Sliammon Treaty Vote Scheduled for July 10, 2012
SLIAMMON, NORTH OF POWELL RIVER, BC, June 22, 2012 /CNW/ - A vote for the ratification of a Treaty for the Sliammon Nation that was blockaded by a small group of protestors last Saturday (June 16) will now be held on July 10.
"I'm proud of our Sliammon People for being so patient in this situation - when a small protest group prevented them from voting on the most important decision for our Nation ever - our future," said Sliammon Nation Chief, Clint Williams. "It was a sad day, and many of our Members were frustrated and angered, but we want to move on and vote on a new path for our People. Everyone is looking forward to completing the vote."
"This process was a long time in the making, and the Treaty will give us back control over our destiny and a more positive future for our People," said Vern Pielle, President of the Sliammon Treaty Society, speaking on behalf of their Board. The Society has been tasked with ensuring that all Sliammon Members were fully informed of all aspects of the Treaty and the Agreement-in-Principle and Constitution that preceded it. "Some of us have been working on this process for close to two decades."
"We are a resilient people. We have put up with many injustices since the 1800's", said Pielle. "It's our turn - and our right to correct these injustices and make things right for our People. All of our Members - not just a few - must have the right to make their views known. And we're now working on finishing that task."
The vote on the Treaty will be held at on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Sliammon Ratification Committee, comprising representatives from the Sliammon Nation, and the Federal and BC governments, are overseeing the voting process, in consultation with the Chief Electoral Officer. The Ratification Committee issued the revised Notice of Vote yesterday (June 21). The Committee has said that the votes already cast are valid, and are in the custody and control of the Chief Electoral Officer.
Chief Clint Williams, Sliammon Nation - Phone: 604-414-8968
Vern Pielle, President, Sliammon Treaty Society - Phone: 604-414-8734
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