November 2015 - NStQ Treaty Group
Transcription
November 2015 - NStQ Treaty Group
Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw Shuswap People of the North Lexey’em “to tell a story” November / December 2015 - Ta7sks llépenc (Lest we Forget) Tsécw re tmicw (Joy to the World) Northern Shuswap Tribal Council appoints 2015-2016 Board of Directors The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council is pleased to announce their new 2015-2016 Board of Directors. At their October 21st Board of Directors meeting, the incoming NSTC Board was appointed as follows: Chair – Donna Dixon (Soda Creek/Deep Creek Band) Donna was elected Soda Creek Chief on March 10, 2015, and previously served as a Band Councillor. She became a Director of the NSTC/NSTS/INDC Boards on March 16, 2015. Donna says, “I know there is a big responsibility, and I feel the only way to learn is to jump in with both feet. What a good place to do this, with encouragement and support I’ve received in this room. This is a great opportunity to bring the skills learned here, to other areas of work.” Vice-Chair – Mike Archie (Canim Lake Band) Mike was elected as Canim Lake Chief in 2006 and has been on the NSTC/ NSTS/INDC Boards since then. He has also served two terms as Chair of the Boards. Mike commented; “Donna, we will all work together to support you. It is always a learning process and we are moving into key times. We need to stick together and I am confident you will do a good job. We can learn from each other. It is a year in which we move into a lot of communication with our four communities.” Treasurer – Anne Louie (Williams Lake Band) Anne was elected Williams Lake Chief in 2008 and has served on the Board since then with two terms as the Board Chair. Anne says; “Being board Chair has been a good learning experience. It gives me a better perception and understanding of what goes on at the Tribal Council. I am willing to help Donna succeed as the new Board Chair in any way I can.” Secretary – Patrick Harry (Dog Creek/Canoe Creek Band) Patrick Harry was elected as Dog Creek/ Canoe Creek Chief in 2015. He has previously served as a Band Councillor. This is Patrick’s second term as Secretary. Northern Shuswap Tribal Council (NSTC) Executive Director, Yvonne Smith, is looking forward to working with the Board in the coming year, as this Board of Directors sets the course of the Tribal Council. Liberal government Cabinet encourages Tribal Council by Brad McGuire The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council, pleased with the election of a Liberal majority government which includes a rec- Jody Wilson-Raybould Minister of Justice, and Attorney General of Canada ord 10 Indigenous Members of Parliament, is delighted with Prime Minister Trudeau’s inaugural cabinet appointments announced yesterday. BC’s First Nations, who have Carolyn Bennet Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs been seeking the inclusion of more indigenous members in cabinet, look forward to the Trudeau government following through with significant commitments of more transparency and efficiency working with Canada’s indigenous communities, including the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ) and 43 other Nations in British Columbia currently engaged in the treaty process. “We need to continue working together as members of the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council on behalf of the northern Secwepemc people. Our many years of work toward treaty continues, as we look forward to a future of self-governance”, states Williams Lake Indian Band Chief Ann Louie. The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council congratulates Toronto-St. Paul’s Member of Parliament Carolyn Bennet, formerly the Minister of State for Public Health and Liberal Critic for Aboriginal Affairs, in having been appointed as Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. The Honorable Carolyn Bennet brings knowledge, experience and dedication to her portfolio and will undoubtedly help move reconciliation forward with BC First Nations through fairly negotiated and honorable implemented treaties. With almost a third of BC First Nations potentially implementing a new future through modern treaties, it demonstrates that the BC treaty process can lead the country in reconciliation. It is also with great pride that the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council congratulates former BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief, Jody Wilson-Raybould, for being appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; an extremely important and influential role within the federal government. This “historic” appointment signals the relationship between the Crown and the Indigenous peoples in Canada is about to undergo an unprecedented and positive shift. The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council welcomes a First Nations person from BC who has demonstrated such passion and commitment to self-governance, as a former Treaty Commissioner. Secwepemc Unity Meeting at Tsq’escen’ November 6th, 2015 By Beth Bedard The 17 Secwepemc communities have chosen to work together under the Secwepemc Unity Protocol that was signed June 2012. The Unity meetings are an expression of this desire to strengthen the Secwepemc Nation as a whole. These meetings take place four times per year and the hosting community alternates between the northern and southern communities, with this November 6th meeting having been hosted by Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake Band). The Tsq’escen’ gymnasium was adorned with a Remebrance Day display for the meeting hosted by Kukwpi7 Mike Archie. The tables were full with 11 Secwepemc KuKúkwpi7, six Tk̓wenem7íplem̓ and many Elders and various staff attending. The meeting began with a Secwepemctsin drum song and prayer led by Elsie Archie and accompanied by the students from the Eliza Archie Memorial School. The students then placed wreaths under the pictures of NStQ Veterans in a ceremony to mark Remembrance Day. Gifts of beaded eagle feathers and cedar feather boxes made by Tsq’escen’ members were presented to each of the Chiefs and Secwepemc representatives by Councillor Jessie Archie. After an opening welcome