Guess Who? - Kitsumkalum Treaty

Issue 11 | May 2010
F ree – P lease T ake O ne
Gue ss
W ho?
GUESS WHO CONTEST Ballot
Fill out the Treaty Trivia ballot below with the person you think this is.
You can also email your answer to npeden@kitsumkalum.bc.ca or drop off this
ballot with Nina at the Treaty Office.
All correct answers will be entered for a draw to win prizes. Winner will be
announced in the next issue of the Treaty Times.
Last issue’s Trivia Contest
winner is Lori Marion
Correct answer were:
Q: Who is the person in the picture above?
Answer: (first and last name)
Your Name: (first and last name)
Phone Number:
One entry per person. Winner will be drawn May 30 at 3PM at the Treaty
Office.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Gerry Bolton
David Bolton
Cathy Bolton
Roberta Bolton
5.
6.
7.
8.
Rebecca Bolton
Lynn Bolton
Sheila Bolton
Russell Bolton
In this issue
Kitsumkalum Treaty Office
P.O. Box 544 Terrace B.C. V8G 4B5
Phone: (250) 635-1718
Fax: (250) 635-6196
E-mail: kalum.treaty@kitsumkalum.bc.ca
7
The Past, the Present and the Future!
Get your
Kitsumkalum
T-shirts!
The Kitsumkalum Treaty office now has
t-shirts, sweatshirts, umbrella, leather
folders, fleece vests and hats for sale. We
have different colours so come by the
Kitsumkalum Treaty office to get outfitted
today!
Editor’s Message
Letter to the Editor
Photo contribution made by Birgitte Bartlett
Didn’t receive any treaty information? Treaty Times is
published by the Kitsumkalum Treaty Office and distributed to
anyone who we have contact information for. If you are not on
our mailing list but would like to be contact us.
What’s going on with the rest of BC First Nations?
The 2010 Winter Olympics: A Catalyst to New Friendships
Agreement in Principle Chapter 25: FAQ’s
Guess Who Contest
A free publication produced by the Kitsumkalum Treaty Office informing the Kitsumkalum people of our treaty process.
Message
from the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Calendar of Events
Have questions or feedback for us?
March 4-7
BC Winter Games in Terrace
March 14-20
Junior All Native Basketball Tournament in
Prince Rupert
Alex Bolton
New community treaty
meeting format a success!
April 9th-11
Kitimat Cultural Warming Basket Ball
The treaty team invited Kitsumkalum members on February 17th
for a community consultation meeting to discuss Books 1 and 2
that cover AIP chapters 22 - 25. The success of this meeting was
largely due to our agenda and modified meeting format.
April 30th
Terrace Chamber of Commerce Tradeshow
We had 53-70 members in attendance throughout the night
and the meeting was on schedule and ended on time. The main
presenter Mark Stevenson (legal advisor) went through the
Question & Answer part of each specific chapter (Chapters 22 –
25) and also addressed additional questions from the audience.
Editor: Alex Bolton
Copy Editor: Nina Peden
Photo & Editorial Contributor: Allan Bolton
Contributor: Lynn Bolton
Layout, Graphic Design, Production and Content:
Nikita Marketing Communications
info@nikitamarketing.com
Photo Contributor: Birgitte Bartlett
It was a relief to hear more support from the community during
the February 17th meeting as members were able to clarify
misconceptions they have had around the treaty process.
For all those who missed the meeting, meeting minutes, voice
tape and video recording is available at the treaty office. Hot
topics, dialogue and questions during the meeting will also be
presented in the upcoming newsletters.
Phone: 250-635
Email: kalum.t -1718 | Fax: 250-635
-6196
reaty@kitsumka
Kitsumkalum
lum.bc.ca
Treaty Office
| P.O. Box
544 | Terrace
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544 | Terrace BC | V8G 4B5
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Chapter 19 | Taxation
Bartlett
6
8 | Fax: 250-635-619
Phone: 250-635-171
4B5
@kitsumkalum.bc.ca
Terrace BC | V8G
Email: kalum.treaty
P.O. Box 544 |
Treaty Office |
Kitsumkalum
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involved i n Treaty Negotiations with
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the Canadian Government for the last
the Province of British Columbia and
15 years.
