Yey'um'nuts - Sacred site threatened by development
Yey'um'nuts (Somenos Creek) is a main tributary of the Cowichan River and is within the territory occupied, utilized and governed by the Cowichan Tribes for many thousands of years. The creek originates at Somenos Lake and served as a transportation corridor for Cowichan people. Several settlements or camps were located along the creek and the lake. In 1992, land developers disturbed an ancient burial ground, disturbing 11 individuals. In 1994, an archaeological investigation of the site uncovered 25 additional sets of human remains. At this point, Cowichan Elders decreed that no further disturbance of ancestral remains could be permitted. They said the site was sacred as a resting place for the dead and should be respected as such. Yet today, this site is still threatened by development and government inaction. |
Report from the Bylaw 3441 Public Hearing
Report by Mary Beth MacKenzie, Deputy Clerk, April 18, 2011
The Municipal Council held a public hearing in the Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2011 to receive public input on two rezoning applications.
All members of Council attended the hearing, except Councillor Koury (on leave). In addition, the following staff attended the hearing: D. Devana, Chief Administrative Officer; S. Mack, Director of Planning & Development; B. Reynolds, Planner; and M.B. MacKenzie, Deputy Clerk.
Approximately 47 other persons attended the hearing.
SMCA Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area
Restoration for Species at Risk, Somenos Style
-from a PowerPoint presentation by Dave Polster
Biologist Tracy Fleming conducts a plant survey at Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area
Garry oak ecosystem restoration is a relatively new field and we are gradually figuring out what works. This is a project I have been involved with for about 15 years – mostly trying to keep this rare deep soil Garry oak site in Duncan, BC from becoming a housing development.
Duncan Developer in Limbo
A TV News, December 9, 2009
DUNCAN - A land developer in Duncan is running out of options. After an ancient first nations burial site was discovered on property slated for a housing development, plans to build were put on hold. That was nearly two decades ago and in the years since, developer George Schmidt has been waiting for a resolution.
Hope Remains Ancient Archaeological Site Can Be Saved
By Joan Delaney, Epoch Times, December 2, 2009
VICTORIA - A burial ground and archaeological site dating back millennia are at the heart of a long-running saga between a developer and a First Nations community in British Columbia.
Archeological excavations at the Somenos Creek site near Duncan on Vancouver Island have uncovered material as old as 4,600 years. The burial ground, which was in use for 600 years, is about 1,800 years old.
Endless saga pits developers against aboriginals
By Jack Knox, Times Colonist, November 26, 2009
The Cowichan Tribes are pretty excited about what archeologists have found on the banks of Somenos Creek: Evidence of human activity going back maybe 4,600 years.
It's in the same area they discovered the remains of three dozen of their ancestors, including the 1,600-year-old bones of an infant buried with more than 400 slate beads on six strings around his neck.
Last best hope for first nations burial site
By Randy Shore, Vancouver Sun, November 18, 2009
Cowichan Tribes to meet with B.C. culture minister for help to save a cultural treasure
Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Kevin Krueger will meet Thursday with Cowichan first nations in an attempt to resolve a 17-year impasse over the fate of a burial ground and archeological site on land owned by a Duncan real estate developer.
Shameful hypocrisy threatens our ancient shared heritage
Stephen Hume, Vancouver Sun, November 11, 2009
Private members' bills seldom survive the petty partisan bickering of the legislative chamber so I wasn't surprised when Maurine Karagianis's attempt to have the province address its abysmal failure to protect first nations' heritage sites was spiked -- again.
Burial grounds limbo spawns meeting
Sarah Simpson, The Citizen: Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Those who have long been urging the conservation of ancient burial grounds at Somenos Creek will finally meet with the provincial government -- but it'll be about a month after the originally scheduled date.
Dianne Hinkley, Cowichan Tribes' lands research director confirmed they received a call Monday delaying the appointment, which had been set to take place on Tuesday.
"Yesterday just before lunch, the Minister cancelled on us," she said. "But we have rescheduled."
She remains hopeful, however.