Monthly Archives: April 2019

W̱SÁNEĆ  Signs Historic Letter of Understanding NEWS PROVIDED BY - newswire.ca VANCOUVER, Jan. 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership is key to achieving reconciliation. Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council signed a Letter of Understanding committing both parties to move forward together to advance a lasting reconciliation and make real progress on the issues most important to the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation. Through the Letter of Understanding, Canada and the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation have agreed to explore a number of priorities that would support the eventual negotiation of [...]

UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES NEWS PROVIDED BY: indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is an international instrument adopted by the United Nations on September 13, 2007, to enshrine (according to Article 43) the rights that “constitute the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world.”  The UNDRIP protects collective rights that may not be addressed in other human rights charters that emphasize individual rights, and it also safeguards the individual rights of Indigenous people. The Declaration is the product of  almost 25 years [...]

TRIBAL JOURNEYS - Eric Pelkey (Community Engagement) will be coordinating a meeting with Families, Groups and individuals who are planning to go or are looking to join a tribal journeys canoe to Lummi WA this summer. This meeting will occur at 9:00 am February 19th at our office at the address listed. Office Location 800b Stellys Cross Rd Saanichton, BC This an unfunded information sharing meeting.

Welcoming New Drummers THE W̱SÁNEĆ  DRUM GROUP was formed as part of the Song Restoration project whose goal is to restore W̱SÁNEĆ traditional social and public protocol songs. Additionally, the WLC required protocol Songs to represent the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation when dealing with external entities, such as Government or 3rd party interests.  The Drum Group is composing paddle songs, celebration songs, victory songs , prayer songs and many others that can be used by the W̱SÁNEĆ people. We are welcoming drummers from the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation.

W̱SÁNEĆ  HUNTING MENTORSHIP PROJECT Howard Morris, James Jimmy, Michael Jimmy, Simon Smith Jr., Bob Pelkey and Carl Olsen have agreed to act as the Hunting Mentors. We Have 6 young men and 4 young women who have attended the first informational session. We are looking to plan a trip with GINPR staff to Sidney Island with the experienced and young hunters soon. Read more about the Fur to Forest Initiative here.

THE W̱SÁNEĆ ARTS COUNCIL is recommending the Spindle Whorl Concept as the new logo for the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council. They feel it represents the fabric of people and a good reflection of our history.  The Spindle Whorl is sectioned off into four sections with each member contributing an equal amount to the Spindle Whorl.  If approved there will be a 40 inch round Spindle Whorl carved by the artists for our office, it will become our letterhead plus be in all regalia representing the WLC.

W̱SÁNEĆ Environment Committee Earl Claxton, JB Underwood, Beangka Elliott and Ashley Cooper had their first meeting Feb 06, with Parks Canada Staff regarding the Growing Together Project. I was very pleased that our committee raised many issues around the project that had not been considered by Parks Canada.  The W̱SÁNEĆ Cultural and Historical uses of areas targeted by the project will now be the subject of future discussions on the project.