Land-use officials on Salt Spring received a personal message from local First Nations leadership, as Penelakut Chief Chakeenakwaut Pam Jack attended the island’s Oct. 10 Local Trust Committee (LTC) meeting to signal hope for a renewed partnership –– and an intent to engage.
Elected this year, Jack had visited Galiano Island just days before, part of what she said was a long-overdue re-establishment of community connection to islands important to the Penelakut Mustimuxw.
“It saddens me to hear we haven’t been an active entity within Salt Spring and Galiano,” said Jack. “I want to say to our Salt Spring community, and the [Islands] Trust, that I’m really sorry that we haven’t been involved in the past.”
That would be changing, Jack said, adding she was there on behalf of her elders and people to deliver a message of “unwavering interest” in working with Salt Spring’s residents and local government going forward. While noting the Penelakut Mustimuxw never relinquished rights to their lands, Jack nevertheless said she was not there “in opposition” to anyone.
“We come to you in the spirit of partnership and good faith,” said Jack, “seeking to work with you to ensure that our people have a strong foothold on our ancestral land. Our goal is not to disrupt or cause conflict, but to establish a strong foundation and understanding in cooperation with one another.”
Jack’s appearance is the first time in memory a Penelakut Chief has addressed the LTC so directly, although leadership have expressed government-to-government interest in specific issues, such as opposition to the sablefin hatchery at Walker Hook in 2003 and the 2012 to 2014 efforts against development on burial cairns at Grace Islet.
“The stories I hear from my grandparents, we used to be out in our sister communities all the time,” said Jack. “Island life is a unique way of living, and quite often, we need to support each other to ensure we continue to thrive; that’s always been our teachings. My grandparents never waited to be asked to do something; you see what needs to be done, and you do it.”
Jack said she was fundamentally delivering a message on behalf of their elders and community that the Penelakut Chief and Council were ready to engage in open and constructive dialogue, “to build a future where the Penelakut Mustimuxw can thrive on the land that we have sustained for generations.”
Thanking her for coming, LTC chair Tim Peterson expressed his appreciation Jack made the time to attend the meeting, something new he said he hoped would continue.
“I hope that we’re at the beginning,” said Peterson, “of building strong, durable relationships.”
The Islands Trust Council recently voted to again request the government of B.C. conduct a legislative review of that body, in part over what it believes are systemic obstacles to meaningful reconciliation with First Nations.
Salt Spring’s Capital Regional District director Gary Holman, who also attended the LTC meeting during Jack’s presentation, later called her message “gracious” and a clear indication local government can expect more direct interaction with First Nations leadership.
“I think of how many of us attended the recent event with the Penelakut elders at Fernwood,” said Holman. “Or back [in 2014] for Grace Islet rallies. It’s always been the case on Salt Spring that when First Nations indicate there’s something important to them, Salt Spring responds.”