on the treaty November 6 and 7. If it passes, it will then go to the
provincial and federal governments to become law.
GLEN CLARK'S RIGHT: FEDS NEED TO BOOST TREATY SALES PITCH
-- Vancouver Province, p. A27, Jim McNulty, 30/10/98 --
Ottawa is being accused in some circles of failing to promote the Nisga'a treaty. McNulty
states that Premier Glen Clark has done a generally admirable job of defending the treaty,
although he has hurt his own cause by saying the deal will serve as template for future deals,
and that the treaty is a "Glen Clark deal." He says it is time Prime Minister Chretien
generated some front-page coverage promoting the treaty.
MEL SMITH REPLIES TO JODY PATERSON COLUMN
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. A13, Mel Smith, 30/10/98 --
Smith responds to Paterson's claim that he has a life-long bias on native issues (October 2,
1998). He corrects some of Paterson's assertions, such as the fact that Smith was a provincial
bureaucrat for 20 years instead of the correct 31 years. He says the claim that "aboriginal
land claims have been a sore spot" with him from way back is not true. He also says there is no
truth to the statement that he argued against anything that celebrated Indian "specialness" and
counselled government against any such concession. He says he was in fact supportive and
involved in the establishment of the Sechelt government in 1986. He says the only life-long
bias to which he freely and readily admits is fair play.
ONE MOE TIME
-- National Post, p. A19, editorial, 30/10/98 --
The item discusses the return to B.C. politics of Moe Sihota. He is back was Minister of Public
Service with a broad mandate to restructure government and rescue the economy. The item
expresses doubt that he will be ale to undo seven years of NDP rule and revive B.C. as a
business-friendly province, and welcomes him back, hoping this time he doesn't stay too long.
GOOD FAITH NEGOTIATIONS
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. A13, letter to the editor, 30/10/98 --
Sheila M. Moss, Provincial Assistant of the Sisters of Saint Ann in Victoria, expresses her
hope that the long negotiation process results in the ratification of the Nisga'a treaty and
that this agreement may contribute to reconciliation and the building of just relations with
the First Nations of B.C.
PRESENT BOTH SIDES
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. A13, letter to the editor, 30/10/98 --
Terry Milne of Victoria states that the October 25 report of the NDP declaring war on the media
supports the theory that a first resort of governments lacking moral leadership and public
support is to try to muzzle or otherwise control the organs of free speech. He says although
Clark is spending millions of dollars on a massive pro-Nisga'a treaty propaganda campaign, he
immediately cried foul when David Black decided to provide a measure of balance by presenting
an opposing view.
TREATIES WILL NOT WORK IF THEY SOLIDIFY INEQUALITIES
-- Delta Optimist, p. 7, letter to the editor, 24/10/98 --
Ken Atkey writes regarding the Nisga'a treaty, and expresses concern about the impact it might
have on negotiations with the Tsawwassen First Nations regarding the Roberts Bank back-up
lands. He also expresses concern about the treaty's legality under the Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedoms.
AUTONOMY, TEMPERED BY THE PURSE STRINGS
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A19, Bill Jewitt, 29/10/98 --
Jewitt states that through tribal governments, American Indians have had a high degree of
autonomy. In addition to managing the day-to-day affairs of residents of the reservation, they
run their own justice systems, manage forests and other natural resources, enact environmental
protection regulations, are responsible for the delivery of social service programs and have
input into the education systems. He says this degree of autonomy has not worked miracles for
them, but they want to govern themselves and preserve their cultures, and considering the
Americans' experience, the Nisga'a treaty should be considered a logical step in the
reconciliation of our political entities.
GOLDSTREAM EDITOR OPPOSES BLACK'S VIEWS
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. B2, Ian Dutton, 29/10/98 --
Keith Norbury, editor of the Goldstream Gazette, let the world know he doesn't like boss David
Black's attitude. Black's signed editorial condemning the Nisga'a deal as racist appears in the
paper and beside it is Norbury's column expressing his disagreement.
