Mistreatment of First Nations leaves much to atone for

Re: B.C. premier wants First Nations remains and cultural artifacts returned from U.S. museums, June 21

Premier Christy Clark’s support for heritage repatriation will help redress some of the injustices done to First Nations by colonialism. The loss of heritage items, especially human remains, has had enormous impact on indigenous peoples. These are not simply of historical value, but essential to their identity and well-being. This is a positive move as both the provincial and federal government have much to atone for with B.C. First Nations, especially in the wake of the potlatch ban and the confiscation of ceremonial items.

The return of cultural property is easier said than done. Beyond negotiations with museums, the return of objects and ancestral remains requires considerable financial support.

I also urge Clark not to ignore local heritage issues. In February 2015, a review of the Heritage Act was promised following the resolution of the Grace Islet controversy. Now, 16 months later, there has been no public announcement of how and when a review will take place. Ancestral burial grounds and sacred sites in B.C. remain at risk, taxpayers face the possibility of more multimillion-dollar settlements with developers, and First Nations face continued harm and disrespect. This delay is unacceptable. George Nicholas, professor of archeology, Simon Fraser University

If Premier Christy Clark is serious about reconciliation with indigenous peoples, there are more important challenges.

One, treaty rights. Treaty 8 protects the rights of First Nations to hunt, fish and trap. In the Mikisew Cree case in 2005, the Supreme Court of Canada stated economic development would infringe Treaty 8 rights. Notwithstanding the fact Victoria currently has no customers for its proposed Site C dam electricity, its construction will have a serious negative impact on Treaty 8 rights of First Nations in northeastern B.C.

Two, will the B.C. government formally accept the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and, as a corollary, adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples? An extremely important issue for First Nations is the doctrine of discovery, a concept that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission argues must be expunged. Yet, in treaty and land claims negotiations, B.C. bases much of its legal argument on the discovery doctrine, in which the Crown claims sovereignty over First Nations and justifies the extinguishment of indigenous rights.

Will the province rise to the above challenges, and show it is genuine about reconciliation? Bob Burgel, Surrey