May 1st, 1999
T'Sou-ke - Sooke,
British Columbia
(Artist: Darlene George, T'Sou-ke Nation)Governor-General Helps Celebrate
Unique Community Spirit
by Tehaliwaskénhas
Canadians are more likely to be familiar with the popular portrayal of their dark and cloudy dealings with First Nations than with the harmonious relationship celebrated at Sooke's Edward Milne Community School.
It's a good example of a long overdue message for those cycnical observors of Indian country who believe the potential for positive change is only a promise on the horizon.
In this part of BC there's a saying that if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes. Perhaps history will forgive my simple use of the weather as a metaphor for how these Vancouver Island people have seen their communities evolve, side-by-side.
Some clouds, sprinkles of rain and eventually with perfect timing some sunshine---as the people of the T'Sou-ke Nationand the community of Sooke greeted Canada's Governor-General, His Excellency the Right Honourable Romeo Leblanc and Diana Fowler-LeBlanc. These special guests were here to help celebrate 150 years of a harmonious relationship between the 'white and Indian' people.
For British Columbia, the timing of these celebrations couldn't come at a better time. Treaty negotiations and all the challenges that go with them have become highly politically-charged. Overall, relations with First Nations in this province are strained, to say the least. The Nisga'a treaty and its inherent storm of controversy merely scratched the surface of outstanding aboriginal grievances.
Just when you think it's okay and it seems we may be moving two steps forward, we go back three. It's incredible to see the repeated thumb-your-nose-at-the-Indians attitude of government action.
Witness the BC Government's decision to compensate forest giant MacMillan Bloedel with provincial crown land at the expense of First Nations' interests at the treaty table. For sure it doesn't sit well with aboriginal leaders. A substantial number of First Nations on the island have formed a new alliance to press for progress in treaty talks and have convinced Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart it is worthwhile pursuing, to bring pressure to bear on provincial officials.
That's not all. Fortified by the Supreme Court of Canada historic Delgamuukw aboriginal rights decision, the Te'Mexw Treaty Association whose membership includes the T'sou-ke Nation, has threatened to go to court over the MacMillan Bloedel 'land grab'.
These are fragile times in BC. However, on this remarkable day the T'Sou-ke Nation and the people of Sooke are passionately able to set aside any differences that might exist in the larger community --- out there.
Today they are commemorating a century and a half of their history of friendship and respect---their separate cultures living and working together. This cooperative spirit was clearly illustrated in the unveiling of a large community quilt showing the history of both First Nations and the European settlers.
Celebrations unfolded as easily as the quilt. Credit goes to the two years of joint planning by the 500 volunteers---students, seniors, politicians, and plain folk from both the T'Sou-ke and Sooke communities.
Chief James Cooper's welcoming remarks to the gathering were poignant. "There is no finger pointing", he said. Then he paid tribute to the many years of "peaceful coexistence".
Governor-General LeBlanc talked about the First Nations people working side-by-side with the newcomers to help build their forest and fishing industries. He empashized, "They helped us all and showed generosity". He then invited people elsewhere to take note of this "harmonious coexistence". His Excellency called on Canadians to "Reach out to First Nations".
by Tehaliwaskénhas
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