Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) members from throughout the valley gathered at Westbank First Nation’s community services facility for the annual assembly and youth leadership gathering.
Those attending discussed important issues for the nation.
One of the local issues talked about was the dumping of sewage sludge in the Nicola Valley.
“To dump this very toxic waste into open fields that leach into creeks and streams, and contaminate the water systems is absolutely, incredibly stupid,” ONA chair Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said.
READ MORE: Chiefs stand united against biosolid dumping
Issues affecting Indian bands across the country were also discussed.
“Violence against indigenous women and girls, homelessness, disaffected youth and in some parts of the country, youth suicides are epidemics,” Phillip said.
This year, there is an emphasis on land and title rights.
They used the example of the 2014 Supreme Court decision that agreed the Tsilhqot’n Nation has title to a large area in the south central part of the province.
WATCH BELOW: Top court grants land title to B.C. First Nation
Economic development on the 438-square kilometre section of the Chilcotin region can only proceed if the nation consents.
Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie said ONA members are fighting for the same recognition.
“As the [Okanagan] aboriginal people, we have rightful claim. Our occupancy goes back thousands of years, there’s no question about our claim,” he said.
But the chiefs agree that one of the most important elements of the general assembly is youth engagement and ensuring young people are well educated about their culture and traditions.
“We can hand it down to other generations so we can keep pow wow and keep singing, keep drumming for as long as possible,” 15-year-old Tyrell Eli, who took part int he youth leadership gathering, said.
The two-day assembly wrapped up on Friday.
Comments