WSANEC Nation is now officially the beneficiary of and successor to the historic Saanich Peninsula treaties of 1852.
Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Christine Boyle signed the joint statement, TE,ITKEN,IST StEWAL,NONET,SCA,I with WSANEC leaders on behalf of the federal and provincial governments on Feb. 25 during a special ceremony held at the B.C. Legislature.
“This statement is the result of a unique collaboration between the Tsartlip and Tseycum First Nations, B.C. and Canada that recognizes the special treaty relationship created by the North Saanich and South Treaties of 1852," Boyle said. "Acknowledging our histories and honouring the spirit and intent of these treaties will help us work together for a stronger and better future for the WSANEC and all British Columbians.”
The joint statement recognizes the existence of differing viewpoints, and the detrimental effects of the government's failure to recognize and understand WSANEC's oral history and its interpretation of the spirit and intent of the treaties.
Tseycum First Nation Chief Tanya Jimmy says this marks an important step forward in their shared journey of truth-telling and reconciliation.
“In the past, our communities have faced difficulties having the Crown recognize us as beneficiaries of the treaties and this has prevented progress and growth," she said. "This joint statement sets that right. It means that we will not face that fundamental issue anymore and we can get on with the reconciliation work we all need to be doing, building a better future for our children and all future generations of WSANEC.”
Chief Don Tom of Tsartlip First Nation describes the signing as a "long overdue recognition” of WSANEC oral history and sacred rights and obligations to the territory they have lived on since time immemorial.
“By working to understand the treaties through the lens of WSANEC worldview, B.C. and Canada are at last taking meaningful first steps to true reconciliation, paving the way for new opportunities and a better quality of life for our families and future generations.”
All three groups acknowledge this statement as the first step towards healing, reconciliation and renewal.
A full copy of the joint statement TE,ITKEN,IST StEWAL,NONET,SCA,I translated as Moving Forward and Speaking the Truth and Peace of Mind at Last is at Tsartlip First Nation and Tseycum First Nation.
