The Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is calling on the Province, RCMP, and Williams Lake First Nation for a direct role in the St. Joseph’s Mission investigation.
This comes after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the three parties to guide the investigative work.
They said St. Joseph’s Mission was the main residential school for the six Tsilhqot’in communities, with generations of their children taken to the residential school affecting every family and community.
Chief Joe Alphonse said “Our Nation has consistently called for a meaningful and direct decision-making role in the investigation and our calls have been ignored.”
“This cannot and will not continue. We will do whatever we must to protect our kids, including legal action, if the status quo in the current MOU continues.”
The TNG said establishing a protocol that includes the potential for excavations without notice to the Nation, let alone direct involvement, is disrespectful and a breach of human rights.
They added consent with Tsilhqot’in leadership and families should be a fundamental to every decision surrounding the investigation.
The Tsilhqot’in Nation is considering all options to address the issue and looks to be included in all current and future investigative discussions.
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