Act now to protect Grace Islet burial ground
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- Published on Friday, 08 August 2014 12:40
- Written by editor
I am writing to ask that you take a few minutes to take a stand with First Nations and Salt Spring Island residents who are concerned about the desecration of an indigenous burial ground at a place called Grace Islet in Ganges Harbour.
Construction is underway on a private residence, authorized by a provincial Site Alteration Permit and a CRD building permit, but elders, chiefs and grassroots members of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Hul'qumi'num Nations have demanded that work stop and that the site be protected.
I have served notice of motion to the Capital Regional District Board, calling for the CRD to legally expropriate Grace Islet for the public purpose of protecting the burial ground, with fair-market compensation provided to the registered owner under the provisions of the Expropriation Act.
It will take substantial pressure on CRD directors to move forward with acquisition of this property when the motion is considered at the Board's next meeting on August 13. Please Sign this Petition and share this message with your contacts.
This issue has become a flash point in indigenous-non-indigenous relations, and we can be part of the solution. Please let me know if there are other ways you can help support First Nations and Salt Spring residents in their stand for Grace Islet.
To learn more about Grace Islet, listen to this CBC radio interview, then sign and share the petition.
In solidarity,
Ben
Ben Isitt · Victoria, BC V8T3X5,
Canada
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