Editor,
I read with some trepidation your coverage of the proposed billboards to be erected at the entrance to our (no longer fair) city ["Feds OK Highway 99 billboard," The Chief, Sept. 25].
Of interest is the number of NEWBYs who seem to be opposed to this revenue-producing motive by the Squamish Nation.
My family has resided in the Squamish Valley since the early 1940s, and has always been on good terms with the local Indians (check it out, that is how they refer to themselves).
Our school, Brackendale, had in the day about a 20 per cent native populace. Back then, a logger was a logger, no matter his colour, but the natives held the lower ranking jobs.
Ergo, the native girls and boys from the reserves were not as well-dressed and equipped as us whites, but they were more focused toward achieving academic and athletic excellence.
Most of my old classmates whom I keep in touch with these days are of Lewis, Baker and of course Nahanni families.
I can't believe that the nouveau riche and a small pod of locals would oppose a revenue-generating plan by the Squamish Nation, which would only serve to enhance the quality of life and education for future generations. Give your heads a shake.
FYI - the Squamish Nation, should it choose, can legally shut down Highway 99 any time. I know this because I happen to be a civil liberties lawyer, and Highway 99 crosses a number of reserve boundaries.
That would, for sure, put a damper on Gordo's Olympic plans. Maybe they will bring in some sort of legislation. Lock up the natives as well as the homeless.
Just thought I should bring you up to speed since I do not see a whole lot of in-house op-eds worth reading these days. They make good liner for my kitty litter box, though.
Thank you for publishing.
CC Candy
Brackendale
