Tseshaht reclaim traditional lands - Canada

Parks Canada formally recognizes Tseshaht entitlement to Broken Group Islands in Pacific Rim Park

Daniel Palmer, Alberni Valley Times

Published: Friday, April 20, 2012

Parks Canada and Tseshaht First Nation have signed an historic agreement that puts Tseshaht at the centre of future plans for the Broken Group Islands.
The formal agreement will create a partnership between the federal agency and Tseshaht in the First Nations' traditional territory and Pacific Rim Park Reserve, and allow Tseshaht to move forward with tourism development.
"We are looking at economic development opportunities within the parks, and we certainly know now that we will have the co-operation of Parks Canada in moving these initiatives forward," said Les Sam, Tseshaht chief councillor.

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Parks Canada and Tseshaht officials signed an official Memorandum of Agreement on Thursday, re-affirming Tseshaht aboriginal land title in the Broken Group Islands. From left, Bill Fisher, Parks Canada vice president, Western and Northern Canada, Albert Clutesi, Tseshaht hereditary Chief and Les Sam, Tseshaht Chief councillor.

Daniel Palmer, Times

The Memorandum of Agreement officially acknowledges the Maa-nulth Accord and reaffirms Tseshaht-asserted aboriginal title in the Broken Group Islands, including Benson Island.
After five years of negotiations, the agreement is a first between Parks Canada and Tseshaht and sets a strong foundation for working together on matters of mutual interest, said Bill Fisher, Parks Canada vice president of Western and Northern Canada.
Fisher said the islands are a place of "astounding peace and beauty."
He said the islands have a rich history that stretches back 5,000 years. For the past two years, Tseshaht have been managing the islands with a Beach Keeper program, offering interpretive assistance to kayakers and other visitors. "Public response to this program has been extremely positive," Fisher said.
Sam said Tseshaht will expand on the program with a particular focus on protecting burial caves on the islands.
Karen Haugen, First Nations program manager, whose first task was to build a relationship between Parks Canada and Tseshaht, was recognized by all sides for her contribution to the agreement.
"To be able to be part of such a historical event today and signing is truly an honour," she said. Denis St. Claire, a prominent historian and member of the negotiating committee, teared up as he remembered the words of Adam Shewish, the former hereditary chief of Tseshaht.
"He said, 'I don't have to go to Hawaii, because my Hawaii is right here in the Broken Group. This is our paradise.'"
DPalmer@avtimes.net

© Alberni Valley Times 2012