by Kúkwpi7 Archie, the day long discussions touched on the importance of developing action strategies for working together on title. Capacity building and the importance of having technicians assist with the important work that needs to be undertaken were stressed. Front Row (left to right) Kukukwpi7 Robin Billy, Patrick Harry, Ann Louie, Donna Dixon, Charlene Belleau, Judy Wilson, back row (left to right) Kukukwpi7 Ron Ignace, Wayne Christian, Mike Archie, Nathan Matthew, Ryan Day. Several KuKúkwpi7 said that the topics discussed 20 years ago among the Secwepemc are still relevant and that breathing life into the Unity Declaration and working on Unity action items is vitally important moving forward. After lunch, representatives from the Remembering the veterans Kukwpi7 Patrick Harry addressing the meeting. Elders waiting for meeting to begin Page 2 Lexey’em November/December 2015 Elders’ Council presented a gift to Kúkwpi7 Archie and gave briefings about their initiatives and work. The day took on a united focus and ended with Elder Elsie Archie urging community members to help the Chiefs with their work. Spi7uy Squqluts Language & Culture Society News By Cody William In June 2014, the Spi7uy Squqluts Language & Culture Society began meeting with Alex Fraser Research Forest and Gavin Lake Forest Research Centre to develop signs at a newly developed trail at Gavin Lake. In November, the Society applied to the New Horizons for Seniors Program to develop 9 interpretive signs, a trail module and to have elder tours at Gavin Lake and Alex Fraser Research Forest sites. The Society found out in April 2015, that the proposal was successful and had the highest ranking across Canada. Gavin Lake Forest Research Centre and Alex Fraser Research Forest have a network of trails, with signs, that teach students (elementary-university) and the general public about forestry practices and various habitats like wetland habitat, trout habitat and others that teach about archery and camouflage. Each of the trails has a small module (booklet) that has more in depth teachings that the students can take with them when they go on the trails. Gavin Lake developed a new trail and wanted a Secwépemctsín name and for it. We decided on either “Sek̓lép Trail” or the “Secwépemc Trail”. Over 10,000 visitors and students visit Gavin Lake each year. In June, we brought a few elders out to the newly named “Secwépemc Trail” to identify plants most dominant in the area. We then began the wording for the signs and wanted to provide only basic uses of the plants to prevent exploitation of our medicines. After completing the wording for the signs we started the trail module where we inserted a map of our traditional territory, a coyote legend about plants, and Secwépemc names and basic uses of the plants they would encounter on the trail. The trail starts off with an introduction trail head sign that reads “Secwépemc Trail – Welcome to Secwepemcúl ̓ucw” it has our nations territory and brief introduction of Sek̓lép. Other signs developed are: Ne Estqwp – Red Cedar, Xwetéllp – Cow Parsnip, Ketséllp – (left to right): Bridget Dan, Clara Camille, Amy Sandy, Cody William, Juliana Johnson, Devil ̓s Club, Ne Melánllp Jean William and Mary Boston. – Subalpine Fir Forest, Meltéllp – Trembling students might now look at a plant and think of how Aspen, Mulc - Cottonwood, Sek̓eplé7llp \Sk̓eplél ̓llp Sek̓lép (Coyote) brought us this plant and how he – Wild Rose, Tseqwtseqweqwel ̓qw – Red Willow, showed us how to use it. The signs and module will Q̓ welsellp – Green Willow, T̓sellp – Spruce, and remind them of our elders and their knowledge for a Sxúsem – Soopalalie. long time to come. The other portion of the funds provided for elder interpretive tours with students. The elders walked with the students sharing stories and knowledge of plants and taught them Secwepemctsín. Williams Lake Field Naturalists and Scout Island became aware of our tours and asked for our elders to do similar tours at Scout Island, Red Rock (Russet Bluff) and at the River Valley Trail. The elders that were involved in this program are Cecilia DeRose, Jean William, Amy Sandy, Bridget Dan, Julianna Johnson, Mary Boston and Clara Camille. This program was a great success and the students and general public went away with a bit more understanding of our culture and language. The One of the trail signs installed along the Secwépemc Trail at Gavin Lake. Spi7uy Squqluts Language & Culture Society Daytrip to Gavin Lake August 30, 2015 By Amy Sandy (Interview recorded and transcribed by Brad McGuire) Several of our Spi7uy Squqluts Language & Culture Society elders group went out to the Gavin Lake Interpretive Centre on August 30th, splitting up into groups of two. Jean William took a group of forestry students from UBC, Cody William and I (Amy Sandy) took a group, Mary Boston and Clara Camille took a group, and Bridget Dan and Julianna Johnson took a group. We visited each of the sites to discuss and explain each of the plants seen on the interpretive signs; along the way we discussed the significance of the plants, such as xwetellp, which is wild rhubarb, ready to be harvested in the spring or closer to June and July. Cody explained very specifically how this particular plant was now aged to the point where it had flowered and hardened and had become very bitter and no longer useful. We shared with all the students how our ancestors had traditionally used each of the plants and trees and how we use the entire plant, for either medicine, food or implements and warned them to be careful and not to harvest them without a person very knowledgeable about them. For example, with Devil’s Club you must be very, very careful. A couple of the elders went along the boardwalk, where we were planning to be out about a half hour with students continuing along the lake, but two of our oldest elders actually spent almost two hours on the trail, as they were delightfully surprised at the students level of interest. We then had lunch and took pictures of the entire group at a sign near the beginning of the trail. The Spi7uy Squqluts Language & Culture Society has been in existence for quite some time, having gone through several changes in names and compositions. We now