Stand with the Neskonlith Indian Band: Demand Transparency, Accountability, and Respect for Our Community's Rights

Our community, the Neskonlith Indian Band, stands at a critical juncture. For generations, we have been the stewards of Secwepemculecw, our ancestral lands, upholding the traditions and responsibilities passed down by our Elders. We envision a vibrant, healthy community that is prosperous, spiritual, self-reliant, and self-governing.

Our Collective Vision and Values

Our strength lies in our unity and commitment to shared values:

• Good Governance: Transparency, accountability, and the inclusion of all members in decision-making processes.
• Cultural Revitalization: Celebrating and advancing Secwepemc culture, traditions, language, history, and ceremonies.
• Healing and Unity: Building trust, improving relationships within our community, and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Sustainable Development: Managing our lands and resources responsibly to ensure prosperity for future generations.

These principles have been reaffirmed through extensive community engagement and are reflected in our policies and plans, including our Financial Administration Law (FAL) and Financial Policies and Procedures.

Challenges Threatening Our Community

Despite our clear collective vision, recent developments have disregarded these principles. The Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) initiative and the Neskonlith 1 Wind Power Project are two significant examples highlighting a broader pattern of concern: a consistent failure by our leadership to adhere to the policies and laws they have pledged to follow.

Systemic Lack of Transparency and Accountability

• Disregard for Policies and Laws:
• Decisions with significant implications are being made without proper community consultation, contrary to Sections 31(1) and 96 of the FAL, which require member involvement in capital projects.
• The RAP project was completed without prior meaningful consultation, leading to health and environmental concerns among members.
• The wind power project is advancing without comprehensive community engagement, leaving us uninformed about its impacts and benefits.
• Inadequate Communication:
• Lack of access to crucial information, including meeting minutes, project plans, financial reports, and environmental assessments.
• New companies (e.g., Neskonlith 1 Wind Partners Inc.) have been established without community disclosure, contradicting our commitment to inclusion and transparency.

Erosion of Trust and Community Cohesion

• Marginalization of Community Voice:
• The absence of meaningful consultation has led to feelings of exclusion and distrust.
• Our collective rights and interests are not being adequately represented or protected.
• Neglect of Traditional Practices:
• Failing to incorporate our traditional laws and practices into governance undermines our cultural heritage.
• This neglect weakens the cultural fabric that binds us together.

Threats to Our Rights and Future Prosperity

• Potential Conflicts of Interest:
• Involvement of Chief and Council members in entities like Sk'atsin Resources LLP without transparency raises concerns about conflicts of interest, as outlined in Sections 5 and 8 of the FAL Schedule on Conflict of Interest.
• Such practices can compromise impartial decision-making and prioritize personal or corporate interests over those of the community.
• Undermining Self-Determination:
• Bypassing established policies erodes our self-governance and moves us away from the path of self-determination we have worked hard to forge.

Why This Matters Now

The RAP and wind power projects are symptomatic of deeper issues: a governance system that is not functioning as it should. Ignoring our collective vision and the policies designed to protect it not only disrespects our community but also jeopardizes our culture, lands, and future prosperity.

Now is the time to address these systemic issues. We must ensure that our leadership upholds the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity that are foundational to our community's well-being.

Our Call to Action

We urge the Neskonlith Indian Band leadership to:

1. Honor Our Policies and Laws

• Adhere to the Financial Administration Law and Policies:
• Ensure all decisions comply with the Financial Administration Law (2017) and Financial Policies and Procedures (2021).
• Follow proper procedures for financial management, capital projects, and community involvement as outlined in these documents.
• Respect Governance Processes:
• Make decisions transparently, with proper documentation, and in accordance with established protocols.
• Provide access to policies, procedures, and directions, as required by Section 9(5) of the FAL.

2. Enhance Transparency and Access to Information

• Provide Full Disclosure:
• Share all relevant information about current and future projects, including meeting minutes, financial details, environmental assessments, and agreements with external entities.
• Make audited financial statements available for inspection during normal business hours, as required by Section 80(2) of the FAL.
• Improve Communication:
• Establish regular community meetings with adequate notice, as required by our governance policies (e.g., Section 13 of the Governance Policy).
• Post agendas for meetings at least two weeks prior, allowing members sufficient time to prepare and participate.

3. Foster Meaningful Community Engagement

• Engage in Comprehensive Consultation:
• Involve community members in all stages of decision-making, especially on projects that impact our lands and resources.
• Implement consultation processes that are inclusive, transparent, and documented, complying with Sections 31(1) and 96 of the FAL.
• Honor Traditional Practices:
• Integrate our traditional laws, practices, and ceremonies into governance and community activities.
• Recognize and respect the collective knowledge and rights of all members.

4. Prevent Conflicts of Interest and Ensure Ethical Governance

• Disclose and Manage Potential Conflicts:
• Provide documentation of any potential conflicts related to leadership involvement in business entities, as required by Sections 5 and 8 of the FAL Schedule.
• Implement transparent procedures for conflict of interest management and share these with the community.
• Restructure Organizations for Inclusivity:
• Consider restructuring entities like Sk'atsin Resources LLP to include diverse representation from band members with expertise in culture, history, business, technology, eco-based forestry, and traditional knowledge.
• Ensure that these organizations operate in alignment with community interests and values.

Specific Requests for Immediate Action

For the Completed RAP Initiative

• Hold Community Meetings to Discuss the RAP Project:
• Organize meetings to review the initiative, allowing members to voice concerns, ask questions, and understand how decisions were made.
• Address any ongoing health, environmental, or safety concerns raised by community members.
• Use this opportunity to learn from the RAP project's shortcomings to improve future engagement processes.

For the Upcoming Wind Power Project and Future Projects

• Implement Comprehensive Consultation Processes:
• Develop and enforce policies that ensure community members are meaningfully informed and involved before major decisions are made.
• Hold community meetings, workshops, and provide accessible information in the early planning stages.
• Ensure all consultation activities are documented and shared with the community.

Provide Access to All Relevant Documents and Financial Information

• Share Project Details and Financial Information:
• Provide access to meeting minutes, project plans, financial agreements, and environmental assessments related to both the RAP initiative and the wind power project.
• Disclose ownership structures and purposes of all newly created companies.
• Make the audited annual financial statements available for inspection during normal business hours.

Ensure Proper Council Review and Approval

• Compliance with Financial Administration Processes:
• All financial commitments and agreements must undergo proper Council review and approval as mandated by the FAL.
• Document and share the approval processes and resolutions with the community to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Refrain from entering into any unauthorized financial agreements until compliance with the FAL is demonstrated.

Join Us in Advocating for Change

By signing this petition, you support the call for transparency, accountability, and integrity within the Neskonlith Indian Band. You stand with us in demanding that our leadership honors our shared values and adheres to the policies they have pledged to uphold.

Let Us Unite for Our Future

We call upon all members—on-reserve and off-reserve, Elders, Youth, and families—to come together. It is our collective responsibility to ensure our community thrives and our rights are protected.

Now is the time for action. Let us restore proper governance, protect our heritage, and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.