The Klahoose First Nation is accusing an elected government official of trespassing on its lands during a trip with her family.
Chief Coun. James Delorme of the Klahoose First Nation said Strathcona Regional District Director Noba Anderson (who represents Cortes Island) did not follow proper protocol and Delorme is questioning her respect for the Klahoose.
“It has come to our attention that Ms. Anderson took it upon herself to arrange for a site visit to the Toba Valley…on April 3 without permission of Klahoose,” Delorme wrote in a letter of complaint to the regional district board. “At no time did Ms. Anderson make any efforts to contact me or any of my councillors about her plans.
“She told one of our members that she wasn’t on official RD (regional district) business and wanted to see a homestead where she had lived with her family on our land. I am deeply concerned that an elected official feels that she can enter our lands without permission or concern about our rights and title.”
Delorme wrote to the regional district board in protest of Anderson’s actions and noted that while the Klahoose and regional district have been working well together to improve their relationship, the Klahoose were offended by the Cortes director.
“Klahoose is deeply insulted and this whole experience has left us feeling mistrustful and once again betrayed by Ms. Anderson,” Delorme said. “My hope is one day government officials like Ms. Anderson will get educated on First Nations rights in the modern world and start treating our people with the respect they deserve.”
Anderson, in response to Delorme’s letter, agreed.
“I welcome the opportunity and invitation to learn your nation’s protocols, and wholeheartedly agree that people in public office need to be aware of First Nation’s ways and right,” Anderson said. “I understand that I have repeatedly offended, although rarely have been told when or how. I greatly appreciate knowing when I have overstepped, and look forward to learning protocol so that I can make informed decisions.
“This whole experience has cause me great reflection. You are absolutely right in stating that I do not know Klahoose protocol and have much to learn.
“Please accept my commitment to this discovery.”
Anderson also offered up an apology.
“I do apologize for not knowing your nation’s protocol, and for not having dedicated myself more fulsomely to learning what is appropriate when in professional dealings with Klahoose First Nation,” Anderson wrote in a letter to Delorme and the Klahoose First Nation council.
Anderson said she, her parents, and her partner travelled by boat around Toba Inlet and Toba Valley, the traditional territory of the Klahoose, and did not realize they were doing anything wrong.
Anderson said her parents used to own private land on the Toba River, where she spent her childhood.
Anderson said she and her family were welcomed by a crew to come ashore and given a truck ride up the river and back.
“I made no arrangements or contact with anyone prior to our trip, nor did I get a tour of the business operations while there,” Anderson said. “It simly did not occur to me that to travel in this region, in my home, in the Klahoose traditional territory, would have required, in your view, notice or permission. In the culture in which I was raised, there is nothing amiss by travelling on private family business in this manner.”
Nonetheless, Delorme said Anderson’s trip was a distraction for the Klahoose which is in the middle of an election, completing negotiations for the construction of another run-of-river project and starting logging operations in the Toba Valley.
Delorme said while the “Klahoose is deeply insulted” by Anderson’s actions, he doesn’t want to ruin the relationship between the regional district and the First Nation community.
“We don’t want her ignorance to tarnish the work we have done together to develop our positive relationship with the regional district,” Delorme said. “We are proud of our accomplishments in the Toba Valley and are always open to sharing our experiences with our neighbours.
“At any time, if your board wishes to take a tour of our lands, I would be happy to work with you to make this happen.
“I would simply ask that proper protocols, by contacting me or a council member, be followed so we can avoid further ill will.”