Photo: Gary McNutt

On August 26, 40 paddlers and a few brave swimmers made their way to Grace Islet in Ganges Harbour, led by a 30 ft cedar dugout canoe from Cowichan Tribes. Holding hands and singing, they came to support demands by chiefs from seven local First Nations to stop construction of a luxury home on this sacred burial ground. 

Led by Tseycum Chief Vern Jacks and together with members from the Cowichan, Musqueam and Kwakiutl First Nations, protectors of all ages from Salt Spring Island bore witness to the desecration of the ancient burial cairns, now encased in concrete in complete violation of the site alteration permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. 

Chief Jacks gave voice to the outrage First Nations people feel at what is happening on the tiny islet, and of the great importance with which Coast Salish people hold the care of their ancestors on such burial islets. He thanked contractor Dave Yager of West Terra Construction for allowing access, and for the presence of Sgt. George Jenkins and Cpl. Martin Beardsmore of the Salt Spring RCMP. 

Discussions then took place between the protectors, officers and contractor, with Saanich North and the Islands MLA Gary Holman calling on the RCMP to enforce the Heritage Conservation Act and put a halt to construction. 

Meanwhile, the Penelakut First Nation, whose earlier request for a site inspection was turned down, has sent a detailed rebuttal of the Archaeology Branch’s claim that no breaches have occurred, calling once again upon Minister Steve Thomson to cancel the permit; while the office of the Deputy Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations confirmed they are seeking a meeting with the owner of Grace Islet, Barry Slawsky, before week’s end.

Photo: Gary McNutt