Dawning of a New Day
03 April 2009 - 00:01 .
As of today, the people of the Tsawwassen First Nation are determining their own future. The treaty they passed in 2007 goes into effect today, wiping out the control imposed by the Indian Act.If you've ever read the Indian Act, it's an archaic piece of shit legislation. Forgetting the boorish terms it uses ("mentally incompetent Indian" comes to mind), it was designed for life in the 2nd half of the 1800's. Not the 21st century. It's nohing more than insipid, demeaning tripe.
And now it's no more, as far as TFN is concerned. The Tsawwassen people now have the right to determine their own futures, govern their own selves and lands, make their own laws. Under the Indian Act these rights were grossly limited.
They'll receive a seat on the GVRD board, as well as land and cash from the government, the middle of which is a big bone of contention for many. In my view, the Coast Salish people were on those lands long before anyone else was. And when the Europeans came along they simply took what they wanted. I've followed along with this story for a while, and I'm reasonably familiar with the treaty terms; I think it's a good compromise. from all parties involved.
Why do I care about this? My best friend is one of the Tsawwassen people, and has been for over 25 years. I've seen the changes on the land, and the conditions on the reserve. I've seen the challenges of the people, and the struggles of a culture.
But I've also seen the challenge of the stereotypes. The drive and the strength of will displayed over the years never cease to amaze me. The Tsawwassen people never gave up believing that it was their right to govern themselves, as it is.
I'm lucky to have been able to witness, to a small degree, the birth of a new government. From the time the treaty vote was held until now, the workload has been phenomenal. The real work is just beginning of course but what has gone before is, by itself, a stunning accomplishment.
So to the people of the Tsawwassen First Nation, I say congratulations. Bravo for the perseverance, and kudos for taking on such a daunting task in the first place.
Posted by Renee on 04 April 2009 - 08:28
Its about time they got this much deserved treaty. Good for them!! Congratulations!