Kitsumkalum First Nation is currently
Within the six stages of the treaty process,
in Principle.
in Stage 4: Negotiation of an Agreement
concentrating its efforts on regular
The Kitsumkalum Treaty Office will be
treaty packages and various other
community consultations, distributing
initiatives for Kitsumkalum members.
.ca
Email: kalum.treaty@kitsumkalum.bc
Phone: 250-635-1718 | Fax: 250-635-6196
544 | Terrace BC | V8G 4B5
Kitsumkalum Treaty Office | P.O. Box
9/23/09 5:08:38 PM
indd 1
Treatybook4_cover_backVersion1.
We have an open door policy at the treaty office and I encourage
you to give us a call or visit us.
Sincerely,
Alex Bolton
Dear Sarah,
The cost of not settling treaties is far greater than the cost of treaty making.
A study conducted by Price Waterhouse estimated that uncertainty surrounding unresolved aboriginal rights
and land title could cost B.C. $1 billion in lost investment; independent consultant Grant Thorton estimated
that completing treaties will bring a net financial benefit of between $3.8 billion and $4.7 billion to British
Columbia over the next 40 years.
The Treaty Commission allocates negotiation support funding so that First Nations can prepare for and carry
out negotiations on equal footing with the provincial and federal governments. Since opening its doors in
May 1993 the Treaty Commission has allocated approximately $362 million in negotiation support funding to
more than 50 First Nations - $289 million in the form of loans and $73 million in the form of contributions.
Photo Credit Birgitte
The main point of that evening which was the treaty team is here
to set up the “process” and make recommendations based on
the community’s recommendations. The treaty team does not
approve the AIP – that is the responsibility of the Kitsumkalum
people who will decide whether or not the “substance” of the
agreement meets their standards.
How much will treaty negotiations cost and
who pays for treaty making?
Sincerely,
Sarah from Kitsumkalum
EDITORIAL TEAM
We will continue to review each of the chapter books in this
way – which could take as much as 8-12 months. We are also
strategizing to target off reserve members in areas such as Prince
Rupert and Vancouver.
Nina Peden and Allan Bolton
Dear Treaty Team,
April 16-May 2
Pacific Northwest Music Festival
Dear Kitsumkalum members,
Write us at npeden@kitsumkalum.bc.ca. We’re committed to responding to all your letters
promptly and thoroughly, and once a month we will select one letter to be featured in the Treaty
Times.
Watch your mailbox for Treaty Booklets!
Book 5 coming soon!
Treaty Booklets 1 through 4 have already been mailed out and book 5
and 5 is scheduled to be mailed out in December. These booklets are
a series that outlines details for specific chapters in the Agreement in
Principle. If you did not receive your copy of any of the books already
mailed out, please contact Nina at the Treaty Office at 250-635-1718 or
email: npeden@kitsumkalum.bc.ca
Contrary to popular belief, the Commission is not a big bureaucracy. We have 13 full-time staff in addition
to the five commissioners - four of who are part-time and regularly travel throughout the province. The
Treaty Commission’s operating budget for 2006/07 is $2.52 million. Canada funds 60 per cent of the Treaty
Commission’s operating costs and BC funds 40 per cent. The Treaty Commission’s total operating costs from
1993 to March 31, 2007 are $26.41 million.
As far as who is paying for Treaty - Funding for administering the treaty process and the cash settlement costs
are borne jointly by the provincial and federal governments. The federal government is responsible for 72 per
cent of the total cost of treaties and the provincial government is responsible for 28 per cent.
Canada funds 60 per cent of the Treaty Commission’s operating budget, and BC funds 40 per cent. Eighty per
cent of negotiation support funding to First Nations is provided as loans from the federal government, and
20 per cent as contributions from the federal and provincial governments. The federal government provides
60 per cent of the contribution funding and the provincial government provides 40 per cent.
The BC government’s share of the overall cost is estimated at $2 billion, or $50 million annually over 40 years,
plus rural Crown land with an estimated value of $2.8 billion to $3.5 billion.
Hope that answers your questions,
Treaty Team
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K itsumkalum ’ s — T reaty T imes
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Treaty Talks – what going on with the rest of BC First Nations?
Bigger than the Games: One woman’s mission to create hoopla for treaty talks
It’s bigger than the Olympics: That message will be featured in an
ad barrage to be launched next week.
