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DEBATES OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
(Hansard)
THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2006
PROTECTION OF FIRST NATIONS SACRED SITES
S. Fraser: We're hearing from local first nations who are deeply concerned about the protection of sacred sites on the lower Island. Representatives are with us here today in the gallery, and they're looking for some answers.
As a result of reduced regulations by this government, sacred archaeological sites have been put into deep jeopardy. In addition, the existing regulations on private lands have no teeth and are not adequately enforced. Yesterday my colleague from Esquimalt-Metchosin tabled a motion to deal with just that. To the Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts: will the minister stand here today and agree to protect these sacred sites?
Hon. O. Ilich: I would like to thank the member for raising this issue. This is the first that I've heard of any such activity.
This government actually respects first nations and takes seriously any concerns that they have. Archaeological sites and first nations heritage are a valuable part of who we are as a province, and we have been working with the leadership council on protocols around archaeological sites. If there are caves or graves or sites of first nations significance, we will work with the local nations, our archaeological branch and the developer to preserve them.
Mr. Speaker: Member for Alberni-Qualicum has a supplemental.
S. Fraser: I do, hon. Speaker. I'm not sure that was a very comforting answer for the people that were looking for answers. I am aware of a number of sites — four in this area alone that are certainly in the press.
I'll direct my next question to the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. Sacred sites are vital to first nations culture. This is supposed to be a key part of the New Relationship, and this is a relationship that this side of the House supports.
Can the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation tell this House for the record, and for the gallery, what he will specifically do to secure support for first nations sacred sites in British Columbia?
Hon. T. Christensen: I thank the member for raising what is a very important issue to first nations and a very important issue to all British Columbians — that is, protection of first nations sacred sites and archaeological evidence of our collective history in this province.
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The Minister of Tourism, Sport and the Arts has indicated that there is a clear process in place. If there are specific sites that the member is aware of and has concern about, I would encourage the member to bring those forward so that those specific sites can be dealt with under the current legislative scheme, because there is protection in place.
We are working closely with the First Nations Leadership Council and first nations across the province to find out how we can move forward to ensure that we are effectively meeting the needs of first nations on a number of fronts. Part of that discussion has included discussion around archaeological sites. We will continue that discussion to make sure these sites are being adequately protected.
M. Karagianis: We've heard both ministers refer to policies and legislation currently in place that clearly is not serving the purpose. Here on the lower Island right now, today, sites are in jeopardy — sites that have great cultural value and meaning to first nations communities here.
I would ask, on behalf of those nations, whether the ministers responsible for both aboriginal relations and for culture and heritage preservation will meet with delegates from these communities.
Hon. T. Christensen: The Heritage Conservation Act has been in place for a number of years. The members across the way are well aware of the legislation. They did nothing, while they were in government, to make the changes that they now seem to think are necessary. But as I have said, we are interested in working with first nations to ensure that the legislative and regulatory scheme that we have in place to protect these sites, which we agree are valuable, is effective in doing so. We will continue that discussion with the First Nations Leadership Council and others to ensure that we do have an effective scheme in place.
Mr. Speaker: Member for Esquimalt-Metchosin has a supplemental.
M. Karagianis: I must say that's a very disappointing display of the New Relationship with aboriginal communities. References to things that happened five years ago or five weeks ago or five days ago are not an adequate answer. I am asking, through you, Mr.
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Speaker, to the Premier…. I note the Premier has been standing up on behalf of the Kelowna accord. The Premier has come out very strongly about the New Relationship with aboriginal communities.
[Applause.]
Mr. Speaker: Continue, member.
M. Karagianis: Certainly, we have seen that the Premier has demonstrated a commitment to first nations communities, but I would have to ask whether the first nations communities of British Columbia have to demonstrate — like the Port Alberni members of the forest industry had to — in order to get a meeting.
I'm asking today, through to the Premier: will the ministers responsible meet with community members from the first nations today, here, after this question period occurs?
Hon. G. Campbell: To hear the opposition speak…. They clearly are not paying attention to what's taken place in the province. This province is recognized across the country for the leadership that we've taken with regard to building a New Relationship with first nations. I know this for a fact. You build that relationship not by grandstanding but by working hard with first nations day in…
Interjection.
Mr. Speaker: Member.
Hon. G. Campbell: …and day out, week in and week out.
We have legislation to protect archaeological sites. We will work with first nations. I am sure the ministers will be glad to meet with first nations delegates, as they do every month in British Columbia. We deal with it in every ministry of the province.
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That's what the New Relationship is about. It's about saying to first nations people: "Join us in closing the educational gap, closing the health care gap, closing the economic opportunity gap, and in building the kind of future prosperity and respect and reconciliation that first nations in this province deserve."
M. Farnworth: The Premier just made a wonderful set of statements and words. But the question is really quite simple, and he didn't answer it.
We have a group in the gallery who journeyed here to this Legislature because they are concerned that their sacred sites are being damaged, destroyed and threatened. The question is quite simple: will his Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation commit to meet with those people after question period?
Hon. T. Christensen: I would be happy to meet with people who have attended question period today. But I have to say, Mr. Speaker….
Interjections.
Mr. Speaker: Members, members.
Minister, continue.
Hon. T. Christensen: The level of engagement between first nations and ministers of the Crown and the province today is unprecedented. That dialogue is important, and I am always willing to meet with first nations. If members on the opposite side have constituents and first nations constituents who wish to meet with me at any time, or with other members of the executive council, all they need to do is try to set up that meeting. We will do our best to accommodate it.
Interjection.
Mr. Speaker: Member.
Hon. T. Christensen: But to grandstand in question period does not allow us to actually dedicate the appropriate time that these matters deserve.
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