WHAT ARE THE FACTS ON THE NISGA'A TREATY?
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A1, Jim Beatty, 29/10/98 --
This article discusses how confusing all of the information is regarding the treaty, including
the ad campaigns, videos and print ads, and states that critics of the government's information
program do not aid in clarifying the details of the agreement. It briefly lists some of the key
positions the provincial government, B.C. Liberals, radio host Rafe Mair, newspaper publisher
David Black, Nisga'a Chief Gosnell, and lawyer Mel Smith have taken on issues such as the need
for a treaty, taxation, self-government, who should decide, the cost, and the fishery.
NISGA'A WON'T KNUCKLE UNDER
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A19, Thomas R. Berger, 29/10/98 --
Lawyer Thomas Berger writes describing how the leaders of the NIsga'a Tribal Council asked him
in 1967 to sue the government of British Columbia to obtain recognition of their aboriginal
title, and after six years they achieved this. He disagrees with the current Liberal position
on the treaty, stating that if we reject the treaty the goodwill that has been won, the treaty
process, and the steps towards reconciliation will all be lost, and Berger supports the Nisga'a
in their battle against the Liberal court case.
MINISTER EXPLAINS NISGA'A TREATY
-- Valley Sentinel (Valemount), p. 3, D. Simpson, 14/10/98 --
Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart held a teleconference October 8 with representatives of
B.C. community newspapers to discuss the Nisga'a and other First Nations treaties and answer
reporters' questions. She pointed out that there was a big difference between claims in
Northern B.C., which has rural residents, and a place like Sechelt with a heavy urban
population, and also addressed questions dealing with fisheries and the treaties.
1999 DEAL SEEN FOR NATIVE TREATY
-- Citizen (Prince George), p. 1, Ken Bernsohn, 14/10/98 --
The Lheidli T'enneh Nation is making progress on a treaty with the provincial government,
according to Chief Barry Seymour, and B.C. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dale Lovick says he
hopes to have an agreement in principle with the group next year. Seymour said the group is
seeking a timely treaty resolution, a governance structure, employment, improved housing, some
cash and some land. He added that the Cariboo Lumber Manufacturers Association in Williams Lake
wants to discuss forest rights and compensation, so he will meet with them.
NISGA'A TREATY CHALLENGE DEBATED
-- Nanaimo Daily News, p. A1, Wendy-Anne Thompson, 20/10/98 --
The claim filed by the B.C. Fisheries Survival Coalition claiming the B.C. government and
Ottawa exceeded their authority under the Constitution by signing the Nisga'a treaty is getting
mixed reviews from local fishermen. Some fishermen support the treaty, but are concerned about
compensation for the fishing community, and some feel they do not yet have enough information.
The coalition is asking the court to decide if the law-making powers and resources granted to
the Nisga'a are valid according to the Constitution.
CERTAINTY, FINALITY ARE FAR FROM FAIT D'ACCOMPLI
-- Esquimalt News, p. 6, Mel Smith, 21/10/98--
Smith writes that all previous treaties in Canada, including the recently concluded treaties in
North Canada, have contained an extinguishment clause whereby the particular native group
"cedes, releases and surrenders" any and all rights not contained within the treaty, and this
has been judicially established. However, over the last five years the native leadership has
indicated a strong resistance to accepting an extinguishment clause of this kind in future
treaties, and that the present federal government has acquiesced in that demand and it appears
that the provincial government has followed suit. Smith continues by discussing ways the
various clauses of the Nisga'a agreement will need to be addressed and the bureaucracy that
will be created.
