Steering Committee

August 19, 2003

Chief Gary Feschuk and Councillor Rick August

Sechelt Indian Band

Box 740, Sechelt, BC, V0N 3A0

Dear Chief Gary Feschuk, Councillor Rick August:

Re: Hidden Grove Status

                        We are following up on the letter sent to you by Gertrude Pacific on July 30, 2003, that asked for an introductory meeting with the Elders.   Our development plan for the Hidden Grove was well received by Lands and Waters BC (LWBC), but there were some problems in the formal application for tenure sent in by the District of Sechelt which need to be worked out.

This committee believes that further consultation based on the information in the referral responses to the request for tenure (which were provided to us by Lands and Waters BC) will provide a way forward, which is why we are again consulting you.  We are also contacting Interfor and the Forest Coalition to see how we can support their needs if the Hidden Grove is set aside, and to support the District of Sechelt in securing appropriate tenure for the land.  We would then meet with the Ministry of Forests to present a revised application for their review.

We believe that a “Hidden Grove Legacy” concept could offer an opportunity for the Sechelt Band to protect important cultural values in a relatively pristine area - yet close to Sechelt Village - without using Band lands already slated for commercial development. Our sense of the word “legacy” means “something received from an ancestor or from the past”.  Therefore, we again request to meet with you and the Band Elders – perhaps at one of their scheduled meetings - to discuss:

· historical references to the Hidden Grove, perhaps an archaeological survey, Elder’s memories, Sechelt plant use and Tem-Swiya museum photos or notes of the area,

·  a visit to the Hidden Grove with members of the Band Council, Elders, and ourselves,

· the idea of a “Hidden Grove Legacy” as a cultural partnership project to show the values of the forest from a First Nation perspective including the selective use of roots and berries, etc. (please note we have dropped the word “park” from our letterhead) ,

· and any other cultural concerns you think would be appropriate.

We note with interest that the District of Sechelt and the Sechelt Indian Band have already entered into a commercial partnership regarding community forests.  We now look forward to the prospect of discussing important ideas with you for a cultural partnership unique to the Sunshine Coast – hopefully next month in September!

Yours truly,

Bob D’Arcy,

Committee Chair

Cc: Mayor Cam Reid, District of Sechelt;

      Sangita Sudan, Lands and Waters BC