February 13, 2012 - 1:00am
A group of panelists with extensive background on First Nations issues will offer a broad perspective at a joint Vancouver Island University-Snuneymuxw First Nation conference on the Pre-Confederation Treaties of Vancouver Island.
The conference, to be held at the Nanaimo campus May 10 and 11, will be opened by the Honourable Steven Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and will bring together people from a variety of vantage points – First Nations, academic, various levels of government, industry, the public and others.
Confirmed panelists and presenters include: Louise Mandell, Q.C, Nick Claxton, Ardith Walkem, Neil Vallance, Chris Arnett, John Swift, Dr. Bruce Miller, Douglas Lambert (formerly of BC Court of Appeal), Dr. Roshan Danesh, Dr. Brian Thom, Professor John Borrows, Dr. Richard Mackie and Dr. Cole Harris.
The overarching theme of the conference is “The Pre-Confederation Treaties of Vancouver Island – Fulfilling Treaty Promises and Living in Treaty Relationships”. Within this overarching theme, four main sub-themes have been selected for special consideration. They will be explored through presentations by panels of scholars and experts, followed by discussions with conference participants.
The four sub-themes are:
- Honouring the Spirit and Intent of the Pre-Confederation Treaties of Vancouver Island – The Challenges of Treaty Interpretation
- Charting a New Course for Treaty Implementation
- Unleashing the Promise of Economic Development
- The Pre-Confederation Treaties of Vancouver Island and Decision Making
“As an institute of higher learning, we can work with the Snuneymuxw to raise awareness about the treaties and honour the spirit and intent of the agreements that were made in the mid-1800s,” says Dr. Keith Smith, a professor of First Nations Studies at Vancouver Island University and one of the organizers of the conference.
Smith sees it as an important step in working through many layers of complicated relationships. “On the academic side, we hope to encourage research on the treaties,” he says.
“It is vitally important that the general public gain a better understanding of these Treaties, and their importance and implications today”, said Chief Douglas White of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. “The Treaties established the foundation for relationships between First Nations, the Crown, industry, and the general public, and when we gain greater knowledge of that foundation and work to implement it, everyone benefits,” he added.
The Vancouver Island treaties are often referred to as the “Douglas” treaties, named for Governor James Douglas who negotiated 14 treaties with First Nations leaders on Vancouver Island from 1850 to 1854.
Tiffany Mayrhofer
Communications Coordinator
Snuneymuxw First Nation
250.740.2307
For more information, contact:
Chief Douglas White III Kwulasultun
Snuneymuxw First Nation
250.740.2300
Keith D. Smith, PhD
Department of First Nations Studies and Department of History
Vancouver Island University
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