COWICHAN FINALLY GETS MEETING WITH MINISTER ON LANDFILL ISSUE
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. A6, Bill Cleverley, 27/10/98 --
The Cowichan Valley Regional District has finally arranged a meeting with Environment Minister
Cathy McGregor over its landfill, the plans for which had to be abandoned after its site became
subject to Cowichan tribes land claims. The Tribes maintain they hadn't been adequately
consulted about the proposed project, so the CVRD wants to meet with the Minister to ensure it
doesn't encounter the same problems again in developing another landfill.
INDIANS SIGN OIL-GAS DEAL FOR NORTHEAST
-- Vancouver Sun, p. D5, CP, 27/10/98 --
The provincial government signed a deal Monday with three native Indian groups aimed at
boosting the oil and gas industry in northeastern B.C. The deal recognizes the natives' treaty
rights and provides money to further aboriginal interests in oil and gas activity and their own
development plans. The agreement involves the Fort Nelson Indian Band, the West Moberly First
Nation, the Halfway River First Nation, and the recently-established B.C. Oil and Gas
Commission. Energy Minister Dan Miller said the deal will strengthen investment in the
northeast. He said it will give natives better protection for their treaty rights while giving
the oil and gas industry greater certainty for its investments.
NDP GOES TO PRESS COUNCIL IN NISGA'A COVERAGE
-- Vancouver Sun, p. B8, CP, 27/10/98 --
The provincial government has formally asked the B.C. Press Council to investigate and rule on
a newspaper chain owner's ban on pro-Nisga'a treaty editorials in a chain of community
newspapers. Publisher David Black ordered his 54 community newspapers last month to run only
commentaries opposing the treaty.
STRAIN SHOWS WHEN LIBERALS TRY REACHING TO RIGHT
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. A8, Les Leyne, 27/10/98 --
Leyne's column is about the leaked letter written some months ago by Liberal MLA Ted Nebbeling,
who said he had struggled over the past few months to find comfort with the shift to the right
that the party was experiencing. Nebbeling was unhappy with the meeting between Gordon Campbell
and anti-abortionist Jon Hof. Campbell dismisses the accusations that the party is moving
right, but Leyne wonders what else might be written by disillusioned Liberal party members who
might support the Nisga'a treaty.
THAT JEWEL NEXT DOOR NEEDS LOOK
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. A3, Jody Paterson, 27/10/98 --
The Environment Ministry had plans to create a protected area on Goepel Island, which is owned
by Hayes Forestry Services, and offered 35 hectares of Crown land near Shawnigan Lake village.
However, Shawnigan Lake residents had been using the forest as an informal wilderness park for
years, and residents are now petitioning to stop the swap. The Malahat Indian band is now in
court trying to block the swap until the treaty process settles who owns the land. Environment
Ministry official Ken Baker notes that the site has not been identified as a recreational area
in the community plan, and so the province's decision to exchange the land does not need to be
a public process.
MOLLOY IS ACCESSIBLE
-- Globe and Mail, p. A32, letter to the editor, 27/10/98 --
Doreen Mullins, executive director of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, responds to Norman
Spector's item, "Headaches over fish, Nisga'a in B.C." (October 19) and says she is appalled by
the misinformation Spector used in the column. She says Spector unjustifiably maligns Tom
Molloy for his lack of effort in public speaking engagements, and states Molloy "refuses to be
booked for one speech a week." Mullins says this is an outrageous statement in light of the
lengths to which Molloy has gone to proactively represent the federal position at a multitude
of speaking events across the province.
NATIVE AREAS ADVISED TO AIM FOR ECO-TOURISM
-- Vancouver Sun, p. B6, CP, 27/10/98 --
Dr. Roslyn Kunin, executive director of the Laurier Institution, says aboriginal coastal
communities should focus on eco-tourism, not logging, for future economic development. In a
report recently released by the David Suzuki Foundation, she wrote that people are coming to
see our unspoiled beauty in droves, and that aboriginal communities are desperate for jobs. She
said at most, logging provides a few seasons of employment and opted for eco-tourism as the
growth industry.