The campaign is meant to draw attention to an issue that
generates no hoopla, pulls no cheering crowds. If Sophie Pierre
can get politicians and the public excited about the economic
benefits of settling treaties in British Columbia, she’ll deserve a
medal.
When Ms. Pierre took over as head of the BC Treaty Commission
nine months ago, she had already concluded that the process of
treaty talks is being smothered by complacency. As one of the
architects of the present system, she’s watched in frustration over
two decades as treaty-making has become just another program.
The ad campaign is her latest effort to shake up the institution
she now heads.
But it wasn’t her first choice. She started her campaign in Ottawa,
where she tried last fall to appeal to the economist in Prime
Minister Stephen Harper. The pitch: B.C.’s unfinished business of
settling aboriginal land claims is holding the province’s economy
back.
Wherever she spoke, with MPs and bureaucrats, she had to explain
why treaties are such a dogged issue in B.C.
Most of the province is still subject to land claims. A handful of
treaties were signed in the 1800s, but, with just a few exceptions,
the treaty process has been a money pit that has produced little
benefit for aboriginal people or the province as a whole.
“First Nations have been duped,” she said in an interview
yesterday. With $350-million in loans to pay for their negotiators,
many aboriginal groups are poised at the point where their debts
begin to outweigh the potential benefits.
His people first made contact with Europeans in 1792, when Captain
George Vancouver came up the Nimpkish River as he charted the
west coast for the British Royal Navy. “He found a healthy, industrious
people,” Chief Cranmer said.
“The treaty we are looking at is going to allow the ‘Namgis to
remain a distinct people within our territories.” It is within reach, he
believes, but it will require just what Ms. Pierre is demanding: a fresh
negotiating mandate from Ottawa.
The benefits of certainty are not just for the aboriginal
communities themselves. Resource companies routinely find
their efforts stymied by outstanding disputes over rights to the
fish, the trees or the minerals underground. “We can be a positive
force in the economy,” she said.
Today, half of the 1,700 ‘Namgis don’t live on reserve because there
aren’t enough homes or jobs. The band is involved in a gravel pit
operation and ecotourism, but it’s not enough. “If we continue under
the Indian Act, we are just managing poverty,” he said.
“We recognize we aren’t going to get all our land back,” Mr. Cranmer
said. But with a commitment to settle, he believes he can see within
his lifetime a community that is once again physically, spiritually and
economically healthy.
Ms. Pierre, former chief of the entrepreneurial-minded Ktunaxa
Nation in the Kootenays, knew that she needed more than her
own experience to sell the concept. Her office commissioned a
study by Pricewaterhouse Coopers that calculated the economic
benefits of treaties could more than double the return to B.C. for
hosting the Olympic Games next month. That’s based on settling
with the 60 aboriginal groups now in the treaty process over the
next 15 years.
But her call for Mr. Harper to intervene in the name of the economy
produced only radio static.“I do question the Prime Minister’s
commitment,” she said yesterday.
The ad campaign to be launched next week will appeal to Mr.
Harper the politician, who has shown a more diligent interest in
the province’s voters.
The ads are simple. They ask: What has a bigger economic impact
than the Olympics? If you want the answer, you’re directed to the
treaty commission’s Web page, unfinishedbusiness.bctreaty.net,
where readers can find a dozen arguments in favour of ending
uncertainty over land and resources.
Since 1993, the treaty commission process has resulted in one
treaty, with the Tsawwassen First Nation. The Maa-nulth First
Nations treaty has been approved but is not yet implemented.
Many others, however, have given up. Last fall, two aboriginal
communities cut their losses on negotiations to try their luck
in the courts. Others are taking the B.C. government up on its
willingness to cut deals on resources and shared decision-making.
Ms. Pierre calls those deals progressive, but warns they can’t
replace the security of a constitutionally protected treaty.
TREATIES WITHIN REACH
Yale First Nation
Yekooche First Nation
This deal could be announced any day now, but already
there is trouble brewing with other aboriginal groups
over fishing rights in the Fraser Canyon. The 145-member
band would receive treaty lands of 1,140 hectares and
$6.5-million in cash. But the most contentious details
regarding fishing rights have yet to be made public.
