News In Brief

Page 12

What plebiscite?

The Carrier Sekani Tribal Council has a bit of a problem with B.C. In Focus, the citizen's group which is running its own unofficial referendum on the Nisga'a final agreement.

The tribal council issues a press release which advised the citizen's group to play the game by the rules, rather than trying to make up their own, saying if they don't like what the duly elected government is doing they should get ready to make a change in the next election.

"For B.C. In Focus to suggest what they propose is a "plebiscite" is laughable," the release read, "if it were not for the somewhat transparent political motivations."

"Spring offensive" coming

As First Nation leaders marked the anniversary of the Delgamuukw decision on Dec. 11, protests around the province served as a warning that the Delgamuukw honeymoon is over.

The Seton Lake band stopped railway traffic on BC Rail lines and other protests by the Mt. Currie, Bridge River Pavillion, Chase and Penticton bands made the point that many communities are far from satisfied with the progress since the Supreme Court of Canada defined Aboriginal title.

In Vancouver, several leaders marched through the streets in a demonstration, arriving at the downtown Vancouver Art Gallery for speeches. Chief Stewart Phillip, sworn in that day as the president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, said the speakers "agreed that it will be necessary to mobilize the grassroots people in preparation for a spring offensive" of protest and demonstration. He believes the governments have proven they're not interested in embracing the spirit of Delgamuukw.

Human Rights council established

The former chief councillor of the Kitimaat Village Council, Gerald Amos, is one of 11 members appointed by the British Columbia attorney general to serve on a newly-established Human Rights Advisory Council.

The council members say they intend to be the eyes and ears of the community as they advise the attorney general on human rights issues. The council can be reached at 660-2421 or 1-800-663-7867.

Agreement signed

The Carcross/Tagish First Nation joined with representatives of Canada and British Columbia to announce the completion of a framework agreement on Dec. 16.

The First Nation whose traditional territory straddles the British Columbia/Yukon border is participating in the B.C. Treaty Commission process and the Yukon Umbrella Final Agreement negotiations. The framework agreement under the B. C. treaty process will allow negotiations to begin on that front.

"We believe that the framework agreement will provide direction and guidance to facilitate a fair and equitable agreement-in-principle in relation to our traditional lands and resources located in northern British Columbia," Carcross/Tagish Chief Andy Carvill said.