Judocracy Inspiration 2 – Squamish Nation Land Claim
June 29, 2006
Today, June 29 was the initial hearing on a Writ of Claim issued by Hereditary Chief Kiapilano (Capilano) in response to attempts by the Squamish Nation Band Chiefs Bill Williams and Gibby Jacobs to sell off Squamish Nation reserves against the will of its people.
Fortunately, Chief Kiapilano and his associate Harriet Nahani/Nahanee were able to delay a decision because of Judge Parrot’s order on the case as the lawyers representing the Band had only provided their position the day before.
In case you didn’t know, as most people don’t, sections of the Nation have been sold off without the knowledge and/or consent of the 3,000 + members of the Band.
Of course, you can’t just blame Band Chief Williams and Jacobs, as the initial sale of the land where Park Royal North sits was made in 1957. Most Indians did not notice this until 1972, when they got taxed just like non-Indians.
It’s curious that someone would have sold off the land, then there was allegedly a 99-year lease on the property, which makes a lot more business sense. Kinda like not selling the golden goose, eh?
So, there is a campaign afoot to get this information to the members of the Squamish Nation who will likely want to continue to enjoy the benefits of their status which was guaranteed by the Queen through the Royal Proclamation of 1763.
Just so you can see this situation which changed from 1957 to the present day, check out these images, one from 1973, and the other from the present. Note that the upper-left corner where Park Royal North is unshaded, indicating it’s no longer the property of the Squamish Nation 
On a positive note in this day, a rail blockade was called off as CN agreed to urge the federal government to settle outstanding claims.
So, yes, change is possible, but sometimes you have to get tough, eh?
