On the west coast of Vancouver Island, off the coast of British Columbia, there is a trail called the West Coast Trail. The trail is 77km long and can take anywhere from 3-7 days to complete. Every May-september, thousands of people walking along the beach, walking miles to the old growth forest, sleeping in tents on the beach.

Midway through the trail resides "At Monique's". At Monique's a restaurant that has served the thru-hikers of the WCT for over 20 years. Serving burgers, beers and good vibes, the restaurant was run by Monique and her husband, Peter Knighton.

The Land Is Officially Nitinat Territory, a First People's Group from Vancouver Island.

As Peter and Monique got older, their daughter Sandy Banser took the lead in running Chez Monique. Every summer, she packed her family, and dedicated to cooking and cooking. Each year, she put her life on hold to the family tradition, and to help preserve her parents had spent years building.

In the summer of 2015, I had the honor of working for Sandy and her family at Chez Monique's. The experience was absolutely amazing - the land is stunning I would like to say that they would come back every year, to have their own special favorite order at the restaurant. Sandy started into that restaurant.

Monique passed away in 2017, as did Peter this past year (2018). Sandy is, obviously, heartbroken ... and here's where the kicker comes in.

After Peter 's death, the Nitinat band has gone back to. The reason for this is because they do not recognize her as a member of the group, as her mother is not of Nitinat heritage / ethnicity. The Nitinat band has decided that they do not recognize her as Nitinat. She is no longer allowed to access the land - and the restaurant - that she has spent her life living, improving, dedicating her time to.

I, Sandy, and others who have volunteered with her in the past, are beyond upset. I am here to help you make your way to the world. I ask that Sandy gets her land - her BIRTHRIGHT - back. It is not fair that the family is denied access to the Knighton family (and her!)