Gabriola is part of the traditional lands of the Snuneymuxw First Nation (Nanaimo Coast Salish), so I’m always interested when the Snuneymuxw are mentioned in the press. The most recent news article is this one from the Nanaimo Daily News. It quotes the new Snuneymuxw chief, Doug White:

White said Dec. 23 marks the 155th anniversary of the Snuneymuxw signing the Douglas Treaty, but many of the agreements, including guarantees of native governance rights and aboriginal title to lands, have never been adhered to, despite decades of negotiations.

The Snuneymuxw, the province and Ottawa have been unsuccessfully negotiating a final treaty for the band for years, with no substantial talks since 2003.

It’s important for the Crown and all Canadians to understand that the Snuneymuxw and all First Nations have real rights and they need to be recognized, White said from his new Nanaimo office on Wednesday.

We seem to be in a constant battle with the government and nothing meaningful has yet to develop, and that has led to deep frustrations among many First Nations, including the Snuneymuxw. [continue]