April 6, 2002 - The Trek for Treaties banner shows a picture of a brown hand shaking a white hand, illlustrating support for First Nations fight to protect their rights.

Stop the Referendum. Boycott the Referendum. Burn your Ballots. The messages to the BC government were clear, as more than a hundred people, most of them non-natives gathered in front of the BC Legislature buildings late Friday afternoon to support First Nations in their fight against the treaty referendum.

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The gathering was a way of honouring a small, dedicated group who spent the past week walking from Nanaimo to Victoria in what was billed as the Trek for Treaties. Meanwhile, in Toronto in a speech to a business group, Premier Campbell said protestors will be ignored and only those who participate in the referendum will have their voices heard by his government.

Photos
by Tehaliwaskenhas-Bob Kennedy
April 3, 2002
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EXCLUSIVE
Turtle Island Native Network Coverage

There they were, sitting and laid-back on the grass, enjoying the day and the food.

It was around twelve-thirty on a sunny and warm Wednesday April 3, 2002. Noon hour on Vancouver Island where the number of blossoms are growing, and so is the political upheaval.

If you didn't know who these people were, you might have thought they were typical tourists picnicking at a Trans Canada rest stop outside of Duncan, about 50 km from their destination - Victoria, BC.

But a closer look revealed about a dozen Treaty Trekkers, young First Nation's people and non-Native supporters of various age and size, enjoying a well-earned rest and lunch break.

Some with bare feet, some in socks only - letting their feet and sneakers breathe-in the early spring air.

They're hopeful the delightful weather stays with them and that more anti-referendum protestors will join the trek along the way as they head for a 4pm Friday April 5th arrival at the BC Legislature.

"Walking is a time-honoured method for people who demand justice. We walk to show solidarity with First Nations people, to support the Treaty process and to provide information on the Treaty Referendum," reads the cover page of the pamphlet titled Trek for Treaties Nanaimo-Victoria April 2002.

A group of concerned citizens gathered early at Speaker's Corner in Nanaimo on April 1st, 2002 to show the BC government that they would not be "fooled" by the Treaty Referendum process. They are concerned that if the majority vote yes the treaty process will be destroyed, setting back years of hard work and millions of dollars spent by both government and First Nations. This group wants to see that Aboriginal Rights guaranteed in Canada's Constitution since 1982 are affirmed and not destroyed. They contend "The Referendum wants to turn the clock back to the 19th century when British Columbia thought it could get rid of ABoriginal Title by simply passing a law."

About 60 supporters started out after traditional prayers offered by an Ahousat Elder and songs and inspirational words by First Nation representative Ellen White. By 4:30 Monday afternoon, nine of them had made their way to Ladysmith carrying banners and signs. Jim and Eva Manley, a Kitimat Metis who called himself Shield, John McKay, Kate, Neal and Dyane Brown and two other women were looking forward to a big meal, a hot foot soaking and a good night's rest in Ladysmith where they planned to set out again in the morning.

They said all people are welcome to join their march for all or any segment of the journey to the legislative buildings in Victoria.

As for their recommendation on what to do with the Treaty Referendum,"each community throughout BC is urged to organize a community celebration win co-operation with their local First Nations neighbours. Ballots could be gathered and burned in a collective act of solidarity and resistance."