Most of the 214 band members live on a remote reserve
on the shores of Stuart Lake. The proposed treaty lands
would work out to about 30 hectares per person - more
than 6,400 hectares in total, plus $6.5-million. But the
pine beetle epidemic has since wiped out much of the
timber stands, and the province is now looking at ways
to sweeten the offer.
In-SHUCK-ch Nation
The group includes about 900 members living
in the Lillooet River Valley between Harrison
Lake and Pemberton. The current proposal
would provide 14,500 hectares plus $21-million.
Sliammon First Nation
A deal with this 1,000-member Vancouver Island
community, near Power River, has been hung up over
fishing rights, but insiders say a settlement is close.
Then again, the Sliammon have been close before the community voted down a deal in 2001. The new
proposal includes about 6,000 hectares, $2-million and
a commitment to negotiate revenue sharing.
Lheidli T’enneh Band
his Prince George-area band, with 320 members,
celebrated an agreement in 2006. But the package,
including 4,330 hectares of land, was narrowly rejected
by band members in 2007. Now the community may
hold a second vote this year on the same package.
Justine Hunter
jhunter@globeandmail.com
Chief Bill Cranmer, of the ‘Namgis First Nation, believes a treaty
is the only way to dig his Cormorant Island community out of
poverty and misery.
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THE 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS: A CATALYST TO NEW FRIENDSHIPS
By Arjunna Miyagawa
We have often heard that the success of the Olympics is determined by how smoothly the entire event went, how many medals the host
nation won, how many television viewers there were or even how much revenue it brought into the local economy, but let’s not forget
about how it brought together a country or even a community for that matter. For a few students living in communities next to each
other, the Vancouver 2010 Olympics were the thread that sewed together a friendship between students in Terrace and Kitsumkalum.
A chance to enjoy the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics was a rare opportunity for many in the Northwest. For a lucky group of four students in Kitsumkalum it was nothing short of a dream come true. Thanks to Olympic tickets from the Terrace Torch Relay Committee and
funding from ‘Na Aksa Gila Kyew Learning Centre, these students were able to join eight other students from various schools in Terrace,
on a once in a life time trip.
CHAPTER 25:
QUESTION & ANSWER SHEET
OVERVIEW RATIFICATION
John Cooley, Shai-Lee Heit, Miranda Bolan, Jenniefer Bolton and school assistant, Arjunna Miyagawa, headed out on Tuesday, February
16th, to be part of a combined group of twelve students and three chaperones. The flight to Vancouver was quiet as nervousness filled
the air. Students weren’t sure what to expect and for many, travelling among people they did not know was foreign, although there was
no doubt that everyone was excited to be able to see an Olympic Curling match and a ‘Victory Celebration.’ To top it all off, the curling
match was Canada versus Japan and the medal ceremony was one where Maelle Ricker would receive gold for Snowboard Cross.
This chapter sets out the rules for the ratification of the Treaty and
the Kitsumkalum Constitution.
Who must ratify the Treaty before it comes into effect?
Answer: Kitsumkalum, British Columbia and Canada.
“I was a little nervous as I didn’t know what to expect. I feel proud to have been part of it. I don’t think I will ever sing the national anthem
with as much pride as I did at the Victory Ceremony,” said Shai-Lee Heit. This trip was truly geared for the students as they were given the
opportunity to choose places to visit within the Olympic host city. Students chose to eat at the Spaghetti Factory at Silver City, which was
followed by a movie. After the movie they headed back to Ladner Gymnastics Club which was home for their two night stay. Rumours of
overbooked hotels with a cost anywhere from $800 to $1000 per night made it an easy choice.
What steps are required for the Kitsumkalum Nation to ratify the
Treaty?
Answer:
• The calling of an assembly of Kitsumkalum, to consider the
Treaty and whether to refer the Treaty to a referendum.
• At the assembly, a simple majority voting to refer the Treaty to
a referendum.
• The conducting of a referendum on the Treaty, as described below.
• In the referendum, at least 50 per cent plus one of all eligible voters must vote to accept the Treaty.
“Going to the Olympics was a chance of a lifetime. Knowing I will probably not get a chance of going again to something so huge, made
the whole experience so much more exciting." Miranda Bolan The curling match was one to remember as Canada won with the last stone
on the last end. The crowd was electrifying as the entire group of fifteen cheered, side by side, for their country with absolute pride. While
cowbells and painted fans filled the arena, the echoes of ‘Go Canada Go’ could be heard from the start of the game through to the end of
a long day.
