Williams Lake First Nation says almost 50 First Nations must be consulted before any exhumations of unmarked graves
But the decision is complex, involving dozens of other First Nations whose children also attended the institution, numerous landowners, potential DNA tests, several levels of government, the coroner and the RCMP.Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion delivered straight to your inbox at 7 a.m., Monday to Friday.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Chief Joe Alphonse, chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government, which represents six Tsilhqot’in communities whose children attended St. Joseph’s Mission, said his nation would be open to having conversations about exhumation, but it could also issue a cease-and-desist order if it isn’t properly involved.
The William Lake First Nations has identified 48 First Nations whose children attended the institution while it was in operation between 1886 and 1981.“We’re more than willing to sit down and discuss with any nation that is impacted and talk about next steps, and talk about inclusion, and talk about working together on these things,” he said.
“You just look at how complicated it gets. I really look forward to having those conversations with those communities, and having those conversations with the families that are impacted, moving forward into the future.” Alphonse said any protocols around exhuming would also have to take into consideration the beliefs of all First Nations involved.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
First Nations say Alberta's oilsands mine security reform unlikely to fix problemsAlberta is preparing to change how it ensures oilsands companies are able to pay for the mammoth job of cleaning up their operations, but critics fear a year of consultations hasn't been enough to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Read more »
Arrest made after shot fired at car in Cape Breton First Nations community | SaltWireSYDNEY — An 18-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in relation to a shot fired into a vehicle earlier the same day. Inverness County District RCMP issued ...
Read more »
First Nations say Alberta’s oil sands mine security reform unlikely to fix problemsThe provincial government did not address concerns raised by the First Nations in response to queries from The Canadian Press
Read more »
First Nations say Alberta’s oilsands mine security reform unlikely to fix problems | Globalnews.caThe provincial government did not address concerns raised by the First Nations in response to queries from The Canadian Press.
Read more »
Douglas Todd: Powers of hereditary chiefs test many First NationsOpinion: Few things range more widely in Indigenous communities than the roles assigned to hereditary chiefs.
Read more »
Williams Lake First Nation says it has found another 66 possible burials in unmarked-graves searchWilliams Lake First Nation says it has found another 66 possible burials as part of a widening search for unmarked graves on the grounds of a former residential school
Read more »