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Page 10 The Clarington/Courliec Independent, Bowmanvillc, Friday, May 28, 1999 Native Land Issues [ Last week I wrote about my work in [British Columbia with the Natural ; Resources Committee, meeting native -leaders and the problems in the logging logging industry. t These meetings brought me facc-to- Tacc with a number of wider issues affecting the aboriginal communities. I spent some time with elected Chief Archie Poollass of the Nuxalk First Nation from Bella Coola. He had ;in his possession a number of profcs- 'sionally bound studies about native government and land claims. As I looked at these documents it occurred to me that there seemed to be a never ending supply of these studies and ;nativc people prepared none of them. I asked him how much a particular ■study cost the band. He refused to tell me. But all this money comes from the taxpayer. In the case of the Nisga, I am told their so-called studies cost as much as $20 million. Chief Pootlass then got up and read his speech, which I suspect, was written written for him. - It was really quite hilarious. He told .'the people, many of who live and [worked in the area, that his band ;owncd the land 1,300 miles this way ;and 1,300 miles that way. Then he asks •the question, why can't we all live and •work together? ! Archie is the chief of a band that 'has a population of well over 1,200, 'eighty-five per cent of whom arc [unemployed and living on social assistance. assistance. • 1 spoke with members of the •Heiltsuk First Nation who I discovered [were often at war with the Nuxalk. ; I mentioned to them I had noticed [that loggers will leave these odd huge [cedar trees which often have been axed • out. I was told these are ceremonial ! trees. Trees their ancient forefathers ! selected for making canoes but abandoned abandoned when it was discovered they [were rotten inside. It must have taken a tremendous ' amount of effort to move these trees to ■ the water. They told me it was com- '■mon for them to enslave other coastal 'natives and press them into work. This ,is something not widely talked about. ;;And we thought only the white man could be vicious. ■' The trees arc standing 300 years dater and it is against the law to cut them down. You may think this is for Report From Parliament ^ by Alex Shepherd ceremonial reasons but it is not. It establishes property rights for future land claims. The Hcillsuk suffer from almost 90 per cent unemployment and yet expensive expensive lawyers and others, arc used to promote their land claims. When I spoke to the hereditary chief he told me how his father went to light for Canada in the First World War but wasn't recognized officially as a Canadian citizen. He told me how the Indian Department moved all of their communities off the island into one concentrated area and forced their children children to go to boarding school where many were abused. It isn't a pretty story. I asked whether in fact his people in ancient times truly believed they could possess the land. My understanding was that the concept of land ownership was an invention of the white man. Everyone understands that once we die land continues to exist. We don't really own land we merely have the right to its temporary use. I think the Chief is a little lost on the issue. 1 suggested to him that we live in a time when things like real estate arc becoming less important. That the pursuit pursuit of knowledge is what drives the new economy. I asked him if his band wouldn't be better off pursuing better education. At this point one of the other council members said they needed a capital base to pursue all of this. In any case it occurred to me the white man has created a growth industry industry composed of lawyers and consultants consultants who sec their job as confronting the legal system on behalf of the native community. Even the Chief has the ability to refer to Supreme Court decisions. decisions. But is this doing anyone any good? No doubt the natives will end up with land. But I don't think that is going to help their children get jobs in a global environment. Las Vegas If you have never been to Las Vegas, the best way to describe it is Disneyland for adults. We all know about the gambling and the fantastic fantastic stage shows, but there is so much more. To begin with, Vegas has an amazing variety of restaurants that offer great value on good meals. For instance, recently, three friends and myself ale at the •Golden Gate restaurant. We each had the 16 ■ ounce porterhouse steak 'dinner with all the trim- itilings and a cocktail. The total bill for the ■ table came to $41 and [change. Even with the [exchange, it was a deal. Look around for the numerous buffets and specialty restaurants and enjoy your meal. If you want to take a day or two and sec some sights outside of town, there are many options available to you. I was able to rent a car and drive to the Grand Canyon one day and Death Valley the next. The desert and mountain scenery alone made it worth the trip. Also, as a bonus, the route to the Grand Canyon takes you ■ right over the Hoover Dam. If you'd like to see the sights without driv- , ing, there are many bus, airplane and helicopter lours to the same destinations. destinations. Some of the other trips available include: white water rafting down the Colorado River; a visit to a ghost town or desert ranch; a desert conservation conservation tour; a visit to Bryce Canyon; or a trip to an Indian reservation. The various local lour companies companies advertise in all the hotels and you can book your day trip there. One of Vegas' best kept secrets is the old strip along Fremont Street. Catch the #301 bus north on Las Vegas Boulevard (the strip) and get off when the bus empties and you'll be at Fremont Street. The two city block original strip is now a pedestrian mall. The casinos are still there, like the famed Golden Nugget, and you'll also get to see Frontier Vic, the giant neon cowboy. Going after dark will allow you to see one of the most amazing spectacles of excess wealth ever. The entire street is covered by an archway that contains contains 2.1 million light bulbs turning the sky into a giant television screen. Every half hour the building lights go dim and the archway lights up and a ten to fifteen fifteen minute cartoon or special effects show begins complete with stereophonic sound. Just a tip, as you stop to stare up at the show, keep a hand on your wallet or purse. the daredevils, are plenty of The Las Vegas Speedway offers different driving experiences. The Derek Daly Academy offers 1/2 to 4 day classes in open wheel racing as well as race rides. For slock car enthusiasts, the king, Richard Petty offers his Driving Experience. You can ride in or drive a Winston Cup style stock car around an actual Winston Cup track. To really fly, there arc the planes and helicopters already mentioned, as well as glider and hot air balloon rides. But the truest Hying experience is in one of the indoor skydiving establishments, establishments, Vertical wind tunnels push air upwards at up to 115 miles per hour. Wearing a special suit and goggles you ride the wind and fly. There is also real skydiving available. Its easy to see why Las Vegas attracts millions millions of tourists from around the world. If you ever gel bored in this town, check your pulse. •3 Churches ... 35 Schools oiocnes ... 25 Service viuos .. -Ary: ... 7 Monicioal Corn nS> oils 4- Arenas ... Associations ... Associations ... 7 Conservations Areas ... iy vmages ... 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