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.

Uploaded to Scribd  https://www.scribd.com/document/39552091/The-Onus-of-Proof-of-Aboriginal-Title

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

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

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. 

Agenda-International Indigenous Leadership Gathering 2010

Here is the Agenda for the 2010 Gathering, which gives a list of the activities and times that they will be held. Hope you can make it as it will be a very important event.

Agenda Link

Protecting The Sacred

Find more videos like this on International Indigenous Leadership Gathering 2010

I wanted to share with you a very important upcoming event called the International Indigenous Leadership Gathering 2010 to be held in Fountain Valley near Lillooet B.C. from May 31st to June 6th 2010.

We have looked at and prayed about what it is that we are responsible for into the future, for our generations yet to be born.

We as Leaders make decisions that will impact Seven Generations to come....

It is our responsibility to protect our Mother Earth and her offerings she has for all Peoples of the World; nationality has no boundaries in the protection of her.

We believe that if we invite all nationalities who are open to learning, the Teachings of Indigenous Peopes; it will help bring understanding and Spiritual strength to our Lands.

The passing of the Knowledge and Teachings that we have carried for generations is becoming lost through the changing of the times

Our Teachers are now starting to come to the forefront to remind us that we need to go back to our Ceremonies and the importance of the Ceremonies.

Without judgement, we need to support these Teachings, as they remind us of our duties and responsibilities for generations of all that live on Mother Earth.

To understand this, just look around in your own community and consider the changes that are happening around you.

This is a reminder of what needs to be done.....

With Respect,

Darrel Bob
Gathering Coordinator

Office 250-256-7523
Cell 250-256-7523
Home 250-256-0045
Website

Here is a list of things that are needed in order to ensure a successful event for 2010

• We need billets for presenters especially in Fountain Valley
• We need drivers for presenters and elders
• Please bring a bowl, cup, utensils, and water bottle
• Garbage Bags for your Garbage
• Food Donations for the Cook House, All meals will be served on site

Please get involved and support this important event, and we hope to see you there.

Please contact Darrel Rob if you can help out.