have 5 board members representing each of the five northern Secwepemc communities. We also have alternates, and we basically try to make sure our endangered language survives by increasing the number of speakers and one of the things that came out of this Gavin Lake daytrip was the need to begin working with our students; bringing them out to the site, and perhaps making this part of the elders gathering in 2016 where society members can guide them through the interpretive trail. Cody William is a member of the Williams Lake Indian Band (T’exelc), as I am, and he is a very significant community member, as he is our language coordinator who works very hard to preserve our language, and is very successful in helping us bring in funding. This interpretive centre is one area that funding has helped us, as well we are looking at creating other interpretive areas, like going out to Quesnel Forks and other areas in our traditional territory. At least three of the members that came out with us were from dryer, more arid areas of Secwepemc territory like Esk’et (Alkali Lake), Stswecem’c (Canoe Creek) and Xgat’tem (Dog Creek) and they were not familiar with many of the plants at Gavin Lake, so it was a great learning experience for them as well. In 1992, when our society first started, a health related cross-cultural communications project was conducted, to try and encourage the elders to share their medicinal information with our health care workers so that they could share with our members. At that time, elders were very reluctant to share this information as they felt that our medicines would be misused and sold. We actually see some of these practices happening today, unfortunately. We would rather teach our children and youth about the cultural values of our plants, trees and medicines. We now share the basic information about these plants and medicines with the UBC and other students, rather than detailed usages, which we do mainly for their own safety because when using own resources you must be so careful because it can be harmful if used inappropriately. All in all, it was a wonderfully entertaining and educational day had by all at Gavin Lake. Lexey’em November/December 2015 Page 3 Treaty Chief Negotiator’s Update By: Rosanne Kyle, NStQ Chief Negotiator November 12, 2015 As Chief Negotiator for the NStQ, I believe it is important to understand where the NStQ Nations are in the broader context of Treaty negotiations in the province. According to the BC Treaty Commission, there are a total of 109 B.C. First Nations engaged in the British Columbia Treaty process. The NStQ First Nations are among 44 other First Nation groups in British Columbia that are currently in Agreement in Principle (AiP) negotiations with Canada and BC. This is known as “Stage 4” of the BC Treaty Process, where the nonbinding framework and general terms of the ultimate Final Agreement are negotiated. The next stage is negotiation of a Final Agreement, which is essentially the final step in the negotiation process leading to a legally binding, constitutionally-protected Treaty. If NStQ communities vote in favour of proceeding to Stage 5 (Final Agreement negotiations), NStQ will be one of seven First Nations groups in Final Agreement negotiations. As a result, NStQ is one of the leading negotiation tables in the process. NStQ has already been successful in negotiating several unique items to be included in the AiP and, ultimately the Final Agreement, which sets it apart from some of the other agreements negotiated under the BC Treaty Process. In particular, NStQ has negotiated for terms that address, among other things, shared decision-making throughout the NStQ territory (and not just on Treaty Settlement Land), land-use planning, range management, ownership of subsurface resources and the ability to negotiate new models of certainty as part of Final Agreement negotiations. This is in addition to a number of other terms within the AiP that clarify and particularize the NStQ Nations’ interests in land and resources, governance powers and revenue-sharing. The Lexey’em is brought to you by The Northern Shuswap Tribal Council and the Williams Lake Tribune. Publisher: Kathy McLean, Williams Lake Tribune Advertising: Williams Lake Tribune Editor: Brad McGuire, NSTC Treaty Department The Lexey’em is an independent community newspaper, with bi-monthly issues published every second month by the Williams Lake Tribune and Northern Shuswap Tribal Council. The Lexey’em is available at the NSTC Office at 17 South First Avenue in Williams Lake, as well as: Three Corners Health Society, Knucwentwec Child and Family Services Society, Williams Lake Public Library, and at the Cariboo Friendship Centre. You may also access it on the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council and NStQ Treaty Group websites, or via each band office. It can also be sent out by email to members. If you wish to be on the NStQ Communications Email List and you are an NStQ registered member, please contact us at 250-392-7361 Page 4 Lexey’em November/December 2015 Show us your best winter wonderland photos from anywhere in BC and be entered to win one of three VISA gift cards! If NStQ citizens vote in favour of continuing into Stage 5 – Final Negotiations in the February 11th, 2016 referendum, a Final Agreement will then be negotiated for NStQ, whereby NStQ’s rights and interests will become clearly defined and will have to be recognized and respected by federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as industry and other third parties. This is in contrast to unproven aboriginal rights, including title, where the rights are undefined and typically disputed by governments and third parties in the absence of court rulings. Even with court rulings, not all aspects of the rights at issue are defined by the court, which can create on-going disputes and a need for negotiation. “Dedicated to providing fast, courteous & informative prescription service” 250-398-8177 366 Yorston Street What does winter look like in your traditional territory? Two ways to enter: Send photos directly to [email protected] Tag your photos with #bctreaty on Facebook or Instagram CONTEST CLOSES: DECEMBER 18TH, 2015 Important Information for Band members