A former Northwest Community

. College instructor in Terrace and

Prince Rupert, Dave McKeever is

. presently living in Chiapas state in
Mexico,

By DAVE McKEEVER
TAPACHULA, MEXICO — The
Jeep crawls along cautiously
over the boulders.

_ Its a tough decision, go over
the boulders or take the holes,
The holes are easily as deep as
the boulders are large,
It has taken us an hour to

Tapachula, the capital of the
Soconusco region of Chiapas, to
the town of Union Juarez.

The next hour will take us 7 kilo-
meters to the end of the road and
the town of Chiquihuite (Chee-kee-
WEE-ta),

We have climbed steadily since

z the 1,500 meter level of Tacana
: Volcano. Chiquihwite is another
1,000 meters apparently straight up.

The Volcano rises 4,159 meters
above sea level, a sea level you can
see from the top a short 60 kilo-

Mexico and Guatemala passes right
through the centre of the cone of
the volcano.

In recent recorded history the
Volcano has erupted in 1855, 1878,

1986. None of these historical erup-
tions resulted in magma flows, It
has since been relatively stable,
though still slightly active, evident
from the small nigh{ly rumblings
that are felt,

The name ‘‘Tacana”’ is originally
Mame, the local native language,
and is properly spelled ‘‘Takahna’’.
The name means “Casa del
Fuego”’ or ‘‘House of Fire’’ in the
Mame language; Ta - within, Kab -
destruction or fire, Najbil - house.

At one time the mountain was
host to a large variety of plant and
animal life. But now the mountain
is showing expansive bare spots as
a result of slash and bum clearing.

The people clear these areas to
plant maiz, the main ingredient in
tortillas that is the staple of the diet
here and food for the domestic
animals. The problem is that the
earth here can only support about
three crops from one specific area,
so the people keep clearing more
and more land to plant their crops.

The grade of the mountain results
in massive slides from these clear-
ings, effectively washing the
mountain away to the Pacific
Ocean 60 kilometres away, As
well there are now tremendous
watershed problems to the com-
munities downstream of the
mountain’s rivers.

Beside me in the jeep is Fernando
Alfonso Escolera-Sanchez, Chief of
Operations of the Secretara de Ag-
ricultura y Ganadara de] Estado,

come the 50 kilometers from -

leaving Tapachula and are now at -

meters away. The border between _

IN MEXICO: Dave McKeover, a
lege instructor, on the slopes of Tacana Volcano,

former Terrace resident and col-

1900, 1949 and last erupted in

cano for aver 40 years, since he
was a boy of 12 when his sister first
brought him here. He knows nearly
everyone on this Volcano and
likewise nearly everyone here
knows Fernando.

Since he was a boy Fernando has
helped the community of Chi-
quihuite. He came here to work on
various projects designed to en-
hance the quality of life of the
people here,

~ For example, in 1975 a number of

people helped by building a fogon
for each house in the community.
A fogon is an enclosed thick,
hardwood table that raises the
cooking fire off the ground to a
height that is more comfortable to
work. The women here work at
their fogones for up to 16 hours a
day, so it is quite evident that it was
a useful project. Later in the 1970s
he helped build the school and the
basketball court.

Today we are ascending the
mountain so ‘he. can educate the
people of Chiquihuite on the bene-
fits of better agricultural practices.

The Mame people that live on the
flanks of the mountains possibly
have their earliest beginnings in the
Izapan culture. Although nobody
knows for certain, the Mame are
thought to have a connection to the
Izapan people to the South on the
coast and the Mayans to North in
highlands.

As well, the archaeological
record indicates that the Izapan
people have a clear link between
the Classic Mayan people and the
Olmecas of this region, There are

several archaeological sites well
within 20 kilometres of the
mountain. Most notably Izapa, a
temple site near Tapachula that has
a collection of 80 Pyramidal
mounds and several carved stone
Stelae. This site has been dated to
the Late Formative and Proto-
Classic period of mesoamerican
history.

The name Chiquihuite refers to a
basket that the people here have
used for many generations.

The basket is slung over the back
with a strap that passes over the
forehead.

There are roughly 80 families that
live in Chiquihuite, about 500
people.

These people work 7 days a
week, waking up at 4 o’clock in the
morning to begin each day. They
spend the next few hours harvest-
ing the various domestic and wild
crops and that they will take to
market. By 7 o'clock they are

hauling their products down the -
~ mountain.

The nearest vehicle that will be
able to help them is a long three
hour walk, carrying 30 to 40 kilo-
grams on their backs. Products such
as flowers, vegetables, and frijoles
wil go to the markets in
Cacahoatan and Tapachula. By 4
or 5 o’clock in the aftemoon the
people are on their way home, a
short half hour bus ride and then
the three hour walk back up the
mountain. Still three hours be-
cause, although the only cargo they
have is the money earned from the
market, it is all uphill,

The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, September 9, 1998 - AS

Faces of Chiapas

Improving life a long road for Mexican people living on volcano’s slopes

When Fermando first came here
42 years ago ibere was no road
closer than 25 kilometres; then the
walk was a very long day.

“We go up the mountain to cs-
cape city life, they come down to
escape the mouniain,’? Fernando
says.

