A Parent s Guide to the proposed Referendum on the Treaty Negotiation Process in B.C. Copyright 2002 First Nations Education Steering Committee and the BC First Nations Education Partners Prepared by the BC Aboriginal Education Partners February, 2002
Introduction This informational handbook was sponsored by the Anti-Racism Sub-Committee of the BC Education Partners Group. The Education Partners include: First Nations Education Steering Committee; First Nations Schools Association; Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development; BC Ministry of Education; BC Teachers Federation; BC School Superintendents Association; BC School Trustees Association; BC Principals and Vice Principals Association;and BC College of Teachers. The Education Partners are committed to improving school success for Aboriginal learners in BC. The Anti-Racism subcommittee believes that establishing an inclusive and respectful school environment will create a better learning environment for all students. In that spirit, the Anti-Racism Sub-Committee is committed to working with teachers, parents, and other community members in reducing conflict and misunderstandings that may result from controversial issues such as the proposed provincial referendum on the treaty negotiation process in British Columbia. The sponsors hope that this handbook, which provides basic information about the BC Treaty Process and the proposed referendum, will assist parents in responding to questions and help their children develop a better understanding of one of the most important issues facing British Columbians today. Why Should You Be Informed About the Provincial Referendum on the Treaty Negotiation Process in B.C.? In the last provincial government election campaigns, the Liberal Party of British Columbia promised that, if elected, they would hold a referendum on the treaty-negotiation process. That proposal has been extremely contentious, resulting in significant debate between those who do and do not support such a referendum. Many people are concerned that the ongoing debate will have troubling results for BC students. Many teachers and parents have reported that the BC Treaty Process has been a difficult issue, sometimes causing friction and disagreement amongst students. Too often, First Nations students, sometimes even young children, are expected to defend and explain extremely challenging topics. First Nations students are also sometimes ridiculed and teased as a result of differing opinions. This handbook is meant to provide parents with basic information to help them answer questions about the BC Treaty Process and the proposed referendum, so that they will be better able to help their children develop a balanced, complete view of the issues that are arising. page 1 page 2
Many other publications are available that provide more detailed background about treaties and First Nations rights. For example, Understanding the BC Treaty Process was published in 1999 in an effort to provide some basic facts about treaty negotiations. We encourage you to make use other resources you find useful. Background Information That May Be of Interest What is the BC Treaty Process? In most parts of Canada, treaties between First Nations and the Crown were established throughout the 1700 and 1800 s. However, in most of British Columbia no treaties were established. The BC Treaty Process is meant to address that situation. The BC Treaty Process was established in 1990 by First Nations and the governments of British Columbia and Canada. The Treaty Process involves negotiations between those three parties, to help resolve long-standing issues related to lands, resources, and governance, and to establish a positive relationship between First Nations people and other citizens of BC. page 3 page 4
What is the Proposed Referendum on Treaty Negotiations? As described earlier, in the last provincial government elections campaign, the Liberal Party made a commitment to a referendum on the treaty-negotiation process. The Liberals stated that a referendum was necessary to confirm the principles that guide the province s approach to treaty negotiations. Since its election victory, the Liberal government has pursued its referendum plans. It created a committee to consult with the public on potential referendum questions. The Liberals have also raised several other reasons for a referendum. First, they have asserted that polls show that a majority of British Columbians support a referendum on the treaty process. The Liberal government has also argued that a referendum is a means to increasing the level of public trust in the treaty process. They Liberal Government maintains that a referendum will help to unite British Columbians. Other people who support the referendum on treaties also argue that the public has a right to have input into such an important issue that will affect all British Columbians. Some people have also suggested that a referendum will provide a useful mechanism for better informing the public about the treaty negotiation process, and help to alleviate suspicion. Alternate Views Many other people have expressed views opposed to the referendum. Among the groups opposed to the referendum are the vast majority of First Nations organizations, the provincial New Democratic Party, and the federal government. Concerns raised by those who argue that a referendum on treaties is not necessary include those listed below. Treaty negotiations are seen by some people as inappropriate for a public referendum. Treaties involve very complex issues, and a complicated series of discussions and compromises. Of the people being asked to vote, very few fully understanding the topics being negotiation. Also, simple yes or no questions cannot provide useful information about complex negotiations. Many people have argued that it is unfair to change the rules of negotiations so far into negotiations. When First Nations, the provincial government, and the government of Canada first agreed to the BC Treaty Process, they rejected the idea of a referendum. Now the provincial government is changing its position. The referendum will not address fundamental questions. Aboriginal rights are already protected in the Canadian Constitution. A referendum cannot affect the existence of Aboriginal rights. Treaties are meant to define how those rights will be exercised. Regardless of the referendum outcome, those questions will have to be answered. page 5 page 6