of the Canim Lake Indian Band, the Williams Lake Indian Band, The Soda Creek Indian Band and Stswecem’c/Xgat’tem members about the AiP Vote/Referendum taking place on February 11, 2016. • December 11 2015: • December 11, 2015: • January 7, 2016: • January 15, 2016: Important Dates Posting of “Voters Lists” Posting of “Notice of Referendum” on-Reserve at the Band Office and mailed to off-Reserve Voters. “Mail out” of Ballots If you have not yet received your ballot by this date, please contact Marg Casey at NSTC. Mail-in ballots can be requested. Referendum/Vote: February 11, 2016 (9:00am – 8:00pm) How to Vote: “In Person” - You may only vote in person at your own Band’s polling station. Voting will take place from 9 am to 8 pm. Votes will be counted immediately after the polls close. Each community will count their votes independently. Or “Vote by Mail” – If you live off-Reserve, or live on-Reserve but away on voting day, you can vote by mail. Ballots will be provided to off-Reserve Voters who have provided their addresses to the Band Office, or on-Reserve Voters who request a mail-in ballot from their Referendum Officer. Ballots can be mailed to your community in the stamped and addressed envelope provided to you along with your ballot. This ballot must be received prior to or on February 11, 2016. The question you will be voting on is: “Do you support the recommendation of the NStQ leadership to proceed to Final Agreement negotiations?” *Please contact your bands’ treaty team if you have questions* Embroidery • Screen Printing Promotional Products Contractors, Forestry, Liability, Equipment, Silviculture & Ranch Insurance Agencies Group CUSTOMER SERVICE FIRST 497 N. 11th Avenue • Ph: 250-392-5078 • Fax: 250-392-5739 & FOREMOST! Ph: 250-398-9033 • Toll Free:1-888-696-1855 Fax: 250-398-9063 • [email protected] Unit D-280 N. 3rd Ave. (3rd & Cameron) Kids and NStQ Treaty Tigw, tigw, tigw (Jingle Bells) Xwente te̓ k ne swucwt Ne nek̓wu7sqéxe7 te leslí Xwexwiyúlecw te te̓ k Xwixwéyes wéle yews, ha ha ha Stegetsupe7 te legwlélegwt Tsets7écw xwexwéyt Qeqeltwílcw re tsecyem Re sets.setsíne ne sr7al O tigw, tigw, tigw, tigw, tigw tigw Tigw, tigw welemyéws, Qeqeltwílc re sec7emút, Ne nek̓wesqéxe7 te leslí O tigw, tigw, tigw, tigw, tigw tigw Tigw, tigw welemyéws, Qeqeltwílc re sec7emút, Ne nek̓wesqéxe7 te leslí Children from Rosie Seymour Elementary School – actual questions about Treaty Q: How many people will be covered by our Treaty? A: All band members living on and off reserve, of Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake), Stswecem’c/Xgat’tem (Canoe/Dog Creek), Xats’ull/Cmetem’ (Soda Creek/Deep Creek), and T’exelc (Williams Lake) will be covered by NStQ Treaty. Currently, these bands are populated by 2,500 members and growing. Q: When will the Treaty be signed? A: There is no set date for signing of Treaty. It is a 6-Stage Process, and we are currently at the end of Stage-4 “Agreement-in-Principle”. If NStQ members vote “yes” on February 11th, 2016, to continue into Stage-5 “Final Negotiations”, this stage can take anywhere from 3 – 5 years before Stage-6 “Implementation” can take place and Treaty can be signed. There are still many outstanding issues to be negotiated and dealt with in Stage-5 Negotiations. Q: What are some of the jobs people do to work on Treaty? A: There are many jobs and the people required to complete them. These various jobs are in the band offices, Northern Shuswap Tribal Council, BC Treaty Commission, Canadian Treaty Commission, Law Firms, etc. Here are some examples of the many jobs: Treaty Managers, Self-Governance Coordinators, Communications Coordinators, Communications Technicians, Treaty Coordinators, Treaty Team Assistants, Natural Resource Managers, Chief Negotiator, Communications Consultants. Q: What will our Band get if we sign Treaty? A: There are many benefits to NStQ Bands and their members. Some of them would be: Ownership and taxation authority of the agreed-upon jurisdiction of Treaty Settlement Lands (TSL), self-governing powers, Some decision-making on the territory, no longer governed by the federal Indian Act meaning Indian Bands will no longer exist, more job opportunities will become available as we transition into NStQ Government requiring significant capacity building. Q: Does Treaty give us Peace, or Honour? A: Treaty will allow us to get out from under the Indian Act and have the ability to govern ourselves. The Secwepemc Chiefs have been working for a Treaty since 1864. We have been working toward treaty for a very long time, so it will give us ‘honour’ as we fulfill the work of past chiefs. ‘Peace’ comes from good relationships between our communities and all forms of governments. This will help fulfill the goal of reconciliation. Q: How long has Treaty been in negotiation? A: The day the Treaty Commission offices opened in 1993, the NStQ Tribal Council submitted a “letter of intent” (Stage 1) to enter the treaty process. Over the past 22 years, much work has been done to get us to where we are currently, at the end of Stage 4 – “Agreement-in-Principle”. Q: Who was first to sign a Treaty? A: The first “modern day” B.C. Treaty Final Agreement was by Tsawwassen First Nations, which was ratified by the Tsawwassen First Nation in July 2007, by the BC Legislature in November 2007, and by the Government of Canada on June 26, 2008, when it received Royal Assent by Parliament. The Tsawwassen Treaty took effect on April 3rd, 2009. Q: Why do we have to meet and talk about our land? A: We meet and talk about the land in order to negotiate a treaty; to return the original NStQ lands that were ours before settlers arrived. The NStQ still have the Aboriginal Title and Rights to the land, having never ceded or surrendered this land. Q: How much does it cost? A: The current loan to participate in Treaty Negotiations is approximately $25 Million. Payment and loan repayment schedules will be negotiated by the conclusion of the Final Agreement. Q: What will my generation get from Treaty? A: All the work that has been done to this point, and ongoing toward the Implementation of Treaty, is focused on paving the way forward toward a more secure and self-sustaining future for all NStQ members. In only a few short years, your generation