shíshálh (Sechelt) Nation Announces the Protection of Mount Elphinstone
Sechelt, BC -This year we celebrated the twenty-eighth year of Self-Government. In the last twenty-eight years our Nation has grown exponentially, as have our collaborative working relationships with local governments. As we have done since time immemorial, we are out on the land using and regulating the use of our lands. We are building on the work we have done and articulating our governance and regulatory regime to others seeking to live and work in our territory. Since achieving Self-Government, we have sought to articulate our governance through documents such as our Land Use Plan and our Lands and Resources Decision-Making Policy. Recognizing that we are all here to stay, and in pursuit of mutual reconciliation, we have worked to enhance and develop our relationships with local governments. Our collaborative working relationship with the Sunshine Coast Regional District has been meaningful and mutually beneficial. We have worked together on important projects like the protection of the Chapman and Gray Creek Watersheds. We see this relationship as an important part of our governance, which is why today we want to announce the protection of a portion of Mount Elphinstone. We are moving ahead immediately to protect a portion of the identified 1,500 hectares on Mount Elphinstone critical to local drinking water that is within shíshálh territory.
“shíshálh continues to govern our Territory to ensure sustainability of our lands and prosperity of our people. The protection of these lands has been of great concern to the SCRD for several decades. Directors such as Area D Director Donna Sugar have worked tirelessly to protect this area and the drinking water of those in the area. In support of our working relationship and after considerable dialogue we have chosen to protect this area from industrial development. We will be working with the SCRD, as we have in the Chapman and Gray Creek Watersheds, to develop collaborative management”, said Chief Craigan.
In the recent and historic Supreme Court Tsilhqot´in decision the court stated, “Governments and individuals proposing to use or exploit land, whether before or after a declaration of Aboriginal title, can avoid a charge of infringement or failure to adequately consult by obtaining the consent of the interested Aboriginal group” (para. 97). The Courts clearly articulated what shíshálh always knew – that Aboriginal title is alive and well. Consent for development has always been required within shíshálh territory. Tsilhqot´in unlocked new doors for reconciliation, doors which we are opening.
We expect that our Lands and Resources Decision-Making Policy, our Resource Policies, as well as our Land Use Plan will be adhered to in all decisions within the territory. These governing documents provide the place to begin a discussion regarding reconciliation of our interests.
The shíshálh Nation, as stewards of the land, will continue to make decisions in the best interest of the eco-system and its inhabitants. As a part of our stewardship responsibility we will continue to work with all levels of government as well as forestry companies on forestry initiatives within shíshálh territory. We see this as another step towards reconciling the interest of the shíshálh Nation and the SCRD.
For further information contact Chief Calvin Craigan at 604-885-2273; ccraigan@secheltnation.net