Extend the hand of fairness

Re: First Nations Land question must be on top of agenda, Editorial, Dec. 4

This editorial challenges us to think about B. C.’ s early history. Natives cooperated with Europeans in the colonial era; the fur trade benefited everyone.

But when Europeans shifted to resource extraction and settlement, natives reacted strongly to infringement on their territories.

In 1846, the Kwakiutl First Nation at Fort Rupert on Vancouver Island warned Scottish coal miners off their land. When verbal threats didn’t work, a line of Scottish heads on pikes stuck into the beach gave the explicit message: native land rights were not to be trifled with.

Later, Europeans clashed with natives on the Fraser River and Tsilhqot’in. Again, natives told the newcomers treaties had to be negotiated, agreements that would guarantee native sovereignty and livelihoods.

In The Terror of the Coast, Chris Arnett argues that when faced with unwanted land alienation in the Gulf Islands, some natives forcefully struck back, even killing hwunitum ( non- natives) who trespassed on their territory.

In response, Governor Douglas and settlers vilified natives, characterizing their behaviour as criminal, not as autonomous peoples defending their land. On April 20, 1863, the British gunboat Forward arrived at Lamalcha Bay, ostensibly looking for suspects ( who were not there). When the Lamalcha First Nations did not respond, the British opened fire with cannons, causing women and children to flee.

First Nations seek justice, whether through courts or negotiations.

If economic certainty is vital, then non- natives need to extend the hand of fairness informed by an honest appraisal of the past. BOB BURGEL Surrey