Members of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band staged an “Idle No More” rally on Sunday, February 3 at the gazebo in Memorial Park.
The grass roots, non-political meeting attracted members from throughout the Similkameen community, including local politicians Electoral Area “B” Director George Bush and Keremeos Councillor Arlene Arlow.
“This is for our youth,” declared event organizer and band Environment Coordinator Carrie Terbasket - Benson as the proceedings began shortly after 11 a.m. “It’s about the land, the environment, our water.”
A number of native drummers were also present, adding ceremony to the rally in between speakers, who were for the most part, band members.
Tessa Terbasket noted that environmental concerns were everyone’s responsibility, “not just an Indian thing.”
She spoke of the loss of the pristine nature of the Simikameen - how it was no longer safe to drink water right out of the Similkameen River, like her ancestors did.
“Why aren’t we being proactive?” she asked.
“The government doesnt’ seem to recognize the rights we have,” added another native speaker.
“We’ve got to stop this (environmental degradation) or we won’t be here long, and it’s starting to show all over the world.”
LSIB Band Chief Robert Edwards extended welcome to all who attended the session. He spoke of the white man’s tendency to make up environmental laws that can be changed, while First Nation’s views of the environment have their roots in the history of their people, and are unchanging.
“These little gatherings plant a seed,” said another, speaking more broadly about large environmentally controversial projects like the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline.
“I like money too, but not at the cost they want.”
The rally appeared to centre on concerns about the future of the valley’s quality water supply, and in a broader view, the world wide appetite for development of environmentally harmful infrastructure. The idea of development at any cost - that development should have limits, beyond which the money generated wasn’t worth the envirionmental damage created - was challenged more than once.
One speaker talked of a prophecy handed told by his grandmother of a time when “all races would be standing up to fight for the land and water.
Think with your heart,” he told the gathering in conclusion.
Event organizer Carrie Terbasket - Benson said she was pleased with the meeting, which took place in below freezing weather. She hopes to build on Sunday’s initiative with further rallies to build awareness of native environmental and government issues with the onset of more springlike weather.