GORDO BLUNDERS INTO TRAP
-- Vancouver Province, p. A6, Michael Smyth, 25/10/98 --
Smyth writes that by choosing to attack the Nisga'a treaty Gordon Campbell has walked into a
politically engineered trap. If the legal challenge is successful, the consequences could be
enormous should the Nisga'a choose to return to court asking for more land, or should violence
erupt, and Campbell will be blamed.
DON'T BLAME CAMPBELL FOR ASKING QUESTIONS
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. B20, Joe Easingwood, 25/10/98 --
Easingwood writes that the NDP is out to castigate the Liberals and Gordon Campbell and anyone
else who questions the treaty, and he feels that regardless of how one may feel about the deal,
it should be able to stand the test of court.
LABOUR JOINS APPLAUSE FOR TREATY
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. C2, Sandra McCulloch, 26/10/98 --
A conference between the B.C. Federation of Labour and representatives from First Nations
people wound up Sunday with both sides applauding the Nisga'a agreement. Ken Georgetti of B.C.
Fed said the agreement recognizes labour as a key player in an economy that will be developed
when the agreement is ratified, and his Federation has agreed to work with First Nations to
fight against the legal action launched by Gordon Campbell and the Liberals.
MALAHAT BAND FORCED TO WAIT ON LAND-SWAP DECISION
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. B2, King Lee, 26/10/98 --
Justice John Cowan of the B.C. Supreme Court reserved judgment Friday on the Malahat Band's
application to stop the province from completing a land-swap deal. The band is trying to halt a
pending deal between the lands ministry and Hayes Forest Services Inc. to trade about 35.5
hectares of Crown land for about 18 hectares of the Hayes Group lands on Goepel Island.
RAFE MAIR: WHY WOULD ANYONE LISTEN?
-- Globe and Mail, p. D2, Paul Sullivan, 24/10/98 --
Sullivan writes about Rafe Mair's opposition to the Charlottetown Accord, and how he rallied
B.C. residents to agree with him. Sullivan has strong dislike for the comments Mair makes on
his radio program, and questions why any B.C. listeners would tune in.
FORMER B.C. JUDGE WARNS LIBERALS ON NISGA'A TREATY
-- Globe and Mail, p. A10, Rod Mickleburgh, 24/10/98 --
Former B.C. Supreme Court justice Thomas Berger warned that if the provincial Liberals succeed
in killing the Nisga'a treaty, they are likely to bring an end to the entire process
ofnegotiating native treaties in British Columbia. Berger has been hired by the Nisga'a to
right the court challenge, and said if the agreement is rejected, it will negate all the
goodwill.
STAND UP AND BE COUNTED - CALL AN ELECTION OVER NISGA'A DEAL
-- Vancouver Province, p. A20, Alan Twigg, 26/10/98 --
Twigg praises B.C. Premier Glen Clark for his admirable and articulate leadership on the
Nisga'a treaty despite opposition from all sides. Twigg states he would like to see an election
on the Nisga'a deal to learn what type of society he is living in.
LESSON IN MAP READING
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. A17, letter to the editor, 24/10/98 --
Richard Watts, Co-Chair, Co-Chief Negotiator for the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, writes to
clarify the territory involved in his Tribal Council's land claims negotiations. He says it is
true there is some overlap with the Huu-ay-aht Nation's land, and they are working on this
issue in the support of the two nations, but that the overlap is not nearly as large at the
Colonist's map had suggested. [BCW1026-32]
THE NISGA'A TREATY: ITS FAIRNESS IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDERS
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A11, letters to the editor, 26/10/98 --
Five published letters to the editor give different views and opinions on the Nisga'a treaty.
GOOD FOR BUSINESS
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. B21, letter to the editor, 25/10/98 --
John Langford, Chief Federal Treaty Negotiator from Southern Vancouver Island, writes that the
self-government provisions in the agreement are not a source of separation, but rather, the
negotiations will foster healthy relationships to replace the dysfunctional ones of the last
150 years. He adds that it is also good business.
