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Majority Government in BC Spawns Backlash
from Coalition of Activists
Aboriginals, Labour, Anti-Poverty Groups

"The People United Will Never be Defeated. The People United Will Never be Defeated!"

With their chants, megaphoned-words, and their many signs, they claimed to be the Opposition - a coalition of several hundred labour, Aboriginal, student & anti-poverty groups who rallied outside the BC legislature.

As a worker vacuumed the royal-red carpet that snaked down the stairs, protestors gathered on the front lawn of the legislature buildings in Victoria, framed by a security fence and carefully watched by security guards and police.

Union issues, Aboriginal rights - speech followed speech - fueling the feelings of the crowd. But then their attention turned to the front steps. One man began rocking the fence, forcing it to sway - his lone action encouraged by others, then joined by others. The fence went down, stomped down as dozens of feet moved forward.

Police and security guards restrained themselves and chose not to use force to stop them. Besides, if needed, more police and horses were close by.

Some if it seemed bizarre - police photographers taking pictures of people taking pictures of them taking pictures, of the protestors.

Where the royal-red carpet finished its climb to the top, the wrought iron security doors were locked shut, preventing protestors from getting inside where the Liberal government's first Throne Speech was to be delivered. Also behind the closed doors? Riot police, who waited for the worse.

The worse in this case was a loud expression of democratic fear by a few, against a majority government. While the demonstrators were kept outside, the presence of the protestors, their strength of numbers and their success in blocking the front entrance, forced the Lieutenant Governor to sneak in a rear door.

The new government's Throne Speech in British Columbia promises better services for children, families and First Nations.

It talked of forging a relationship of reconciliation with First Nations through workable, affordable treaties which provide certainty, equality and finality.

But the Speech from the Throne also mentioned a subject that's likely to raise serious First Nation land and resource concerns - The Campbell government said it will fulfill its promise to increase access to Crown lands and resources, to create jobs in tourism, mining, forestry, farming, ranching and oil and gas extraction.

As well, the BC government promises Urban Aboriginals their voices will be heard - My government will be unwavering in its efforts to provide aboriginal British Columbians with the same sense of hope and opportunity as non-aboriginal British Columbians.

To that end, my government will establish a permanent First Citizens' Forum that will provide aboriginal citizens living on- and off-reserves with a means to share their priorities and ideas with my government.

More focus on Aboriginals in BC Throne Speech ---

"The Premier and the Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations will work to ensure that the federal government is living up to its responsibility to materially improve the quality of life, education and health care of aboriginal families, both on- and off-reserve. For its part, my government will make a major financial commitment to advance that goal.

As promised, it will double the First Citizens' Fund from $36 million to $72 million over the next four years. My government will consult First Nations leaders to determine what changes, if any, should be made to that Fund to maximize its benefit to native friendship centres, aboriginal students and aboriginal families.

Efforts will be redoubled to address urban aboriginal issues, to build capacity, and to negotiate reasonable interim measures agreements.

My government will honour its pledge to fast- track treaty talks, under the Attorney General's guidance as the Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations. British Columbians want to negotiate fair and honourable treaty settlements with First Nations. They also want a direct say on the principles those treaties will reflect.

Within the next year, my government will fulfill its commitment to hold a provincial referendum on the principles that will guide my government's approach to treaty negotiations.

In this session, a legislative committee will be appointed to consult with all British Columbians, including First Nations. That committee will draft the questions that will be asked in the referendum.

My government will also offer to negotiate delegated models of self-government with First Nations,to ensure that all aboriginal governments have the same legal status in British Columbia as they do in every other province.

As the minister responsible for justice, the Attorney General will ensure the protection of aboriginal rights, and will ensure that the rule of law applies equally for all British Columbians under our country's Constitution."

One of the key issues raised during the protest at the legislature, was the plan for a treaty referendum. Click HERE to read the anti-referendum pamphlet that was being handed out by the Native Student Union, University of Victoria. (NOTE: The file is a .pdf file requiring Adobe Acrobat Reader software)

(Vancouver, Coast Salish Territory/July 27th, 2001) A delegation from the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) met this morning with Premier Gordon Campbell, Attorney General Geoff Plant and George Abbott, Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services.

“It was an opportunity to openly discuss our concerns directly with Premier Campbell. We believe that the meeting was a good beginning and we are optimistic that there are areas where we can work together with the provincial government.”

One of the main topics of discussion was the UBCIC’s Joint Policy Council (JPC). The Joint Policy Council is a bilateral table with the Government of British Columbia and is based on a government-to-government relationship. The JPC is a mechanism to have broad policy discussions on issues of concern in the areas of access to information, consultation and education.

“We stated quite clearly that the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs still rejects the B.C. Treaty Commission process. We discussed the need to address the day-to-day issues of our communities which have, due to our economic marginalization, become enclaves of poverty in this province. We need to ensure that there are effective lines of communications with Victoria and we consider the JPC as an ideal means of communication.”

Also discussed was the issue of a fair and just interpretation of the 1997 Delgamuuk’w decision. “We understand that there are points where we can agree to disagree but there needs to be a process where Aboriginal Title can be reconciled outside of the current B.C. Treaty Commission process.”

Chief Phillip addded “As long as there is no mechanism in place where our Aboriginal Title and Rights issues may be addressed and where the Federal government is not involved, the province will continue to see land-use disputes like Sun Peaks for a long time to come.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chief Stewart Phillip
President, UBCIC
Office: (604) 684-0231
http://www.ubcic.bc.ca