The Onus Of Proof Of Aboriginal Title by Kent McNeil Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, October 1999

The document below provides a great deal of valuable information on the concept of Aboriginal Title To Land in Canada and gives insight into how Aboriginal Peoples can claim and continue to hold the rights to their land across this nation.

This document provides a road map to follow, and in particular provides sound legal information on the subject of how the Supreme Court Of Canada (SCC) views Aboriginal Title, how such title is established, and how this title to lands can be continued through the act of possession of the land. Or in other words being on the land implies title to the land, and any claim of ownership of the land by other parties such as the Crown must be proven in law.

The paper quotes extensively from the SCC decision of Delgamuukw v. British Columbia.

The Onus of Proof of Aboriginal Title

BC Environmental Assessment Office-Melvin Creek Valley/Cayoosh Ski Resort Proposal Still Under Review

Photo Courtesy of Will Koop

Recently an email was sent to the BC Environmental Assessment Office to request the status of the Certificate granted to NGR Consultants in 2005 to build a Ski Resort in the Melvin Creek Valley/Cayoosh mountain range.

Despite stiff opposition to this project from First Nations peoples who live in the areas around the proposed project, and the establishment of a settlement in the Sutikalh, the BC Government has arbitrarily suspended the 5 year time limit on the Certificate for an indefinite period of time.

The BC Environmental Assessment Office stated in the email below that the project is currently under review, and the BC Government is planning public discussions about the project in the affected communities during the fall and winter of 2010.

This indicates that it is even more important now for all those concerned about this project to speak about your objections to this decision, and to voice your concerns for the pristine environment we are trying to protect from this kind of development. The Government of BC is attempting to steal this land owned by the St'at'imc Nation, and give it to NGR Consultants and their investors, to build a ski resort that nobody wants.

The document below shows the email request to the BC Environmental Assessment Office.

Certificate Extension

Take action now and express your concerns directly to Barry Penner env.minister@gov.bc.ca And by all means, leave your comments below and voice your concerns on this blog.

Find your local BC MLA and email them or write them expressing your concerns.

Here are some links to more information about the history of the proposed project.

Chronology Of Government Records, Newspaper Articles, Meetings, For Cayoosh Development Proposal on the SPEC website authored by Will Koop.

BC Environmental Assessment Office-Cayoosh

Invasion Of Sutikalh Territory

Recently the Pemberton Valley Bike Club announced plans to build a bike trail into Sutikalh Territory as shown in the slide show. We have to wonder at this point if this kind of activity is allowed under the current status of this Territory, and if the proposed expansion of their commercial business has been approved by the St'at'imc Council, and B.C. Ministry of the Environment.

This slide shows the proposed bike trail along with the Sutikalh Camp and Melvin Valley in the yellow circle shown on the map.

The next slide is a closer view with the Sutikalh Camp circled in red, and the bike trail up and to the left of the camp right into Melvin Valley from the east.



We feel at this point there must be some concern expressed about the wildlife in the area, and what negative effects can be anticipated if numbers of people are biking up and down this part of the valley, and how it will interrupt the natural animal and wildlife patterns of activity throughout the trails that have been documented and flow through this area.

We are talking about Mountain Goat, Deer, and Grizzly Bear habitat that will be endangered by this unecessary intrusion of human activity.

We are planning on a visit into the high alpine cabin around August 15, 2010 to establish a settlement, and we are looking for like minded volunteers to being live in caretakers.

Have some concerns? Contact the Liberal MLA for this area of our province.

Joan McIntyre MLA for West Vancouver-Sea To Sky
joan.mcintyre.mla@leg.bc.ca
Joan McIntyre website

Constituancy Office
300-2332 Marine Drive
West Vancouver, BC
V7V 1K4

604-981-0045

Contact The St'at'imc Council Of Chiefs

80 Seton Lake Road
Box 1420, Lillooet B.C.
Canada V0K 1K0
250-256-7523
250-256-7119 FAX

I have posted a poll so that you can vote on this issue and express your opinion about this proposed activity. Contact your local MLA, and your band leaders.

Lil'wat Nation Council Mount Currie

Chief Leonard Andrew

Awaken To One

I hope this video provides you with love, joy, and inspiration as it did to me today.

Energy Follows Thought!!!

Sutikalh 10th Anniversary Celebration

Above is a short clip of the very end of the Mayan Ceremony that was performed by a couple from Guatemala on Sunday May 2nd. Many of the original supporters and founders joined together for a spiritual blessing for the Sutikalh settlement first established in May 2000.

Filming of the ceremony was not allowed as we gathered around the fire circle that began with several candles that were lighted. Candles were also handed out to all and we were asked to put our candles into the fire.

There was a good turn out as Rosalin spoke to everyone and thanked all who have given in some way to the cause that gave birth to the Sutikalh settlement that was established to preserve the pristine wilderness of the Melvin Creek Valley for generations to come.

Many thanks are owed to the people who supplied and prepared the great food for the lunch after the ceremony.

International Indigenous Leadership Gathering 2010-Directions

This is a guide for those of you who want to attend the gathering to be held from May 31st to June 6th 2010 with a map below that shows you how to get there.

For information about the gathering, please read the previous post Protecting The Sacred.

The address of the gathering is 1001 Fountain Valley Road.

The starting point is from Lillooet, B.C. Canada

1. Head East on 12th Avenue toward Main St. - 55 meters
2. Turn Right at Main St. - 60 meters
3. Take the first left onto Seton Lake Road - 800 meters (Goes over the Camel Bridge)
4. Turn left at Highway 99 - 1.2km
5. Turn left to stay on Highway 99 - 13.8km
6. Turn right at Fountain Creek Road - 1.2km
7. Arrive at Fountain Valley-Thompson Nicola I, B.C. Canada

View Larger Map

Sutikalh 10th Anniversary Celebration

Hereditary Chief Kenny Peters

Looking Down the Melvin Creek Valley

We want to invite you to the 10th anniversary of the settlement that was established at Sutikalh to be held on May 2, 2010 around 12 noon.

This marks an important milestone in the efforts to preserve this pristine wilderness for the present, and generations going on into the future. Your efforts and support have played an important part in making this endeavor possible, and we invite all to join us at the camp for a luncheon, prayers and songs, celebrating this accomplishment.

If you can help with any donations of food, materials, or time please contact us to make the necessary arrangements to ensure this celebration is a great success.

Hope to see you there.

How to find the Sutikalh Camp.