-Calls arise for consistent RDOS policy on aboriginal land claims-

OSOYOOS TIMES-June 18, 2008-

By Chad IngramrnOsoyoos Times

Conflicting opinions and questions about the details of First Nations land claims were raised at a June 10 public hearing regarding a proposed subdivision of land west of Osoyoos near Spotted Lake.
At its meeting on March 6, the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) board passed first and second readings on an application from property owner Barry Blomme to subdivide 12 hectares of land off Hwy. 3 into three four-hectare parcels.
Blomme's property is located next to Spotted Lake, which is owned by the Okanagan Nation Alliance and is considered sacred cultural ground for much of the area's First Nations population.
Lower Similkameen Indian Band Chief Joe Dennis was present at the meeting and expressed his community's opposition to the proposed subdivision.
The Okanagan Nation, we do have concerns, Dennis told a small crowd assembled in a multipurpose room at the Sonora Centre. We don't want development around that area.
Blomme responded by saying he'd contacted the alliance on several occasions during the past year and each time had received no response.
Dennis said he'd be willing to sit down and talk with Blomme, even though the RDOS does not accept new information of any kind on an application once a public hearing has taken place.
We could have done that a year ago, Blomme told Dennis. Maybe we could have had that solved.rnA law firm representing the alliance submitted a letter to the RDOS opposing the subdivision prior to the hearing.
Other people present at the hearing spoke in favour of the application.
It's private land and it should be dealt with as private land, said one person who wished not be identified. How long can (First Nations) claim the land?
Dennis responded by saying that it's the mindset of the alliance that we've not given up the land.rnAnarchist Mountain resident Eike Scheffler said that the RDOS needs to come up with a clear and consistent policy in dealing with sacred First Nations areas.
The RDOS should use this as a test case to find out where the boundaries of Spotted Lake are, Scheffler said, adding that the outcome of the application should serve as a precedent for dealing with land claim issues.
The board better address it and tell the public what the stance is, added Area A resident Sherri Lynn. She also said that there are no public hearings on First Nations projects.
We are a government and you have to treat us like a government, Dennis said in response.
Carol Youngberg wanted to know what would happen if the RDOS passed Blomme's application only to discover strong opposition or backlash from the Osoyoos Indian Band.
What happens then? Youngberg asked.
RDOS Rural Area A Director Mark Pendergraft, who chaired the hearing, said he wasn't sure, but added the response from the alliance was a significant one.
Blomme said he received a letter from the provincial Highways Ministry informing him he would be denied road access to Hwy. 3, but he added that the potential subdivisions would be accessed through the already existing road that has connected the property to the highway for decades.
reporter@osoyoostimes.com