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NEWS photo Terry Peters

SQUAMISH BAND Councillor Gilbert Jacob holds hands with band lawyer Harry
Slade Thursday during a prayer before the start of treaty negotiations with the
provincial and federal governments, conducted by the B.C. Treaty Commission.

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on the table in discussions

HISTORTC NEGOTHIA.-
TIONS for some of the most
raluable land in Canada
began Thursday between the
Squamish band, the province
of British Columbia and the
government of Canada.

By Kate Zimmerman

News Reporter

The Squamish, a nation of 2.600

people. are chuming much of the
most heavily developed. densely
populated tand im ihe Lower
Mittudand, including parts of
faneouver, Burnaby, New
Westonster, Port) | Moody.
Squamish, Whistler. kinds on beth
sides of the Burrard Indet and the
islands of Howe Sound,

The B.C. Trealy Commission,
which will facilitate the negotiation
of treaties and aboriginal land
chtims on Crown and private lands
in B.C. sat down with band faders
aod representatives of the provin-
cial and federal governments at the
Squentish Nation Recreation
Comptes on the Capikino Reserve,

Chief Joe Mathias spoke for the
Squamish band, He said the gath-
ered nevotiators faced an “awe-
some tisk.”

Mathias’ clhoquent speech
touched upon the band’s mitin con-
cerns, including the inherent right
to self-government and band can-
trol over fands which he said sus-
tained his people fur thousands of
yours,

The Squamish are focusing on
land and water use. compensation,
resource development and crewing
aostructure for a relationship
between the band and neighboring
communities.

Mathias is the spokesman for a
five-man team consisting of him-
self, Chief Philip Joe. band council-
Jor Gilbert Jacob. lawyers Gary
Yablesy and Harry Slade.

“An important elemeat that
must be discussed early on is the
question of provincial Crown ands
and federal Crown lands. We insist
that those binds be atthe table for
negotiation.” Mathias said.

“We look upon these negotia-
lions as correcting the past and
finding a new. bold face for the
future... there will be beter days
forall of us in the by-and-by,

“We have witnessed the destruc-
tion of our beaches. our sounds, our
rivers. Oar forests and our kinds,”
said Mathias. "We have learned
whal white men’s sovereignty
Means -—- i docs nol mean good-
will.

“Weve not shared fully in the
development of the Lower
Maialand and 8.00.07 he continued.
“To terms of our economy. we have
been marginalized.”

“What we are rely doing 2. 1s
completing the business that was
felt unfinished in the ESSO0s." said
Chict Commisstoner Chuck
Connahan.

“The journey being cobarked
upon today will require patience.
uoderstanding aad tolerance of
cach other's point of view.” he
suid,

The mood among the Squamish
al the meeting was convivial. The
event began with a procession
headed by four drummers who sang
aw song called Greeting of the Day
and led the assembly to the four
corners of the roam,

Negotiators and the 100 mastly-
native spectators held hands for the
opening prayer,

After the meeting tself! which
was closed to the press, Mathias
spoke to the News,

A formal agenda for the talks
will be decided on April 28.

The Squamish currently lease
lands to individuals and businesses
onthe North Shore.

Mathias attempted to set to rest
any fears by local residents and
business-people that land claims
might affect hem. He said the band
is “mindful and respectful of peo-
ple’s ownership” and is more con-
cemed with forms of compensation
for vacant lands that it believes
truly belong to the Squamish
Ration,

“We're not talking about forcing
people out of their homes ind busi-
nesses and packing them off and
out of the country. People who own
homes — their land is not on the
table.” °

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