Is that all?
Born and raised here in BC, and I think if it ever gets all added up (accurately), BC's borders will have to stretch to the Yucatan Peninsula (or the equiv out towards China) to make up the overlapping areas claimed. Every Band that had ever been run out of an area by another one, thinks they should allow Whitey to push their case for full access to wherever it was they used to have access to!
Maybe we should let them settle it the old way! The Locals here were so chit-scared of the tribes to the North, they buried guys in full battle rattle, to 'keep watch' for the raiding Chilcotin Indians. I got that story firsthand, from a friend that found two of the "Watchers" while road building. It was confirmed when I was speaking with one of the local lot, and it was HIS Father, that was actually on the scene as well! And, for the slow, I mean, this is a guy of the current Native population!
Locally, as far as the Indians are concerned, they have been here forever. Archeologically, only a couple centuries, because the Northerners (now Chilcotin) that WERE here, got their asses starved out by failed Salmon Runs. So the area was deserted for a long period, before the Coast Salish descendants made their way in and made themselves at home.
Funny enough, when the Chilcotin's had a tough season, they raided South, and if the people being raided did not have adequate stored food to haul home to eat, the people themselves were. Which pretty much explains the "Watchers" dunnit!
So. Who do you grant access to these lands to? Strong cases can be made either way. Personally, my feelings would not be hurt if they went back to raiding and cannibalizing each other like the 'good old days'! (aka:Before Whitey come along and ruined their peaceful co-existence at one with nature and always honoring the spirits! LOL!)
