By Roy L Hales
The Provincial Government just got a (political) black eye at Grace Islet, on Salt Spring Island. The Ministry of Forest Lands and Natural Resources Operations Archaeology Branch approved an alteration permit that would have allowed someone to build his vacation home over a recognized First Nation’s burial site. Capital Regional District (CRD) passed a resolution stating this is a desecration of first Nation’s Remains which came about because of the Archaeology Branch’s failure to adequately consult with First Nations. This problem should be solved through negotiation. CRD Requests Permit for Grace Island be Suspended
CRD Requests Permit for Grace Island be Suspended
Though it is not known if the government will change its’ mind, a gaff like this will cost them votes in the next election.
“This is really just another example of not walking the talk,” said Adam Olsen, interim Leader of BC’s Green party. “How can any party defend this activity? It is a contradiction to say on one hand they are building strong relationships with First Nations and on the other hand they are allowing this to proceed.”
Grace Islet is a recognized ancient Salish burial ground that was zoned residential. Local First Nations people have been trying to prevent the erection of house for years.
Last month British Columbia’s Archaeology Branch decided to allow an Alberta businessman to build his waterfront vacation home there. To preserve the ancient cairns, he was to put it on stilts.
This provoked an immediate response from the First Nation’s community and sympathetic Salt Spring islanders. (See previous stories here and here.)
Ben Isitt’s Motion
Ben Isitt, CRD Director for Victoria, moved that this would be “a desecration of First Nation’s remains.”
Isitt’s motion also states that the “Archaeology Branch has issued an Alteration Permit for the site, in the absence of adequate consultation with First Nations.”
He and the other Directors are now calling upon the Archaeology Branch to “to allow consultation and negotiations to
proceed between First Nations, the Provincial government and the landowner to ensure protection of this First Nations cultural heritage site.”
Staff To Identify Specific Procedures
The CRD has directed their “staff to convene an inter-governmental meeting in the autumn of 2014 with representatives of First Nations, the Archaeology Branch, the Islands Trust and the CRD to restore trust and identify specific improvements to development approval procedures that will increase protection of First Nations cultural heritage sites within the Capital Region.”