CEMENTING SEGREGATION
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. B21, letter to the editor, 25/10/98 --
Ron Poulter of Victoria writes to say the Nisga'a treaty is wrong. He feels it will cement
inequality, segregation, and special status forever into the fabric of Canada, and should
therefore not be acceptable.
NISGA'A TREATY BEING FOUGHT IN THE POLLING TRENCHES
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A22, Vaughn Palmer, 23/10/98 --
Palmer examines the recent polling numbers from Angus Reid, which seem to show majority support
for the Nisga'a treaty. He calls the Reid data "far from persuasive" because Reid is an
outspoken advocate of the treaty and he calls the question that was posed "soft." Palmer also
touches on the MarkTrend poll which found the largest group of undecided BC natives on the
Nisga'a issue. There's more support for the Clark government on the Nisga'a treaty than there
is surrounding other issue like the economy Palmer notes. In a sidebar He also notes that he
was unable to acquire a 90-page document outlining what the treaty means to the Nisga'a
themselves. Palmer was told the government documents was "for Nisga'a eyes only."
NISGA'A' TREATY MUST BE RATIFIED BY ALL OF B.C.
-- Financial Post, p. 22, editorial, 23/10/98 --
Editorial says "the bigger the stake the more legal arguments are likely to be politics in
disguise" noting that's what happening with Premier Glen Clark and Liberal Leader Gordon
Campbell as they argue over whether the Nisga'a treaty is an amendment to the constitution. The
writer is concerned about the Nisga'a treaty being used as an acknowledgement of the justice of
any and every Indian land claim and recommends that B.C. residents should not accept a "flawed
treaty for the convenience of having one less outstanding native land claim." Federal and
provincial negotiators should start over, it concludes, and even if it takes another 20 years
it will be worth it.
SURREY TRUSTEES OPPOSE USING NISGA'A MATERIAL
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A1, Kelly Sinoski, 23/10/98 --
The majority of trustees in B.C.'s second-largest school district, covering Surrey and White
Rock, are opposed to students being exposed to Nisga'a treaty material supplied by the
education ministry. The information package is slated for grade 4,10, 11 and 12 social studies
classes and is based on the unratified treaty and the history behind the treaty process.
Trustee Dave Hall, a Surrey school teacher said he challenges the notion that using the
material is indoctrination, saying "what we've got her is an opportunity to look at a social
issue."
STUDENTS WON'T SWALLOW THE BIAS IN NISGA'A VIDEO
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A22, editorial, 23/10/98 --
Editorial focuses on the video "A New Journey: The Nisga'a Treaty" which is slated to be shown
to students in social studies classes on First Nations and Canadian history. It calls the video
long on emotional appeal but short on facts and opinion, save those of treaty supporters. The
video may not meet the tough requirements of learning materials for teachers as outlined for
B.C. Teachers Federation president Kit Krieger "unless it's used to demonstrate how bias and
propaganda work."
CAMPBELL APPEALS TO DARK SIDE
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. A11, letter to the editor, 23/10/98 --
Forrest Pass writes that he is happy to read Gordon Campbell is unable to back up his
statements o the legality of the Nisga'a treaty with any expert testimony. He says claims about
the treaty being a constitutional amendment are bogus and says those who say so are "appealing
to the most bigoted fears of some segments of the B.C. populace . . ."
TREATIES BENEFIT ALL
-- Richmond Review, p. 14, letter to the editor, 18/10/98 --
Vince Collins, chief federal negotiator with the Federal Treaty Negotiation Office, wrote to
say that in the Lower Mainland there are many challenges to concluding treaties, including the
limited land base and continuing population growth, the high cost of urban lands, and the large
number of third parties in urban areas, such as local governments and private property holders,
whose interests must be considered. Balanced against these factors are the legitimate goals of
Lower Mainland First Nations. But we still must find a cooperative approach between the
aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities in land-use and resource-management decisions, and
all parties in the Lower Mainland will benefit greatly from treaties.
