SAY IT LIKE IT IS MIKE

All levels of government needed on land claims
(Vancouver Sun, May 2, 2008)

The Greater Vancouver Regional District's choice to pursue legal action on the Musqueam land deal is a colossal waste of taxpayers' money and is a recipe for another 100 years without reconciliation of aboriginal rights.

In the case of the regional park, the province will not be compensating GVRD. These lands were originally granted to the GVRD by the province for $1 in 1989. In response to related litigation by the Mus-queam at the time, the GVRD signed an affidavit explicitly agreeing to accept title to that land without prejudice to Musqueam aboriginal claims. With respect to the area adjacent to the University Golf Course, there is no net loss of park land. The overall reduction to the regional park in question is approximately two per cent.

The courts have repeatedly told the province that government must consult and, if necessary, accommodate the interests of first nations on decisions that affect their aboriginal rights.

As a government, we have taken this advice and sought out solutions at the negotiating table instead of the courtroom. The agreement with the Musqueam is the product of such negotiations.

On the issue of solid waste management, any suggestion that the province blocked the Ashcroft landfill is patently false. The province alerted the GVRD of the obligation of the Crown to consult with local first nations. If the GVRD abandoned the process, it alone is responsible for the decision.

If we are to succeed further in creating a new relationship and closing the social and economic gaps between aboriginal and non-aboriginal citizens, the involvement and cooperation of all levels of government will be needed.

- MICHAEL DE JONG

B.C. minister of aboriginal relations and reconciliation

Dear City of Vancouver:

When the Pacific Spirit Park was established, you clearly understood that there were pending land claims and that those came first and foremost. You even signed a legal document stating your understanding. You got the park for one dollar. The land in question is less than 2% of the park. This means that if you were entitled to finacial compensation (which you aren't) it shouldn't exceed two cents. There's lots of actually useful things that you could do with your taxpayers money...feed and shelter the homeless, give funding to our under-funded hospitals or schools. Instead, you're throwing money down the drain to sue the government for land they gave you conditionally for a dollar. Please stop being an idiot and start contributing to the solution rather than perpetuating disfunctional relationships with First Nations.

- Avital