The Aboriginal Newspaper of British
Columbia & Yukon
Published
April 10, 2000
Jeremy Sawyer marches to the beat of his own drum at Hills
Indian Crafts in Duncan.
Photo Credit: Bert Crowfoot
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Photo Credit: Bert Crowfoot |
Leaders pay tribute to Chief Joe Mathias
by Cheryl Petten
B.C. bull rider is on his way to better things
by Terry LustyTrek to conference raises awareness
by Troy HunterAhousaht feasts on whale
by Denise AmbroseAirport takes flight
by David WiwicharOn the Western Edge of Indian Country - column
by Keith MatthewThis is only a partial listing of the stories featured in the April, 2000 issue of Raven's Eye. If you are not receiving your own copy of Raven's Eye, then you have missed out on a lot.
Leaders pay tribute to Chief Joe Mathias
By Cheryl Petten
Raven's Eye Writer
VANCOUVER
Words of condolence, loss and praise were issued by leaders
from across the country at the news of the passing of Chief Joe
Mathias.
Mathias,
hereditary Chief of the Squamish First Nation, died March 10
in Vancouver at the age of 56.
A long-time proponent of Aboriginal rights, Chief Mathias dedicated
much time and effort towards the goal of having those rights
recognized.
Mathias was a member of the First Nations Summit Task Group from
1991 until his death. As a member of the task group, Chief Mathias
was involved in representing the First Nations Summit on specific
issues involving treaties, and interim measures on fisheries,
health and education.
Mathias was a member of the Constitutional Working Group of the
Assembly of First Nations from 1983 to 1987, during which time
took part in three First Ministers Conferences on Aboriginal
issues, as well as a number of federal/provincial meetings.
In 1985, Mathias was appointed to a federal task force reviewing
Ottawa's Comprehensive Land Claims Policy. In 1990 and 1991,
he served as a member of the tripartite British Columbia Claims
Task Force, which resulted in creation of the independent BC
Treaty Commission. In 1992, he was appointed a national co-chair
of the Assembly of First Nations Constitutional Working Group.
"Chief Joe Mathias was a guiding light whose perseverance
and dedication to the pursuit of social justice and economic
well-being of First Nations people has inspired the lives of
many," said Grand Chief Edward John, speaking on behalf
of the First Nations Summit Task Group. "His vision and
eloquence on treaty and Aboriginal issues will be forever in
our minds and in our hearts. We owe it to him and future generations
to help make his vision a reality."
"The powerful spirit and legacy of Chief Joe Mathias will
live on in the hopes and dreams of all of us," said Robert
Louie, who served on the task group along with Chief Mathias.
"The Squamish Nation and Aboriginal people throughout British
Columbia and Canada have lost a great leader today."
Assembly of First Nations Regional Vice Chief Satsan (Herb George)
also issued a statement on the passing of Chief Mathias.
"I was deeply saddened to hear of Chief Joe Mathias' passing
today. My heart and my sympathies go out to his family, his friends
and his nation. Joe was a great First Nations leader, deeply
committed to the pursuit of justice for our people. Although
we have lost a hero to our generation, he leaves with us a legacy
of accomplishments that will serve to guide our people for many
generations to come," Chief Satsan said.
Words of condolence were also issued by Chief Stewart Phillip,
president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs.
"I learned about the sudden and unexpected death of Chief
Mathias as I was driving to attend the First Nations Summit meeting
for the first time in seven years," Chief Phillip said.
"I was completely stunned and greatly saddened by the news.
Upon arriving in Squamish, I offered condolences on behalf of
the Okanagan Nation and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. I pointed
out that although we didn't always agree on political matters
we always had nothing but the greatest respect for Chief Joe
Mathias. Our message to the family of Chief Joe Mathias, the
Squamish Nation and the First Nations Summit, was that we have
to complete the work of Chief Mathias and get our Aboriginal
title recognized by the governments. To this end, we pledged
to work in unity with the First Nations Summit to achieve this
to honor the memory of Chief Joe Mathias."
Chief Arthur Manuel, chief of the Neskonlith Band and chairman
of the Interior Alliance, also extended condolences, and spoke
in praise of Chief Mathias.
"I received the news today and was shocked to hear of the
death of Chief Joe Mathias. This is a tremendous loss not only
for his family, in the Squamish Nation, but it is a loss for
all Aboriginal nations in British Columbia. We extend our condolences
to his relatives and his nation. All we can do on such a sad
occasion is to commit ourselves to work in memory of Chief Joe
Mathias, with the First Nations Summit to reach the goal of having
the governments recognize our Aboriginal title."
Chief Maureen Luggi of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation offered
a tribute to Chief Mathias.
"He will be missed because of his leadership; his professionalism;
his character and how he spoke for all First Nations people.
I must reiterate that Joe spoke for all of us. I am deeply saddened
to see the leader that many of us depended on has now left us.
. . "
Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson also issued a statement
on learning of Chief Mathias' death.
"It is with sadness that I learned of the death this morning
of the Chief of the Squamish First Nation, Joseph William Mathias.
