χʷɛmaɬkʷu (Homalco) First Nation has filed a petition for judicial review with the Supreme Court of BC over concerns with the Archaeology Branch of the BC Ministry of Forests.
The Nation, owners of 100.7 The Raven, is challenging the decision not to enforce compliance with permits issued to an archaeological contractor conducting work at a construction site in Campbell River.
In December 2024, ancestral remains, estimated to be approximately 1,230 to 1,650 years old, were uncovered during site preparation on South Island Highway.
In a release, the Nation says that due to multiple failures in communication by the Archaeology Branch, χʷɛmaɬkʷu leadership only became aware of the discovery through a newspaper article in early January.
It was then learned that by mid-January, the remains were not being held at the Campbell River Museum as required under the permit conditions but were instead in the possession of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation, a community that settled in Campbell River in the late 1800s, centuries after the remains are believed to have been interred.
Chief Darren Blaney says the Province did not reach out to conduct consultation, which they should have under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
“We learned about this discovery by reading the newspaper. The disrespect and lack of proper procedure throughout this process has been truly disheartening and cannot be allowed to continue. Requesting this review is our last resort but is now the only path open to us,” he said.
χʷɛmaɬkʷu First Nation says the Archaeology Branch failed to uphold its duty of due diligence and consultation with χʷɛmaɬkʷu and made decisions that unjustifiably favour the Wei Wai Kum First Nation.
Chief Blaney says by petitioning the Court for judicial review, they are seeking a respectful and fair resolution to ensure their ancestors are honoured in accordance with those rights and protocols.
To learn more, visit χʷɛmaɬkʷu (Homalco) First Nation.
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