On Saturday, the Huu-ay-aht voted over whether or not to support the ratification of the Maa-nulth Treaty, one of several treaties being shoved forward in the West Coast of Canada. At the end of the day, 90% voted YES, 10% NO.

That’s pretty surprising—and also cause for great concern, even if this so-called Treaty still has to be ratified by four more Nations along with the government before it becomes legal. There’s two possible reasons for this concern: One being that Huu-ay-aht have no idea what they just voted Yes on (which considering this letter, and the tactics …

Well, the Tsawwassen vote came and went, with a 130 people choosing YES and 50 NO. Quite the difference from the previous vote, I must day. I guess bribery and misdirection does work!!!!

Now, it’s off to be ratified by the Federal and Provincial governments, which of course they’ll do hands-down. That is, unless some impressive pressure is put on them by all opposed to it… (see here for an article about the vote — but please hold any glorification you see in contempt.

Well, this Saturday another, similar vote is taking place. This one among the Huu-Ay-Aht, who will be …

In recent months there have been major concerns with Nisgaa Treaty, Lheidli Tenneh Treaty, and Tsawwassen Treaty. Each of these are in their own right threatening to the respective Nations (regardless of anything that speaks to the contrary. The presence of good does not mean the absence of bad.) — but it’s not just the treaties which are a concern.

There’s also concern with what the proponents of these treaties are doing to have them ratified. They are using coercion, bribery, and deceit — effectively molesting the people so they can get their way. …

The Lheidli T’enneh Treaty, one of several ‘new treaties’ being pushed forward in British Colombia, is said to be worth about $73 million. Supporters of this treaty allege that, if it went forward, it will provide the Lheidli T’enneh with self-government and secure for them land and ‘rights to resources.’

The reality however, is that this treaty will reduce the Lheidli T’enneh to little more than a token idea, with no land whatsoever. This will be followed by the Lheidli T’enneh having no authority and no ability to self-govern, because …

Across the land there are hundreds and thousands of voices speaking about the irresponsible and exploitative conduct of Band Councils, and the Canadian Government. It’s unfortunate, but many of these voices seem to be drowned out by the empty promises of better days, and by flimsy government assurances that everything’s alright.

As discussed in the letter below, in this one example, it occurs while the integrity of a Nation and the land that sustains it is twisted, hollowed out and sold on the stock market.

Dear Honourable Members and Respected Chiefs

My name is Sim git Luu t’aa, …

The following press release was received from Wasase.org.

A CALL FOR ACTION FROM THE INDIGENOUS RIGHTS ALLIANCE
(Victoria, BC) - May 14, 2007
We are united strongly in our love for our people and for the land. We are of one mind in our belief that we have an obligation to the land, which is ours and will always be. The British Columbia Treaty Process is a dead-end for our Nations. For years we have tried to achieve justice for our peoples through the BC Treaty Process. It is time to walk away from this process as there is no …

Lubicon response to bald-faced lies about Lubicon water situation
from Friends of the Lubicon, March 16, 2007

Below please find an article from the magazine Alberta Views on the Lubicon situation called “No Deal”. Also, please find a letter to Alberta Views from Lubicon Elder Reinie Jobin regarding purposefully malicious, reprehensible bald-faced lies told about the terrible Lubicon water situation by a cowardly, unnamed federal government negotiator in the Alberta Views article.

Letter to Alberta Views from Lubicon Elder Reinie Jobin

Alberta Views …

I haven’t actually seen the treaty yet, so I’m going to reserve comment for now, but here are a few stories about this. If you are familiar with this treaty, know where i can find it, or have your own thoughts about this, please add a comment here. I’d like to hear what you have to say. - Ahni.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007
New treaty a sham
By Bill Tieleman, billtieleman.blogspot.com

The tentative treaty between the Tsawwassen First Nation and the provincial and federal governments must be rejected.

It is totally unacceptable that the treaty terms would take 207 hectares of valuable …

We are the Indigenous Peoples of our Territories!

We have never given up our responsibilities for our land and our peoples. We cannot move away from that fundamental position and our beliefs and let our future generations down. We therefore reject the policies and processes of the federal and provincial governments, such as the federal policies on land claims and self-government and the British Columbia Treaty Process and the New Relationship that implement
those policies and undermine our strong historic position! Now is the time to stand up for: OUR LAND, OUR FUTURE!

We the INDIGENOUS PEOPLES in our TERRITORIES HAVE:

LAND RIGHTS:
Our …

Historic B.C. treaty faces strong opposition
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 8, 2006 | 1:22 PM PT
CBC News

A traditional chief says he and his family will block a ground-breaking treaty with a First Nation in northern B.C.

At the signing ceremony in Prince George last month, Premier Gordon Campbell called the treaty with the Lheidli T’enneh band a “historic agreement and a “milestone of reconciliation.”

But traditional Lheidli T’enneh Chief Peter Quaw calls it “one of the worst treaties in Canadian history,” saying it won’t sustain current band members or future generations.

The treaty, the first final agreement negotiated through the …