will be tasked with implementing and working with many of the self-governing initiatives of the NStQ. Xwexwne Creations RANCHING RODEO HISTORY Louise Alphonse, Owner History of Williams Lake Phone 250-574-8002 Email: [email protected] • Beadwork • Moccasins • Photographer English Dashing through the snow In a one-horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go Laughing all the way Bells on bobtail ring Making spirits bright What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight! (chorus) Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way. Oh! what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way; Oh! what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. CROSSWORD ANSWER ACROSS 1-Fee Simple 3-Salmon 5-Kukwstemc 7-Calder 9-Saskatoon 11-Aboriginal Title 12-Culture 14-Implementation 16-Status 18-Treaty Settlement Lands 20-Sparrow 21-Chief William 22-Tsilhqotin 24-Indian Status 26-Aip 27-Tsawwassen 28-Lawmaking 29-Indian Act BC COWBOY HALL OF FAME Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin Open Year Round Monday to Saturday 10 am - 4 pm 250-392-7404 DOWN 1-February Eleven 2-Weytk 4-Mt Polley 6-Crown Lands 8-Aboriginal Rights 9-Sqilye 10-Trudeau 13-Final Agreement 15-Quesnel 17-Carolyn Bennet 19-Litigation 23-Haida 25-Nisgaa www.treadpro.ca Sugar Cane Treadpro Willie Sure, Manager P: 250.296.4453 F: 250.296.4473 2579 Cariboo HWY 97 S Williams Lake Located downtown Williams Lake Web: cowboy-museum.com At the corner of 4th & Borland Email: [email protected] Lexey’em November/December 2015 Page 5 Lest We Forget ... November marks one of Canada’s most important statutory holidays; Remembrance Day on November 11th. Canadians across our great land pause in silence on this day to remember and honor those who have served our country during wartime. We honor all who have fought for Canada in WWI, WWII, Korean War, and all other wartime conflicts in which Canadians are engaged in. Many gave their lives, or have seen their lives changed forever physically and mentally, so that future generations may live in peace. Almost 2 million Canadians have served overseas over the years with over 100,000 of them having died in conflict. Of these brave souls, many were of Aboriginal Canadian heritage. Following, is a listing of our Shuswap veterans close to home: (source: Secwepemc News) Jack Duncan, Johnny Duncan Jack Bones Stswecem’c/Xgat’tem(Canoe Creek / Dog Creek) Joe William Xats’ull/Cmetem’ (Soda Creek / Deep Creek) Sam Archie Morris Dixon Xats’ull/Cmetem’ (Soda Creek / Deep Creek) Ne Flanders Field By: Lieut-Col. John McRae M.D. Translated to Shuswap by Mona Jules m-suḱwtes re tsiqw te sulénsem, nerí7 ne sḱmews.t.s restekts’enwécw te stltal. Tsq’eý-kucw nerí7. Ell ne sťiqt setsínem le spipyúýe… ta7 k m-sqnímentem tek swet. Witsín le m-stqupt.s le swelwelmínk. M-qwtseq-kucw ta7 k sq’7es le m-w7écwes-kucw. Wíktem-kucw re scpeqtsín… ell wíktem-kucw le klucw te skwḕkw7es Yews e newí7 pyin… kellpékst-kucw Yerí7 stseq’míctst te kweʼnp Tqéltkes k swísen-tp Edward Dixon Sr. Tsq’escen (Canim Lake) Clifford Joe Johnny Moore Xats’ull/Cmetem’ (Soda Creek / Deep Creek) Bill Wournell Henry John Bob Tsq’escen (Canim Lake) Tsq’escen (Canim Lake) Joe Williams Xwexwistém-kucw le kwséltktens… ell xwexwistels-kucw ell. Kémell pyin tsmol-kucw ne tspenṕéns re Flanders field. Joesph Archie Tsq’escen (Canim Lake) Xats’ull/Cmetem’ (Soda Creek / Deep Creek) Tsq’escen (Canim Lake) Louie Emile Tsq’escen (Canim Lake) Louis Bates Xats’ull/Cmetem’ (Soda Creek / Deep Creek) Ray Moore Xats’ull/Cmetem’ (Soda Creek / Deep Creek) T’exelc (Williams Lake) Hector Abbey T’exelc (Williams Lake) Julian Boyce Tsq’escen (Canim Lake) Paul Theodore Peter Christopher Tsq’escen (Canim Lake) Andrew Meshue Tsq’escen (Canim Lake) Stswecem’c/Xgat’tem (Canoe Creek / Dog Creek) Thomas Moore William Sellers Xats’ull/Cmetem’ (Soda Creek / Deep Creek) Jim Wycotte T’exelc (Williams Lake) Xats’ull/Cmetem’ (Soda Creek / Deep Creek) Johnny Alphonse T’exelc (Williams Lake) In Flanders Fields By: Lieut-Col. John McRae M.D. In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place: and in the sky The larks still bravely singing fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. George Gilbert T’exelc (Williams Lake) Johnny Grinder T’exelc (Williams Lake) We are the dead: Short days ago, We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved: and now we lie In Flanders fields! Take up our quarrel with the foe To you, from failing hands, we throw The torch: be yours to hold it high If ye break faith with us who die, We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields Johnny Moore T’exelc (Williams Lake) Thomas Moore T’exelc (Williams Lake) E llépen-tp-kucw ta7 me7 s7etícs-kucw we7 kúltes nu7 tsiqw tek sulénśem ne Flanders field. William Moore Page 6 Lexey’em November/December 2015 T’exelc (Williams Lake) Douglas Soich T’exelc (Williams Lake) Traditional Governance Research Summarized and compiled by Britta Langin from November 2004. A Look Back We hope you, our loyal readers, enjoy taking a look back into the NStQ’s recent past. While much has changed in the world around us over the past thirty or so years, we also see that some things have not evolved as quickly or effectively as we had envisioned. We’re happy to share a few of the articles that appeared on the pages of The Lexey’em over the past few years from 1978 This article touches on the concerns for our lands, which is very timely and still a concern as we move further through the Treaty process. Watch for part 2 in the next issue of the Lexey’em from Trappers Meetings 1984 Lexey’em November/December 2015 Page 7 Computer Corner Swuctmúc ke Sung to “I ̓m a Little Tea Pot” By Dave Feil ‘Twas The Net Before Christmas by Jim Trudeau & Jay Trudeau (1991) With apologies to Clement C. Moore ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the nets Not a mousie was stirring, not even the pets. The floppies were stacked by the modem with care In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The files were nestled all snug in a folder The screen saver turned on, the weather was colder. His eyes how they glazed, his hair was so scary, His cola was jolt, not flavored with cherry. His droll little mouth was drawn up like a GIF And the