Frustrations overflow at assembly

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Treaty frustrations boiled over at the 1999 Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Annual Assembly, as Nations reacted against federal and provincial government inaction.

Treaty discussions started near the close of the second day of the annual assembly at Maht Mahs, and carried on the next morning with Cliff Atleo reporting on the mounting frustration of Nuu-chah-nulth, and all other British Columbia First Nations.

"It's not often that the Summit calls an emergency meeting, but they called one last week," said Cliff. "There is so much frustration with the federal and provincial governments' complete lack of movement that discussions have begun on 'alternate means.'"

Ditidaht Chief Councillor Jack Thompson told those gathered about developments towards his Nation's refusal of the treaty offer presented by the provincial and federal governments.

"We weren't negotiating with negotiators, we were negotiating with bureaucrats who are only interested in maintaining the status quo," said Thompson. "The governments aren't interested in making treaties, they're only interested in holding on to what they have. The treaty they proposed would have pulled us backwards. We would have been worse off than we already are."

Treaty negotiators from all Nuu-chah-nulth Nations added their concerns over the current state of treaty negotiations, and their frustrations with the government's lack of willingness to negotiate in good faith as they are supposed to be doing.

"We've given so much already, and the governments continue to demand more," said Francis Smith, who read a list of Elders who have been actively involved in the treaty process, only to be called home before seeing even the slightest development toward self government and self-determination.

"We were insulted when we were told by the governments that we were too incompetent to negotiate with them," said Dawn Amos of Ehattesaht. "Maybe we are not lawyers, or trained in the mumuthne ways, but we are Kuu-as, and there is a strength in that they can't suppress or deny."

Many negotiators commented that they are growing tired of fighting the federal and provincial governments in trying to prove Aboriginal title, only to have their concerns dismissed. Since Nuu-chah-nulth Nations never lost or surrendered the rights to their Hahoulthees, many negotiators are now asking the governments to prove their title to Nuu-chah-nulth-aht.

"We have to figure out what to do, because this process is failing," said Jerry Jack. "I went to a land selection back home and saw them offering us nothing. Drastic action will have to be taken to force the governments to actually sit down with us with their ears open so hopefully some results can occur."

"It's time to leave our seats at the negotiating table and remind governments that we are, and always have been people of action," said Elder John Charlie (through an interpreter). "The time has come for us to go into the forests, and out onto the ocean of our Hahoulthlee and take what is rightfully ours. No more asking for government permission and permits. These things have belonged to our chiefs for thousands of years, and it's time these newcomers realized that, and realize that they will not be allowed to push us around anymore."