Over this past while, since the large community meeting held in March, we have held several meetings with the Treaty Advisory Committee (TAC) members. They learned about the treaty process including: an overview from when treaties were first signed (1800’s), where we are in negotiations today, what a final Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Treaty could look like, pros and cons of doing a treaty and how treaty lands could be decided on.
There is much to learn as we work together to prepare for another Community – wide treaty meeting in September or October. These sessions are crucial to the success of our treaty negotiations as we move to finalize this Agreement in Principal stage of negotiations toward the next stage – Treaty.
Many people helped with actual negotiations and community meetings. The staff members are Linda Henderson, Natasha Walkus-Puglas and Crystal Walkus, who set up, prepared materials, took notes and cooked for the meetings. Silena George, the Elders and Rose King helped with food preparations. The Elders let us rent their office and meeting spaces. Tom Henderson and Paddy Walkus always advise and support. Willie Walkus gave his time to the negotiations over the past years.
TAC (Treaty Advisory Committee) members gather information and provide input toward our negotiations, they are: Michael George, Lucy Scow, Donna Williams, Bob Swain, Kathy Walkus, Sandra Charlie and Blanch Walkus. Colleen Walkus helped with child minding. David Scott prepares and facilitates discussions on maps and Nicole McLelland helps to organize negotiations. Thank you all.
As well as the meetings, I welcome this newsletter as a way to keep you informed and involved.
Gilakasla!
Colleen Hemphill,
Chief Treaty Negotiator