pixels of his beard sure gave me a lift. The stump of a routine he held tight in his code And I knew he had made it past the last node. And leaving the keyboard along with my mouse I turned from the screen to the rest of the house. When up from the drive there arose such a clatter I turned to the screen to see what was the matter. Away to the mouse I flew like a flash, Zoomed open a window in fear of a crash... He spoke not a word but looked right at me And I saw in a flash his file was .SEA. He self-decompressed and I watched him unfold, Into a jolly old elf, a sight to behold. And the whispering sound of my hard drive’s head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. The glow from the screen on the keyboard below Gave an electronic luster to all my macros. When what to my wondering eyes should appear But a little sleigh icon with eight tiny reindeer And a tiny disk driver so SCSI and quick I knew in a nano it must be Saint Nick. He went straight to his work without saying a word And filled all the folders of this happy nerd. And ‘tis the whole truth, as the story is told, That giving a nod up the window he scrolled, He sprang to the serial port as if truly on fire And away they all flew down the thin copper wire. More rapid than trackballs his cursors they came, He whistled and shouted and faxed them by name. “Now Flasher! Now Dasher! Now Raster and Bixel! On Phosphor! On Photon! On Baudrate and Pixel! To the top of the stack. To the top of the heap.” Then each little reindeer made a soft beep. But I heard him exclaim as he scrolled out of sight “Happy Christmas to All, and to all a good night.” As data that before the wild electrons fly, When they meet with a node, mount to the drive, So up to the screentop the cursors they flew With a sleigh full of disks and databits, too. And then in a twinkling I heard the high whine Of a modem connecting at a baud rate so fine. As I gazed at the screen with a puzzling frown St. Nicholas logged on though I thought I was down. He was dressed all in bytes from header to footer And the words on the screen said “Don’t you reboot ‘er.” A bundle of bits he had flung on his back And he looked like a programmer starting his hack. Page 8 Lexey’em November/December 2015 Swuctmúc ke, qweqwéqwme7t ell q̓ utst Ye7éne re ixwle7p, ye7éne ren qmumt Re tsr7épes re skwék̓w7es Me7 llegwt-ke M-ixw, m-ixw, m-ixw Tspeps-ke pyin. I’m a little snow man, short and fat Here is my broomstick, here is my hat when the sun comes out, I melt away down, down, down I am a puddle. S7istk (“Winter”) Ec re wúcwtes re tmicw Ec re wúcwtes re tmicw Ne s7istk Ne s7istk Ec re wúcwtes re tmicw T̓sellt re swucwt ts̓ ellt re swucwt k̓iyéy re tmicw k̓iyéy re tmicw Ne s7istk Ne s7istk K̓iyéy re tmicw Re stsmémelt séyse ne swucwt Re stsmémelt séyse ne swucwt Re stsmémelt séyse ne swucwt Ne s7istk Ne s7istk Re stsmémelt séyse ne swucwt Winter It is snowing on the land It is snowing on the land In winter In winter It is snowing on the land Snow is cold Snow is cold The land is really cold The land is really cold In winter In winter The land is really cold The children play in the snow The children play in the snow The children play in the snow In winter In winter The children play in the snow NHL Star Carey Price’s generosity is akin to an early Christmas for Cariboo kids By Brad McGuire Carey Price, star NHL goaltender of the Montreal Canadiens, is no stranger to these parts. Having grown up in Anahim Lake, and learning his craft 320 kilometres to the east with the Williams Lake Minor Hockey program from age 9 to 15, Carey knows firsthand how tough it can be for many kids in British Columbia’s rural interior regions, especially those of Indigenous heritage, to be able to afford the high costs associated with playing minor hockey in Canada. Price wanted to help foster the dreams of so many children whose hopes are to follow in his NHL footsteps, so he teamed up with equipment manufacturer CCM to send a special delivery to Williams Lake; thousands of dollars of hockey equipment to help let more local youth play hockey through the Williams Lake’s Minor Hockey Association (WLMHA). Christmas has definitely come early, as the special deliveries of skates, helmets, pads, sticks and all things hockey landed at the Williams Lake Minor Hockey Association office, as well as several other local destinations which included the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council office. When Carey’s father, Jerry Price contacted WLMHA about the unexpected and surprise gifts, the association was thrilled and asked specifically for gear for its Atom to Midget teams. The value of the high-calibre equipment is worth far more than the association could ever afford to outfit its house teams. Five youth from several Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation communities were lucky enough to receive some of the hockey gear from the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council office. Deliveries were also received at the Carrier Chilcotin Tribal Council office for Carrier and Tsilhqot’in youth in their communities. Drayden Paul of Alkali Lake with the thank-you letter he wrote to Carey Price. “Our five kids were so thrilled to be outfitted with complete gear; helmets, cages, gloves, neck-guards, pads, shinguards, skates and sticks. It was just awesome to receive all the gear to present to the families!”, says Bonnie Slack, operations coordinator at Northern Shuswap Tribal Council. The five lucky Secwepemc recipients of the hockey gear, in a diversity of age groups, are Julian Bob, Blaire Camille, Noah-Paul Sellars, Devony Michel and Blaire Camille’s mom, Heather (left), picks up son Blaire’s new hockey equipment from Bonnie Slack of the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council office. Drayden Paul. Eight year old Drayden writes, “Hi my name is Drayden Paul from Alkali Lake, B.C. I’d like to thank you, Carey Price, for the hockey Equipment and thanks to the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council too. I’m so happy with my hockey Equipment! I’m playing hockey with Williams Lake Minor Hockey in the Novice division.” Jerry Price, Carey’s father who lives in Williams Lake, said that his son does not want young players to