Kahtou 0004
August 2000

by Reg C Moody, Heiltsuk Nation

As sure as we stand, the Heiltsuk Nation peoples are not going to get up one day and leave this territory. This is and always will be the only place on earth we call home.

Aboriginal Rights have been recognized in the Canadian Constitution since 1982, without question. The Heiltsuk Nation claim rights and title to 6000 square miles of lands and resources due to our occupation of them in our territory since time immemorial.

The Heiltsuk Treaty Office motto clearly states the Heiltsuk peoples position. It says "our rights, our resources, our lands are not for sale. They are there for our exclusive use. Our mission in this process is to protect, enhance, and in fact strengthen those rights."

The mandate of the Heiltsuk Nation is not to give up 90-95% of our lands and resources. Today, we are at a crossroads. While I sit and think about our current situation, I am reminded about the statements that were made by Heiltsuk Chief Bob Anderson in 1913 to the McKenna McBride Commission. He stated, "after we are gone, our children will carry on with this fight."

Bob Anderson was a man I admire very much, for his concern for our people. Chief Anderson took a stand on the rights and title of the Heiltsuk Nation. I would like to know when this fight will begin? So far its been a one-man slaughter attack on our people.

The British Columbia Treaty Process has turned out to be the biggest joke in Canadian history. The governments have hi-jacked a process where they lend money to First Nations to negotiate away 90-95% of their traditional lands and resources. From the outset, it was my understanding that through this BCTC process, we would be looking for ways in which we can have equal participation and a fair equitable share in the wealth of this country, so that we can no longer rely on handouts.

If the Canadian and Provincial governments do not wish to discuss compensation, and if British Columbia's 5% land policy does not change, I don't see any point in the Heiltsuk or any other First Nation continuing in this process. It is my view that if BC and Canada do not change their mandate to ensure some level of comfort for First Nations, this process will not survive in its preset state and that this process is flawed and set up for failure.

If you ask other First Nation groups currently participating in this process if their Nation has a mandate to negotiate away 90-95% of their lands and resources, the answer will be a resounding NO!

The recent offer that was made by Canada and British Columbia to the Sechelt is insulting to say the least. Dale Lovick, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs was quoted as saying the Sechelt offer is as good as it's going to get. Minister Lovick's comments about the Sechelt offer gives us every indication that we (the Heiltsuk Nation) should abandon this process.

I can't understand why we continue to allow resource developers to chew up our inheritance by clear cutting and depleting our marine resources while we are forced to live on our reserves with 70-80% unemployment.

Today, many families in the community of Bella Bella are second and third generation dependants on permanent social Assistance. If we don't get involved and act now, these numbers will continue to grow with each generation.

We need to drill it into the governments head that as long as the rivers flow and the sun shines, the Heiltsuk Nation and other First Nations will continue to demand that we must be active participants in any decisions made about our lands and resources.

To address this combination of ignorance and disrespect by British Columbia and Canada, on our people, we must bring our concerns to the international markets. We need to take our concerns to the buyers of BC wood products. They need to be reminded that they are buying BC wood illegally. From the outset, my people were willing to look for ways to co-exist, to live together, to share resources, all with dignity and respect with our neighbours.

I for one am not about to take a back seat while the governments continue to show little or no respect to my people and continue to destroy our lands and resources at the expense of our people and our way of life. Enough is enough.