We applaud the shíshálh Nation leadership for launching a survey of band members to gauge the level of support for the recently signed reconciliation agreement with the province.
Chief Calvin Craigan acknowledged this week that there has been a backlash against the agreement, in part prompting the survey. We know that some members were opposed in principle to any kind of agreement, preferring to let the Nation’s case be decided in court; others no doubt see it as a paltry settlement and are leery of the promise that it “opens the doors” for further negotiations.
In terms of land and money, the agreement is definitely modest when compared to the Tla’amin Nation’s treaty settlement earlier this year. Under its treaty, Tla’amin received 6,405 hectares of provincial Crown land. Added to 1,917 hectares of former Indian Reserves, the treaty gives Tla’amin ownership and law-making authority over 8,323 hectares, with an option to acquire another 1,212 hectares of Crown land in the future. The treaty also provides for tens of millions in capital transfers over the next decade, an economic development fund of $7.9 million, and other financial benefits.
The shíshálh reconciliation deal, on the other hand, gives the Nation 288 hectares of Crown land, up to $484,137 in forestry revenue and $100,000 in capacity funding.
Both Craigan and Aboriginal Relations Minister John Rustad say the reconciliation agreement is only a first step toward more talks and presumably more land and money being transferred, but nothing is binding. The chief says the Nation intends to eventually acquire control over all lands within its territory, either through subsequent agreements or court rulings, but there is a stark contrast between those grand ambitions and 288 hectares.
That’s why it seems highly appropriate for the Nation to conduct a survey and, in Craigan’s words, work out “some kind of adjustment” if a majority of band members oppose the deal.
Surveys can’t replace informed governance by elected officials, but they can capture the mood of the public on serious matters that warrant the fullest engagement of the community. We hope all of our local governments are taking note.
