Filed under: B.C, B.C Treaty Process, Government Accountability, Indigenous
Mohawk scholar,author,activist and teacher Alfred Taiaiake offer up some sound advice on re-vamping the BC Treaty process.
A process that is flawed,stacked in favour of the government,and often pits one First Nation against another.
Alfred says there’s a growing consensus the treaty process needs to be completely restructured before it makes sense for most First Nations to continue with it or join it.
“In practical terms, it means the treaty process is going to have to stop,” he says. There’s little point talking with the government nation by nation. “I would redesign it. I would have a treaty conference instead. You come up with a new framework and a new draft of a unified treaty.”
The conference should be held in public so the process and arguments are transparent and open, he adds. If everyone knew the arguments, he says, “I’m certain the public would be supporting the natives.”
The goal would be to set out the basic principles underlying the negotiations. They would likely include starting from the point of view that, like the Tsilhqot’in, First Nations hold title to their land and the province has no jurisdiction over that land or the people. Once those principles are affirmed, says Alfred, “you can go negotiate the details with each First Nation. They’re doing it ass backwards right now, and it shows.”
After thought; I highly recommend Taiaiake’s various writings and books ,particularly his latest,” Wasase“.
Grand Chief George Manuel, first President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs & son of the late and much respected George Manuel.Has written an interesting article posted on the Wasase Blog.
In regards to,among other things, the invitation of the B.C legislator to…
Kim Baird Chief of the Tsawwassen has been asked as a “Stranger” to approach the doors of the BC Legislature in order to be invited into speak.
Chief Braid will be only the second “stranger” to be invited the first was Chief Gosnell,of Nisga’a Treaty “fame”.
Strange indeed.George Manuel also comments on the strange logic of those people.That just can’t seem to get it through their heads,that individuals F.N chiefs do not have the right to sign away the lands & rights of indigenous peoples.
Especially when very questionable tactics were employed by the government with the full knowledge and support of Chief Braid…
I know that if $15,000 and $1,000 dollar bribes were being offered by the Quebec government in the sovereignty vote by Quebec, Canada and Canadian people would have been outraged, but because these BC Treaty Votes involve turning our land over to the BC government no one objects.
Then there’s the British Columbia Government’s on going attempts to Extinguishing Aboriginal Title Under The Nisga`a, Modified Rights Model.
Model indeed,more like a model of defeat.
In fact this blogger knew a member of Chief Gosnell’s family(name is not important).Who said that,his/her family deserved a million bucks from the government for delivery up the Nisga’a treaty.
Kind of puts things into perspective.I am not saying money was the only motivation but hey …
Read :
Procrastination Is No Longer Possible,We are Dealing with the Consequences…
The NDP have suspended Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows MLA Michael Sather after he had threatened and then did vote against accepting the proposed Tsawwassen treaty.
This despite the fact that the NDP’s public position was that they would ratify the treaty alongside the ruling Liberals.
As far as this blogger is concerned this is just one more example of NDP leader Carole James’s lack luster and perplexing leadership style.
After missing this opportunity(which just might return to bite them 0n the ass) and this one to hold the Liberals accountable,the last thing needed is open divisions in the ranks.
Particularly one that involves NDP members publicly feuding over Liberal inspired policies,yikes.
Sometimes you just gotta know when to hold,and when to fold.Was suspension the best thing to do ?This suspension will accomplish nothing,but it will help keep this issue alive,when it should have been encouraged to wither on the vine,sort a speak.
I do understand that the party must present a untied front and all,but the fact that this dispute got to the stage(public) it did,is just mind boggling.The damage has been done…
And over “nothing” really(for most of the electorate,not First Nations) ,the next election(May/09) definitely won’t be won or lost ,over the Tsawwassen treaty.But the publics confidants or lack of,when it comes to the NDP’s leadership might be an issue or could become one.The Liberals will exploit any and all weakness’s perceived or real.
Somebody got their priorities ass backwards.
As for MLA Michael Sather the guy obviously does not understand that voter in most part vote for party’s not individuals.That he would use this relatively obscure issue to make a stand,over that of the well being of his Party is just stupid.
Regardless of one’s personal views on this matter.It should have never reached the stage it did.In the end,as Party leader Carole James will have to ultimately take responsibility.
Good luck with that one Carole you got my sympathy,lets hope come next election,the electorate are just as understanding.
Post Script,all said personally I feel the NDP and their wayward MLA were both wrong on the Tsawwassen Treaty.He by “defending” the staus-quo,and the NDP for buying into the whole BC treaty Process(as it is now structured).A process that is neither democratic nor serves the interests of First Nations peoples,other than a few ‘Indian Act’ chiefs that is.
Not for First Nations of course.They get “agreements” such as the two,that were recently ratified by the Tsawwassen(July 25) and Maanulth First Nations(July 28).
For an overview of the Maanulth Agreement go here for more on the Maanulth ratification process from the point of view of a Band member who is opposed go here.
For more on the Maanulth agreement from the perspective of the neighboring Tseshaht Band go here.
For a dissenting view on the Tsawassen Agreement,from Band member Bertha Williams go here
And for an article touching on what’s really behind the Tsawassen agreement and the lengths the Campbell government will go to bribe and manipulate be sure to read this.
For commentary on the BC Treaty process and the ratification of the two agreements, by Indigenous activist,author and scholar Alfred Taiaiake go here
For those that might be feeling a little demoralized by the ratification of these two agreement .
Things are not quite as cut and dried as they might first appear.
