By Roy L Hales
The construction you see above occurred because the government refused to intervene after the owner took out the right permit. It was built on Grace Islet, a recognized First Nation’s burial site in Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island. This could not have happened in a white graveyard. It is only possible because British Columbia’s Cemetery Act descends from an era when First Nations were regarded as savages.
By Roy L Hales
Barry Slawsky’s lawyer filed a notice of discontinuance from his legal suit against the defenders of Grace Islet. It is clear the brief occupation of the Islet cannot be dismissed as a simple case of trespass. First Nations leaders view this situation as blatant racism on the part of the BC Government, which has refused to protect one of their ancestral burial islets because Slawsky had a building permit.
Continue reading Barry Slawsky Drops Grace Islet SuitAs you can hear in the video below, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs passed a resolution in support of Grace Islet Burial site. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip made the announcement at a demonstration at the provincial legislature, in Victoria, yesterday. He said the vote was unanimous.
Continue reading BC Indian Chiefs passed a resolution in support of Grace IsletBy Roy L Hales
Chief Don Tom, of Tsartlip First Nations issued a Stop Work Order for the construction on Grace Islet. A segment of screen fencing, below the high water mark, was removed so that he could land on the First Nations burial islet. The group accompanying him waited for two RCMP constables, who were given a copy of the order. Chief Tom also fastened a copy to the fence above the high water mark.
Continue reading A Stop Work Order for the Construction on Grace IsletBy Roy L Hales
There will be yet another demonstration in the waters around Grace Islet this morning. The Chiefs, elders and paddlers of six First Nations will be joining with concerned Salt Spring Island Residents to call on Minister Steve Thomson to stop the desecration of Grace Islet.
Continue reading Stop the Desecration of Grace Islet
