1,000 signatures reached
To: Government of British Columbia
ACQUIRE GRACE ISLET TO PROTECT THE FIRST NATIONS CEMETERY
Calling on the Government of British Columbia to exercise its powers under the Heritage Conservation Act to acquire title to the property known as Grace Islet in Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island, for the purpose of protecting the First Nations burial ground and allowing remediation, stewardship and ceremonial use to occur.
Why is this important?
The construction of a private residence at Grace Islet in Ganges Harbour off Salt Spring Island is resulting in the desecration of a First Nations burial ground; archaeological evidence confirms the presence of rock cairns and human remains at the site, consistent with the oral testimony of elders of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Hul'qumi'num Nations, and; the Government of British Columbia through its Minister has the authority under the Heritage Conservation Act, Section 20 (1) (a) to acquire property to protect First Nations heritage sites;