be held back due to a lack of equipment, or old and tattered gear that is passed on to others too many times. Jerry is so pleased that Carey remains connected to his roots and continues to spend parts of his summers back in the Cariboo-Chilcotin. “He wants to make sure Julian Bob, one of the five lucky Secwepemc recipients of the hockey gear Drayden Paul of Alkali Lake all suited up in his new gear courtesy of Carey.. Blair Camille wearing his new equipment. that people, and especially the kids, know that he hasn’t forgotten his roots and hasn’t elevated himself to the point where he doesn’t have time for the people who matter the most to him”, says Jerry. Carey, and his wife Angela, are expecting a very special delivery of their own toward the end of April, when they will become the happy parents of a new member of the Price family. After learning the exciting news, Jerry said, “I knew I’d be happy, but I didn’t know I’d be this excited!” Lexey’em November/December 2015 Page 9 My Vision for the NStQ Treaty By: Chris Wycotte, Williams Lake Indian Band Councillor My vision for the treaty process is achieving our right to self-government. Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Secwepemc were a self-governing and a prosperous Nation. We had sole control and jurisdiction over our territory and created our own laws to govern our people. All decisions made for the Secwepemc were made by the Secwepemc. Today, we live under the Indian Act as wards of the Federal Government and legally under the Indian Act we don’t have anything. All decisions made on our behalf are made by representatives of the Department of Indian Affairs. Any authority we have is delegated by the Federal crown. Under the Indian Act, the Minister has the final authority to make all decisions related to us as Secwepemc. The Minister, in fact, decides whether we are Secwepemc at all. He decides what our entitlements and rights are. If you live off reserve, you don’t get the same benefits as members living on reserve. Reserve lands are held by the Crown for our use and benefit. We don’t hold legal title to the land. The Minister decides and authorizes when and how we can use these lands. This includes whether we can have schools, burial grounds or health facilities. We cannot benefit economically from reserve land without the permission of the Minister. The province, a municipality, a local authority or a corporation has the power with the consent of the government to take or use Reserve Lands without the consent of a First Nation. The government can, but is not legally obligated to pay compensation for the use of reserve lands by another party. To use reserve lands for commercial purposes, a band must designate reserve lands. To designate reserve lands, the lands must be surrendered to the crown. The Minister may grant a band the right to control and manage lands on reserve. However, the minister can also withdraw this right at any time. When members pass away, the Minister has full jurisdiction and authority to decide how their property will be distributed. The Minister will also decide if a will left by a deceased member is valid or not. The Minister has jurisdiction over guardianship, property and money for First Nations’ Children. The Minister will decide how the entitlements will be distributed to children when they come the age of majority. The Minister has control and jurisdiction over education and health of a First Nation. The Minister decides who can access education and health and how much funding is available. The Minister decides through agreements with other parties who will be responsible for the education of First Nations’ children. The Crown will also decide how money for First Nations can be spent. All regulations and by-laws enacted on reserves are subject to the Federal Crown’s review and approval before they can be implemented. The Minister decides when, how and where the elections for the Chiefs and Councils for First Nations will occur. Election regulations must be approved and accepted by the Minister before they can proceed. The Minister decides what the powers of a Chief and Council have. Under the Indian Act, provincial laws can apply to first nations. Certain properties on reserve cannot the traded or sold without the consent of the Minister. Certain materials such as gravel, mineral or timber cannot be removed from a reserve without the written consent of the Minister. Any person who is found to have violated any term or condition of the Indian Act is subject to a fine or imprisonment. I believe our leaders wanted to gain independence and sustainability when they committed to this process in 1993. I strongly believe that we can achieve independence through this process. Getting out from under the Indian Act would be the ultimate goal; we can achieve this by negotiating an agreement that will allow us to do that. In the words of James Gosnell, the first President, of the Nisga Nation, he states: “Legally under the Indian Act we have virtually nothing”. Mr. Gosnell also stated that the worst day they had under their treaty was better than the best day they had under the Indian Act. All decisions now made for the Nisga People are being made by the Nisga. Further, this process did not begin in 1993 as most people believe. It began in 1864 (151 years ago), when our Chiefs made their first trip to New Westminster to meet with Governor Seymour to ask him to protect our lands. Again in 1910, our Chiefs, including the Southern Secwepmec Chiefs, signed the Memorial to Sir Wilfred Laurier in Kamloops. In that Memorial, they not only asked for a treaty, they demanded one. They wrote: We demand that our land questions be settled, and ask that treaties be made between the government and each of our tribes, in the same manner as accomplished with the Indian tribes of the other provinces of Canada, and in the neighboring parts of the United States. We desire that every matter of importance to each tribe be a subject of treaty, so we may have a definite understanding with the government on all questions of moment between us and them. By entering into this treaty process, our Leaders in 1993 were not only continuing the work started by our Chiefs in 1864, they were also respecting our