Sinixt question on existence to be answered by City council
By Nelson Daily Editor
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson Daily
A decision should be made this month on whether City council and its municipal government acknowledge the historical existence of the Sinixt Nation on city soil.
According to the action item list delivered to City council March 7 by City staff, the City of Nelson is currently consulting with a regional district representative on the Kootenay Treaty Advisory Committee on an aboriginal protocol — the findings of which are expected at council’s meeting March 21.
A draft copy of the policy was discussed at the Feb. 21 committee of the whole meeting and the notion of whether the Sinixt Nation ever existed on Nelson soil was questioned by one City councilor — casting doubt on the legitimacy of the City-owned Touchstones Nelson Museum permanent exhibit.
When trying to agree on a First nation protocol — what City staff would use for guidance on standard etiquette in dealing with officials at City events and functions — it was found the Sinixt were left out.
At the time City manager Kevin Cormack said the draft protocol was based on federal guidelines, which has declared the Sinixt Nation extinct.
Coun. Marg Stacey said the Sinixt were not clearly established in the city of Nelson. Under the protocol, the City was to recognize those First Nations that are registered with the federal government Indian Band Registry, and traditionally lived or passed through Kootenay territory.
According to the draft City policy, the City recognizes that First Nation people traditionally lived and passed through Kootenay territory and were mindful of their “historic connection to the lands in this region.”
Coun. Donna Macdonald said it would seem odd if council did not align their protocol with the research of the historical aspect (museum) of Touchstones.
Coun. Stacey did not understand why there was a preponderance of Sinixt information contained in Touchstones and she had problems with the museum display.
Backyard burning policy
Backyard burning could be returning to the city for a brief spell this year as it is expected a new backyard burning policy will be revealed at the March 21 council meeting.
City council had instructed the City’s fire chief Simon Grypma to develop a backyard burning policy that fell under the fire protection and prevention bylaw.
It was also to include a recommendation for a burning period in 2011.
Other projects on the list
• City planner Dave Wahn will be reviewing home-based businesses under a business licence bylaw review.
• A report is forthcoming regarding permanent structures for outdoor cafés and the use of sidewalk and parking spaces policy. The review ill be based on the Waterfront and Downtown Master Plan once it is adopted into the Official Community Plan.
• City staff are working on a bylaw to establish the public art reserve fund based on the criteria outlined in the Art in Public Places Policy.
• In September the Tree Management Plan is expected to be released. The plan is currently in draft form and needs to be vetted through a consultant before going before council. This request was part of the 2011 capital plan.
• City staff will be obtaining a quotation by the end of April for the cost to upgrade the signage for the Bonnington G5 power plant in order to give the facility the honourary name of Alexander Carrie Hydro Plant.
• Work will end in July on a plan in conjunction with the Lions’ Club and Nelson Minor Baseball on the tree project for Lions Park.
• The Cottonwood Park revitalization plan that was presented to City council in October of 2010 will be considered in July as part of the parks project list proposed for 2011.