Many people believe that a referendum on treaties will create conflict and increase feelings of resentment and distrust. That will not help to resolve important issues and create a better relationship between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal people. How is the Nisga a Treaty Related to the Referendum? Many people believe that the referendum on treaty negotiations is a referendum on the Nisga a agreement. The Nisga a agreement was actually negotiated through the federal land claims negotiation process, not the BC Treaty process, so it is not directly related to the referendum. The final Nisga a Agreement will be protected under Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. What Parents Can Do To Help Reduce Conflict We hope that parents in British Columbia will take the time to become better informed about the BC Treaty Process and the proposed Referendum on Treaty Negotiations. Our children are often exposed to oversimplified presentations of this issue in the media. It is useful for us to help our children develop a balanced and complete understanding of treaty issues. In doing so, parents will help to minimize conflict, and ensure that students interact respectfully, with an appreciation of a variety of views and perspectives. For more information About the Referendum and Treaty-Making... View the recommendations of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs,which include the proposed referendum questions, at http://www.legis.gov.bc.ca/cmt/37thparl/aaf/ reports/report2001.htm Understanding the B.C. Treaty Process: An Opportunity for Dialogue, 2nd Edition is a booklet that provides a valuable overview of the treaty making process and related issues. This 36-page document was published in 1998 by the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), BC Teachers Federation, and the Tripartite Public Education Committee, and can be ordered from FNESC at (604) 925-6087 or from the publications catalogue at www.fnesc.bc.ca. The BC Treaty Commission at http://www.bctreaty.net/ is an independent, neutral body responsible for facilitating treaty negotiations in B.C. The Resource Directory of their website has links to to many First Nations organizations, government websites, and treaty-related organizations. They also have available a video and handbook entitled A Layperson s Guide to Treaty Making. The First Nations Summit is comprised of representatives of the majority of First Nations and Tribal Councils in BC, and provides a forum for First Nations to address issues related to treaty negotiations, as well as other issues of common concern. Its website has information about the treaty process and commentary on the referendum. Visit their site at http://www.fns.bc.ca/files/process.html. Glossary of Treaty-Related Terms http://www.aaf.gov.bc.ca/aaf/ pubs/glossary.htm page 7 page 8
Other Resources Related to First Nations... SchoolNet s First Nations Website http://www.schoolnet.ca/ aboriginal/menu-e.html contains educational resources for teachers and students, including curriculum resources, projects, a list of nations and youth organizations. Kid s Stop & The Learning Circle: on the Canadian Department of Indian Affairs website contains useful information and activities, relating to topics such as Aboriginal place names, traditional herbal remedies and more. Through this site, teachers can download copies of The Learning Circle, which Indian Affairs created to meet need for simple classroom activities that educators can easily fit in their curriculum. Visit it at http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ks/english/ 4000_e.html Want to visit links to the websites of BC First Nations homepages, business and arts sites? Try B.C. First Nations at http://www.bcfn.org/ You can visit the online newspapers published by B.C. First Nations, including Kahtou at http://www.kahtou.com and RavensEye at http://www.ammsa.com/raven/ For a national perspective, try the newspaper Windspeaker at http:// www.ammsa.com/windspeaker/ (they also have a classroom edition). Bill s Aboriginal Links at http://www.bloorstreet.com/300block/ aborcan.htm is an enourmous collection of websites on topics ranging from education and treaty-making to media and arts. The following anti-racism handbooks are available from the available from the Government of British Columbia through the website http://www.publications.gov.bc.ca/ - Schools Responding to Racism: Guide for Administrators First Nations Anti-Racism and Learning Resources First Nations Education Steering Committee is a non-profit society that facilitates discussion and activities related to BC First Nations education issues. The FNESC website provides information about publications, programs and workshops. FNESC can provide more information about the work of the BC Aboriginal Education Partners and the Anti-Racism Working Group http://www.fnesc.bc.ca/ or phone (604) 925-6087. BC Teachers Federation offers workshops province-wide on topics related to Aboriginal Education. The contact for these workshops is Louise Spencer 604-871-1856 or Merle Williams 604-871-1854. Workshop include Aboriginal History and Culture Beyond Words (Creating Racism-Free Schools for Aboriginal Learners) First Nations Journeys of Justice: A Curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 7 Inclusive Schools and Teaching Practices Working with Aboriginal Youth An Historical View of Aboriginal Involvement in Euro- Canadian Schools The Circle of Strength (Strategies for Working with Youth at Risk) BC Teachers Federation also has a network of social justice contacts throughout the province, as well as a department a dedicated to First Nations and Metis education, which is located at http://www.bctf.ca/social/firstnations/ page 9 page 10
- Schools Responding to Racism: Guide for Elementary Teachers - Schools Responding to Racism: Guide for Parents - Schools Responding to Racism: Guide for Secondary Teachers - Schools Responding to Racism: Guide for Students The Coalition for the Advancement of Aboriginal Studies (CAAS) is dedicated to improving what all students learn about Aboriginal peoples throughout their elementary and secondary education. To accomplish this, CAAS helps teachers and others in the education community handle accurate Aboriginal-perspective curriculum and resources in an appropriate and confident manner. Visit their website at http://www.edu.yorku.ca/caas/about.htm page 11