ancestors’ future vision for our people. As a Leader, I feel obligated to continue the recognition, respect and continuation of the work started by our Chiefs in 1864. We have the opportunity to decide our own destiny. NSTC Fisheries / Natural Resources Update By: Ann Guichon, Fisheries Coordinator During September and October, the Fisheries Department has been working on the McKinley Coho Fence project. This project has been ongoing for the past fifteen years and has been administered by the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council’s Fisheries Department. This project location is at McKinley Creek, in Horsefly. The most recent work on this project began with the fence construction on September 28th of this year, and was operational on October 3rd. This portion of Page 10 the project will run until December 12th, or until the fence freezes up; whichever comes first. The aluminum fence is built with a doweling, sand bags and a “live box” to hold and count the Coho salmon. Our fisheries technicians record the length of the fish, any type of markings and whether each fish is male or female. We have a total of 4 Technicians who are out at the site for 7 days a week; two on for four days, and then two off for four days. Lexey’em November/December 2015 CROSSWORD Crossword 3 clues Across 1. A current type of land title in British Columbia. 3. Fish traditionally relied on by the Secwepemc. 5. Secwepemctsin word for “thank you”. 7 Important early court case for determining that Aboriginal Title is a valid concept. 9. Important berry harvested in summer. 11. The inherent right to Aboriginal lands is known as _____ _____. 12. An important part of Secwepemc practises. 14. “Stage 6” of the BC Treaty negotiation process is called ___________. 16. Bill C-31 designed to restore ____________ to those who lost it. 18. Lands owned by the NStQ after treaty are called ______ ______ ______. 20. Name of significant court case on fishing rights from Musqueam. 21. Important historic figure from T’exelc who fought for rights and the land. 22. The first successful ‘title case’ in Canadian history; also name of FN west of Williams Lake. 24. After treaty, NStQ members can be citizens, as well as hold this. 26. Abbreviation of what “Stage 4” of the BC Treaty Process is called. 27. The name of the nation, and first made-in-BC Treaty, signed in 2007. 28. Jurisdiction over our NStQ Treaty Settlement Lands will include ___________ authority. 29. The only legislation in the world created in Canada to treat one segment of the population differently. Down 1. Date of referendum vote to go from “Stage 4” to “Stage 5” in the treaty process. 2. Secwepemctsin word for “hello”. 4. Name/Location of local area mine disaster. 6. Name of lands the government states that they own. 8. The inherent right to use Aboriginal lands is known as ____________ __________. 9. Secwepemc word for “sweathouse”. 10. Name of new Liberal that internationally is considered to be a ‘hottie’. 13. “Stage 5” of the Treaty process is also called the “_______ _______” stage. 15. Local lake heavily affected by the mine dam disaster. 17. The full name of the new federal Minister of Indigenous & Northern Affairs. 19. The process of taking legal action is called _______ . 23. Name of important court case known for its impact on consultation policies; also name of a BC First Nation. 25 First modern-day federal/Canadian treaty in BC from 2000; also name of a BC First Nation. Answer on page 5 Lexey’em November/December 2015 Page 11 17-1st Avenue South Williams Lake, BC • V2G 1H4 t 250 392 7361 f 250 392 6158 1-888-392-7361 www.nstqtreaty.ca Tsq’csen’ Stsw ecm’c Xgat’tem NStQ STAGE 4 – AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE Referendum On February 11th, 2016, members of the four NStQ bands, Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake), Stswecem’c/ Xgat’tem (Canoe Creek / Dog Creek), Xat’sūll (Soda Creek & Deep Creek), and T’exelc (Williams Lake) will be asked to vote on the following ballot question: “Do you support the recommendation of the NStQ Leadership to proceed to Final Agreement negotiations?” Canim Lake Band Williams Lake Band ENGAGE & VOTE! We are now at the end of Stage 4 – Agreement in Principle. It is now time for NStQ members to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as to whether we should proceed to Stage 5 – Final Negotiations. This is the second to last stage of the Treaty process, with the final stage being Stage 6 – Implementation. This is your time to be heard. We need to have a clear decision showing the will of our people. Only the NStQ bands that vote to approve moving forward in the process will advance to Final Agreement negotiations. TREATY SOCIETY OUTREACH The treaty team has created information that has been presented at various urban meetings over the past few months, and is now being sent out to registered NStQ members via mail, or will be presented in various upcoming family meetings. Please stay in contact with your band’s treaty team for specific information, or, registered members may find a significant amount of AiP and Treaty related information on the NStQ Treaty Website. If you are not yet registered, go to the website www. nstqtreaty.ca and click on the ‘registration tab’ on the top right of the website. Once registered, you may go to the “members” tab and with a click-through, you will then seek the information on the “AiP and Vote Information” heading/tab. VOTING PROCESS The AiP referendum (February 11th, 2016) will be similar to any election. As the referendum date nears, an electoral officer will be appointed to oversee the voting. Voting will take place through either “in person” ballots, or “mail in” ballots. The ratification officer will set out the details of the voting process. LEARN AND BE INFORMED Learn all you can about the Treaty process, and what your vote really means, ahead of the referendum. YOUR voice. YOUR choice. YOUR future. Contact your Treaty Team for more Information: Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake) Stswecem’c/Xgat’tem (Canoe & Dog Creek) Xat’sūll (Soda Creek) T’exelc (Williams Lake) OR, visit: www.nstqtreaty.ca Page 12 T’exelc Lexey’em November/December 2015 250-397-2002 250-440-5649 250-989-2323 250-296-3507