'Ancestors are not for sale'

Photo: Contributed

Elders with the Splatsin First Nations remain adamant their ancestors are not for sale.

Elders with the Shuswap nation have told band council and Chief Wayne Christian four times to not hold a referendum over a land deal that includes ancestral burial grounds.

Jody Leon, who is speaking on behalf of the elders, said four letters have been sent protesting the offer that would give the band $300,000 in exchange for land the band claims was taken illegally many years ago.

The land, which is now a farmer's field near Enderby, contains the final resting place of Splatsin ancestors.

“The elders basically said stop, no referendum. Our ancestors are not for sale. The band council did not respond to that,” said Leon.

This week, band members met with Assembly of First Nation's chief Stuart Phillip who threw his support behind the cause.

In a video placed on the group's Facebook page, Phillip said, “As indigenous leaders, we have a sacred duty and obligation under the direction and guidance of our elders, to protect, defend and caretake the sacred remains of our ancestors.”

Leon said the historical significance of the statement is huge, adding non-band members are also getting behind the elders and are sending letters to Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo.

Elders also plan to be at the referendum on Saturday.

“We are going to be there and we are going to enact every option right to the end. We are asking all people to come forward and to say 'No.' We do not want that agreement to proceed,” said Leon.

Leon said elders have sought outside, professional advice on the matter.

The elders want to use ground-penetrating sonar to determine exactly where and how large the burial site is.

“We want to be fair to everyone,” said Leon. “Our elders have met with the farmer and he is willing to discuss this. He is willing to go forward.”

Officials with the Splatsin First Nation declined to comment on the matter.

Leon said even if the referendum passes, the elders will continue to look for ways to prevent the land deal from going through.