Protest about land claims (Vancouver Island)

[struggle4progress]

Jul 21 2007

Supporters of the Tsartlip band blocked West Saanich Road on Vancouver Island for a few hours on Monday to protest the lack of progress on treaty land settlements, causing traffic to detour. Official events focused on a march and rally in Vancouver calling on the federal government to do more for aboriginal rights and social conditions.

"Resolving outstanding land claims, securing a viable land base and legislated access to resource revenue-sharing agreements for First Nations is the key to unlocking the full potential and prosperity for First Nations," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, a member of the First Nations Leadership Council that works with the B.C. government. "There is only so far we can go without the active participation of the federal government."

With two treaties going to votes this summer and dozens more at various stages of negotiation, B.C. is reaching a critical point. The issue has even surfaced in Vancouver, where the Musqueam Indian Band is in negotiations that could include transfer of the University of B.C. golf course in Premier Gordon Campbell's Point Grey riding. ~snip~

http://www.mapleridgenews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=46&cat=23&id=1030420&more=0