reprisal

A bit of a late update, but I've been taking a few days off to rest.

My First Nation, the Huu-ay-aht, recently held a ratification vote on our Constitution. If we also ratify our part of the Maa-nulth Treaty, then the Constitution will replace the federal Indian Act as our highest law. For the first time in more than a century, our ultimate law will be the creation of the very people it governs.

That, my friends, is real progress.

I'm a part of history. And however small it may be, I helped write the document that will (hopefully) forever guide my people in self-governance and into a real chance at achieving prosperity.

An even tougher road lay ahead, however, the Maa-nulth Final Agreement needs to be ratified. If it passes and comes into effect as the Maa-nulth Treaty, then our relationship with the Crown will be changed for the better. No longer will our lands be owned by the Crown, and no longer will we be treated as wards of the Crown. We will have the ability to make our own decisions, without having to ask Ottawa if we can do something as simple as removing the beach debris from the windstorm last year.

We will be in control of our lives for the first time in one and a half to two centuries.

I am amazed, awed and also a bit frightened.

We will be ready.