“It was exciting to witness Canada beat Japan. I am very glad I had the chance to go to the Olympics,” said John Cooley. It didn’t take
long for the students in groups, who were but strangers the day before, to become friends and to start chatting amongst each other. The
events that were bringing people together all around the world brought them together as well. What was earlier a quiet group became
loud, boisterous and full of excitement. Each student had come from a different walk of life, yet they walked together, ate together and
laughed together as they enjoyed these events that forged new friendships, in the spirit of the Olympics.
“My Olympic experience was unforgettable. I didn't realize how amazing this experience would be until I was in the middle of downtown
looking at all the red and white. The smiling faces of proud Canadians. And I was one of them! I would do it over again in a heartbeat. I’m
overjoyed I had this first time experience with a great bunch of students. Being at the awards ceremony when Maelle Ricker won her gold
medal was priceless. To be able to see a Canadian accept the gold medal was amazing! I will never forget this experience ever,” said Jenniefer Bolton.
Students were also given a grand opportunity to visit the Four Host Nations Pavilion. This was the pavilion of the four aboriginal nations
whose traditional territory the Olympics were on. A beautiful totem pole was erected in front of the building. Students gathered around
to get pictures taken with each other and with some of the hosts wearing their regalia. There was an explosion of national pride when the
name of Maelle Rickers was announced. The students, along with 25,000 other spectators, gloriously sang ‘O Canada’ at the top of their
lungs.
Whether it was standing in a two hour line-up to get into the Royal Canadian Mint to see and touch Olympic medals or wading through
the sea of people, smiles and laughs were evident with every passing moment. The thing I will cherish most about going to the Olympics,
was having the chance to share this moment with students in Kitsumkalum. It gave me the opportunity to really get to know them and to
share something very special with them in the process.
As the group headed back on the evening flight to Terrace the excitement of the trip was carried into the airplane as students chatted
with each other. It brought attention by other passengers who curiously looked around to see what all the excitement was about. It was
quite apparent that this group, which started off initially as three separate groups, silent on the flight down to the Olympics, had become
a vibrant singular and bonded group of students from the ‘Northwest’.
“The way in which this experience has enriched the academics of each of these students is an example of the goals for our school. The
students embraced this opportunity to leave their community and their families to return with exciting stories to share with everyone.
Kitsumkalum would like to
Thank-You
for a successful Torch Relay
Celebration at Kitsumkalum!
Gila Kyew Nluulk Headstart
Gitlaxdax Nisga’a Dancers
Gits’ilaasü Dancers and Drummers
Skeena River Delta Dancers
Many Nations Dancers
Xbishuunts Dancers and Drummers
Coca Cola - Mario Desjardins
BC Ambulance - Jeff Peden
Kitsumkalum Torch Relay Committee
Kitsumkalum Community
Kitsumkalum Treaty
Kitsumkalum Social Development
Kalum Ventures Ltd
Northwest Community College Culinary program students
Nikita Marketing Communications
CFNR Classic Rock
What happens if an eligible voter does not vote?
Answer: Every eligible voter who does not vote will be counted as
a vote against the Treaty.
What is the Ratification Committee?
Answer: The Committee established by Kitsumkalum to ensure
an independent, fair and accurate referendum. The Ratification
Committee includes a member named by Canada and a member
named by British Columbia.
What does the Ratification Committee do?
Answer: The Committee takes steps to enable the Kitsumkalum
to review the Treaty, publishes a preliminary voters list based on
the information provided by the Enrolment Committee, publishes
and updates an official voters list, approves the ballot for the
referendum, provides general directions to voting officers and
conducts and counts the vote.
What steps are required for Canada and British Columbia to
ratify the Treaty?
Answer:
• Signing of the Treaty by a federal Minister of the Crown, and enactment of settlement legislation by the federal Parliament.
• Signing of the Treaty by a provincial Minister of the Crown, and enactment of settlement legislation by the provincial Legislative Assembly.
Photo Credit: Birgitte Bartlett
This is the essence of the educational experience here,” said Colleen Austin, teacher.
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