The past weeks have been very busy with meeting with Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Trust (CBT), Chief and council quarterly meeting with Maaqtusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society (MHSS) board of directors, NTC AGM, Insurance brokerage, levels of federal government: Aboriginal Peoples Committee on housing study. Civil and structural engineers: First Nations Infrastructure Investment Plan. The 2014 Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve Regions: Vital Signs Report. A collection of data, information from a wide spectrum of sources, covering the well being and health of communities and environment. This includes but not limited to youth, elders, economy, community initiatives, grants, programs, generally the strong willingness to participate and contribute towards the betterment of community, ecosystem and our place within Clayoquot Sound. Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is committed towards creating dialogue, space and commitment to listening, sharing, gathering information and networking with like minded individuals willingness to address and meet the needs and concerns of the people within the region. The Chief and Council quarterly meeting with Maaqtusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society (MHSS) board of directors focused on the social issues regarding bootleggers and drug dealers within the village. Utilizing Muutsqiiaht for a place of healing/treatment center, with a comprehensive approach towards healing that involves families, community, council, Haawiih, culture and traditional knowledge. As well as the importance of Village Security that could possibly branch out into Territory Guardians. Another important topic with MHSS is the Meares Island boundary dispute with Tlaoquiaht First Nation(TFN). The discussion of revisiting the Meares Island court case, the need to set up meeting with TFN to resolve the boundary issue is of great importance as it stands if two tribes are disputing boundary supreme court will decide neither side has ownership. The recent Supreme court Tsilhquotin decision that affirmed aboriginal Title and Rights beyond reserve lands and the rights of First Nations to be consulted and give consent to any activity upon the territory, as well the right to stop activity upon the lands that might have a negative impact upon the environment. The Tsihqotin case is not to be a one size fits all approach, as many First nations are at different points of asserting Aboriginal Title & Rights, but the need to form a First Nations Alliance. Parks within our territory are not recognized by us, never were we consulted. The importance of First Nations to be out upon the land right now, beyond occupying but utilizing the land. Rather than fighting with families, neighboring nations we need to bring the fight to the Provincial and Federal government. As First Nations we need to continue utilizing our lands and resources, to actively be out upon our territory. To develop land use plans, self governance plan, pursue legal action and direct action. We do not need governments permission. This is just a brief synopsis of some of the discussions and meetings that have been ongoing and are extremely necessary to continue beyond the board rooms, meetings room, levels of government or policy makers, but as families and community towards asserting our inherent title and rights and nation building. Please feel free to contact me in any way to elaborate, inform or connect to individuals, groups that have been working on these issues/concerns and have information to share. Klecko
Posted on: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 03:33:41 +0000