[BCMA] URGENT: Musqueam Seeks your Support

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Dear Museologically-inclined Colleagues,

I'm writing you all on a matter of some urgency to those concerned about
appropriate archaeological practice, respectful collaboration with First
Nations, and the ethical conservation of local heritage and history.
Specifically, I am requesting your support tomorrow morning at c̓əsnaʔəm
(known also as the Marpole Midden, SW Marine Drive at Hudson St.), or
tomorrow afternoon (12:30 PM) on the Legislature grounds in Victoria.

I've attached some information about the demonstration in Victoria, and
about the situation at c̓əsnaʔəm - an ancient Musqueam village and burial
site and Canadian Heritage Site (since 1933) threatened by residential
condominium development. Many Musqueam will be attending the peaceful
demonstration at the Legislature in Victoria tomorrow, so the number of
people available to  protect the site at c̓əsnaʔəm will be significantly
lowered. Unfortunately, the developer has warned that if a resolution had
not been reached by the end of Wednesday, he will begin work again on
Thursday morning, including the possible removal of partial intact burials
of Musqueam ancestors.

We would be honoured if you are able to join us to help protect our
ancestors, and this irreplaceable part of Musqueam, BC, and Canadian
heritage. However, if you are unable to attend the demonstration in
Victoria or visit the site itself, you can still help out in these ways:

   - Share this story with your networks;
   - Write letters of support or protest (see the attached letter - dated
   Friday, but mostly up-to-date - for suggested recipients);
   - Donate food or funds for food at the site (contact Dawn Sparrow at
   604.649.5556); and
   - Sign the online petition here:
   http://www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/stop-the-immediate-destruction-of-indigenous-burial-sites/943
   .

If you have any questions, or would like to know more about c̓əsnaʔəm,
please visit us on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ProtectTheVillageAndMiddenSiteOfMarpoleVillage or
follow us on twitter @cusnaum.

Yours in respectful heritage conservation,

Joanne Kienholz
Grant Writer for Musqueam and concerned heritage professional
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