Chief Mathias was a revered and effective Aboriginal leader and
activist known for his dedication to improving the quality of
life for all Native Canadians, and particularly for the Native
community of British Columbia. I had the privilege of meeting
Chief Mathias last year in British Columbia, and I was immediately
impressed by his wisdom and generosity. With his death the Squamish
band has lost its chief and our country has lost a powerful voice,"
Clarkson said.
B.C. bull rider is on his way to better things
By Terry Lusty
Raven's Eye Writer
MOUNT CURRIE
Over the years, British Columbia has offered up its share
of great Aboriginal rodeo cowboys - Kenny McLean, the late Bob
Gottfriedson, brothers Ben and Jay and sister Mellisa Louis,
Shawn Henry, and Jack Palmatier just to name a few. Now, Shane
Marlon Williams of the L'il'Wat First Nation could be ready to
add his name to this list as his star rises at the rodeo.
The
Mount Currie youngster is the nephew of veteran bull rider Burt
Williams, his mother's brother, one of the province's better-known
bull riders. Burt has been a guiding light for Marlon for most
of the young lad's life.
"He's my mentor," boasts Marlon, who intends to pursue
a professional rodeo career. Burt appreciates how "keen"
Marlon is and that he has some "natural ability." Along
with Wayne Andrew, who coached Marlon a lot, Burt views Marlon
as a good prospect, one who started young and has his heart in
the right place.
Despite his young years, the 16-year-old is fast becoming a seasoned
bull rider. Last year he won a gold buckle despite the older,
more experienced riders at the Deadmans Creek Rodeo.
Then came his first real injury in May at the L'il'Wat Lake Rodeo
"when a chute gate was not pulled open all the way."
The bull burst out, slamming Marlon's arm into the gate. His
elbow took most of the punishment, pulling his ligaments and
ripping off a chunk of bone from the tip of his elbow. He had
to have a screw put in, but now feels ready to make his return
to the scene.
Marlon likes to be active with interests in basketball (he's
an all star), hockey, track and field, soccer and weight lifting.
He enjoys movies, the odd book, traditional drumming and singing,
country music and his Aboriginal culture and language (St'at'y'emc)
that his Uncle Burt instructs at school. His skill at soccer
was a plus that paid off two years ago when Marlon went to Japan
for a month to play against that country's teams, thanks to a
cultural exchange program.
April's
rodeo competition sees him in Vernon and on April 22 and 23 at
Deadmans Creek. After that, it will be a hectic pace for him
and his mom, Terri John, who helps him raise the money he needs
for travel and entry fees. In all, Marlon hopes to compete at
more than 20 rodeos in Washington, Alberta and British Columbia
this year and has already qualified for the National Indian Finals
Rodeo to be held in the fall.
Marlon's winning ways have attracted the attention and support
of numerous local businesses in Mount Currie and Pemberton, including
the Mount Currie Xito'lacw Community School and Wicked Wheel
Pizza, as well as Whistler's Ron Berkner, the Market Place and
Off Road Autobody. Also jumping on board is the Pemberton hotel,
Pemberton taxi, Pony Expresso, Pemberton Junction Store, Busterino
Pizza and Sophie's Flowers and Gifts.
Marlon's mom credits her son's meteoric rise in the sport to
his ability and a mechanical bull the school invested in. For
three years, Marlon worked out on that mechanical bull. In time,
"he was able to perfect the mechanical bull at full speed,"
said Terri. "But it's broken down now," she added.
Marlon's mother has been impressed with her son's success and
his recovery from last year's injury.
"The therapist couldn't believe the strength he has in his
arm," she said. She's also proud that he has knowledge of
his language and culture.
Young Marlon started his profession six years ago as a boys steer
rider, then graduated to bulls a few years later. Calf roping,
team roping and steer wrestling were other events Marlon experimented
with, but it was the bulls that took his fancy. He likes the
excitement, the crowd and the "rush" he gets from rodeo.
"Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a cowboy,"
Marlon remarked.
But why bulls?
"A lot of people encouraged me. They thought I did wickedly
[at it]. Everyone thinks I can do it well," he said.
Still, Marlon hopes to go beyond the bulls.
"My goal is to make it with the pros - totally." He
has a goal to someday be an All Around champion by also competing
at calf roping, team roping and, perhaps, bronc riding.
"For the past two years, I've been at it in a serious way,"
he explained.
And why wouldn't he? After all, he hails from a community and
family that has long been married to the rodeo scene. His Uncle
Pat used to run the local rodeo. His famous uncle, Burt, rode
bulls for 16 years, and Uncle Larry's three daughters barrel
race. His sister Temera barrel races and his mom used to race
thoroughbreds, but now confines herself to gardening so she can
provide healthy, home grown food for her children.
In the long term Marlon plans to take up ranching and to raise
livestock, especially bucking bulls - Brahmas, Angus, Charolais,
and Herefords. In the meantime, Marlon, whose Indian name is
Xalaq (to roll like a bear), will continue to work at the one
activity he enjoys best - rodeo.