COURT RULES FOR NATIVES
-- Vancouver Province, p. A9, Staff, 23/10/98 --
In B.C. Supreme Court in Victoria, Justice R. Dean Wilson set aside an Interfor permit allowing
the company to log culturally modified trees in seven cutblocks near Kumealon Lake. The trees
are historical indicators for native groups negotiating treaties. Under the 1997 Delgamuukw
decision,land cannot be exploited without native consultation.
Gunn, 19/10/98--
A co-management agreement was signed between the Snuneymuxw, Natural Resources Canada and the
Department of National Defence which covers 880 acres of Crown forest lands, including the DND
rifle range. The First Nation is negotiating to make the lands part of a future treaty
settlement package, but Chief James Johnny said in the meantime they will use the land for
capacity-building and to show everyone how they can work together with governments to create
jobs and manage resources in a respectful and meaningful way. The agreement gives the
Snuneymuxw the right of first refusal for silviculture and harvesting contracts as well as
exclusive use of non-timber resources like wild mushrooms, although the military's operations
and training will have first priority on the rifle range.
51 PER CENT IN B.C. `GENERALLY' FAVOUR NISGA'A AUTONOMY
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A1, Dianne Rinehart, 22/10/98 --
A recent poll shows that 51 per cent of British Columbians support the view that the Nisga'a
treaty is "generally speaking... a step in the right direction." A third of those polled
thought it was a step in the wrong direction, while 16 per cent were unsure of their views.
Liberal leader Gordon Campbell said he is not surprised by the poll results. Nisga'a chief Joe
Gosnell said he did not want to respond in detail to the poll, saying native leaders had not
yet seen it. Premier Glen Clark was not available for comment, but Aboriginal Affairs Minister
Dale Lovick said he found the figures encouraging.
THUMBS DOWN FOR VIDEO ON TREATY
-- Vancouver Province, p. A28, Greg Middleton, 22/10/98 --
The item states that the controversial video promoting the Nisga'a treaty is getting failing grades from teachers and students. Robert Calder, principal of Vancouver's Killarney-secondary school, said the video is one-sided. The only reference to any opposition to the treaty is a clip of former forest-union boss Jack Munro rejecting the "naysayers" who oppose it. Calder said a small group of students who viewed the film saw it as a sales pitch.
CLARK WANTS PRESS BARON CENSURED
-- Vancouver Province, p. A28, Ian Austin, 22/10/98 --
The item states that Premier Glen Clark wants the B.C. Press Council to censure press magnate David Black, who has instructed his editors that all commentary and editorials in his papers must attack the Nisga'a treaty. The provincial government wants the press council to ask for a
retraction of the directive.
MALAHAT BAND LAWYER TURNS TO COURT TO PREVENT SHAWNIGAN LAND SWAP
-- Victoria Times Colonist, p. D2, King Lee, 22/10/98 --
Lawyer Rory Morahan said he plans to file a motion in B.C. Supreme Court to try to stop a land swap affecting approximately 35.5 hectares near Shawnigan lake, because the undeveloped and unoccupied Shawnigan lands are within the traditional territory of the Malahat Nation and are part of the hunting areas and hunting camp locations for the Malahat Nation.
NISGA'A TREATY CRITICS BARKING UP WRONG TREE
-- Vancouver Sun, p. A22, letter to the editor, 22/10/98 --
Ed Deak of Big Lake Ranch states that the Nisga'a treaty and possible subsequent treaties involve only five to ten per cent of the land, and jurisdictional rights given to the natives would only apply to those small areas. On the other hand, he says both the Free Trade Agreement and the North American Free Trade Agreement have opened Canadian laws or government decisions to challenge by foreign corporations to a secret kangaroo court, which he says is gross interference and loss of our democratic rights.
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