Editor:
I am a member of PHARA –– the Pender Harbour and Area Residents Association.
In PHARA’s Sept. 11 petition to the BC Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act - DRIPA, unanimously passed into law by all members of the BC Legislature, it is described as “a grassroots community organization” which presupposes a common membership understanding of the organization’s actions.
The PHARA board did not inform the membership about the existence of the petition prior to its filing. I learned about it via the media.
I do not support the petition. The Supreme Court of Canada has repeatedly encouraged governments to reconcile First Nations’ interests rather than stonewall through costly court proceedings. Our government should be lauded for doing just that. PHARA’s actions are counter-productive.
PHARA’s petition takes issue with the province’s right to share decision-making with the shíshálh Nation regarding the administration of the Dock Management Plan yet they refused to participate in the advisory committee that ultimately did find solutions. They pay lip service to reconciliation but don’t want to dialogue with the people who have the long view of history in our area. As a PHARA member, I find this morally wrong.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is almost upon us, a perfect opportunity to reflect upon the impact of colonization on the shíshálh people and to consider how best to move forward as one community here in kalpilin where there is room for all.
As for PHARA’s petition to the courts, I can only surmise it is designed to support a political narrative that seeks division over unity, interestingly filed at a time when British Columbians are heading to the polls. That is shameful!
Jill Wight,
kalpilin/Garden Bay
