I'm looking out my window, and it's raining outside. I had hoped that the warm weather of the weekend was a sign of good weather to come. But now the sky is again clouded and dark.
I am writing here about the referendum being carried out by the BC Liberals. This referendum, as you have probably heard, is to determine how the government should negotiate treaties with the First Nations people of British Columbia. You may have already received the referendum ballot in the mail, since an attempted court injunction to stop the referendum was thrown out of the courts.
This year in university I have been learning about Indigenous people's resistance to colonialism. I am moved by their courage and strength in the face of centuries of racist conquest. The First Peoples of Canada are hurting - their history since contact has been marked by state repression, disease, assimilation, residential schools, and watching the land be desecrated around them. Yet still they resist. They find the courage to stand up every day to challenge a colonization process that continues today as ever before.
This is a New Era of the process of colonization. The referendum allows the majority of British Columbians to reject the inherent human rights of Aboriginal people. I urge you learn more about this and encourage friends, family and colleagues to do the same:
The Aboriginal Rights Coalition and other groups are asking concerned citizens to REJECT THE REFERENDUM, and reject the idea of a vote on a people's inherent human rights. Every major aboriginal organization in BC is telling voters: DO NOT SEND YOUR BALLOT TO THE GOVERNMENT. If you decide to vote "Yes" or "No", you are basically agreeing with the premise of allowing the majority of British Columbians to reject the inherent rights of Aboriginal people.
You can send your spoiled ballot to Judith Sayers, Elected Chief of the Hupacasath First Nation, who has been active in researching and publicizing the referendum campaign. She will hire an auditor or other professional to count the ballots she recieves, and will publicize the results at a media event. Her address is:
Chief Judith SayersMake sure you send the ballot in its secrecy envelope, and fill out authentication form. IMPORTANT: Use your own stamp and outside envelope - otherwise it could go to the government by mistake!
Hupacasath First Nation
5323 River Rd,
Port Alberni, BC,
V9Y 6Z3
The referendum is fundamentally immoral and illegitimate. You can't put someone's rights to a popular vote!
I have interviewed the Attorney General, Geoff Plant, and he confirmed that only a Yes vote is binding. A No vote actually gives the government free reign to choose its position. (For more info on this, read my article from the Martlet).
Remember that when the Nisga'a First Nation succeeded in getting greater self-determination through a treaty a few years ago, they were immediately sued by some very powerful adversaries: Gordon Campbell and the BC Liberals. These are the true colours of this government.
The First Nations of this country need self-determination and respectful relations with non-aboriginal people - not a referendum on their rights. Please join me and other citizens who have chosen to be allies with Native people, and to move towards an era of reconcilation.
It is the least we can do.
In Peace,
David Ball
Director, Center for Compassionate Social Change
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