Virginia is 75 years old, She has
six children and 28 grandchildren.
She has offered us a midday dessert
made from a local fruit that has
been boiled down to a concentrate,
lis taste is not something to which
I'm accustomed. She too, has risen
at four in the morning. At her age
she is still quite hardy but not so
hardy that she can climb around the
mountain.

She Jooks after the various chil-
dren while the parents are off to the
market. Her husband of about 60
years died four years ago. It was
common to marry at a very young
age and divorce simply does not
exist,

Nowadays the young people are
quick to leave the mountain. In two
days I haven’t seen anyone be-

tween the ages of 16 and 25, They

have seen a television and want the
life that is offered through the eyes
of the television medium.

As well, there is no secondary
school here, only the primary and
kindergarten school that was built
years ago with Femando’s help.
The nearest secondary school is in
Union Juarez, a three hour walk
from here.

There is good news though, the
Mame language is taught here from
kindergarten on.

Fernando has been speaking now
for nearly an hour. He tells them
that they should plant trees that
have inherent value. Perhaps fruit
trees or hardwood trees that could
be used for making furniture. The
men are nodding their heads
respectfully, it has been a long day
and they are tired and only oc-
casionally contribute to the con-
versalion.

They have been clearing and
planting for many generations now
and don’t readily understand how
they can change their ways,

There is no question that life here
on the mountain is difficult. It is
getting easier though, soon there
will be power on the mountain,

But’ getting an easier life is not
easy. When they get’a chance the
men carry the 50) kilogram con-
crete power poles up the
mountainside to provide access to
the homes that are spread out on
the mountain. It takes several hours
to carry cach pole up the sometimes
more than 45 degree slopes, and
few can afford the time.

With power here and a road, I

have no doubt that this community --f

will soon become a weekend
getaway for the city folk, very
much like Unioa Juarez an hour be-
hind us,

CORRESPONDENCE FOR THE TERRACE STANDARD

- He has been climbing this Vol-

Treaty undercuts democracy

Nisga’a agreement will create barriers, not tear them down, MP argues

By MIKE SCOTT
MP for Skeena
_ MOST OF human existence through
the ages has been devoid of liberty,
political freedom and most importantly
any recognition of human rights.
In fact much of the historical human ex-
perience has been one of servitude and suf-
fering. This is true for all races and cultures
including aboriginal peoples.

It has only been since the Renaissance that
political thinking broke with the traditions of
tribalism, of status based on pedigree, of force-
ful domination by the strongest, and struggled
to embrace the grand principles of democracy.

The struggle was not easy as two world wars
in this century will attest. But democratic prin-
ciples have been followed in those parts of the

world which have flourished, of which Canada -

is a shining example. These principles include:

i Equality of all citizens before the law with
special rights, privileges and status for none.

Wi Individual rights of all citizens including
the right to move freely, speak freely, own pri-
vate property and engage in free exchange.

Mi Individual freedom of all citizens including
the freedoms of religion, of the press, of opinion
and of association.

Wf Political freedom including the democratic
Tight to vote for political representation on a
‘Sone person - one vote’’ basis and the right of
every citizen. to seek public office.

These most durable, cherished and nobie prin-

‘ ciples have produced for mankind the most un-
precedented living standards and human rights
in all of recorded history.

Now consider what the Nisga’a
proposes.

. qyEgquality. The Nisga’a agreement expressly
provides a basket of benefits, and rights solely
‘on the basis of Nisga’a heritage. The principle
determining factor for qualified access to these
benefits and rights is, of course, ethnicity.

Individual rights. ‘The basket of rights and
benefits in the Nisga’a agreement is to be con-
veyed to 8 collectivity. There is, for example,

treaty

no “provision for private property ownership,
which is the single most important barricr to
aboriginal self-sufficiency. The Nisga’a Central
Government (NCG) will own all of the land and
control virtually all of the money and resources
provided by this agreement. Individual iniliative
and innovation cannot and will not be en-
couraged within these constraints. Without
these there cannot be lasting economic progress.

Wi Individual Freedom. While at first glance
individual frecdom is not overtly threatened by
this agreement it is certain to be at least stifled.
How likely is it that a dissatisfied Nisga’a per-

son will voice criticism of Nisga’a Government _

when that government will own or control vir-
tually all lands, resources and money. To com-
plain — something few are likely to do — is to
tisk exclusion.

if Political Freedom. The Nisga’a agreemcat
expressly creates a government body which is
exclusionary on the basis of race. If you are not
Nisga’a you can not run for office or vote for a
representalive of your choice even if you live on
reserve, Aboriginal people often point out that
they did not receive the right to vole until 1960,
This was a grievous affront to their dignity and
humanity but it must be unequivocally stated
that to entrench this same principle in this
agreement for non-Nisga’a is equally grievous.
You may be expected to pay taxes and be sub-
ject to Nisga’a laws in certain circumstances.

Rank and file Nisga’a people and the general
public of British Columbia are now handed this
proposed agreement and told there is no other
option. While grassroots Nisga’a peaple will get
a chance to vote on the deal it is a bit of a
stretch to think that it will be rejected by them
simply because the promise of prosperity has

been attached along with immediate, substan-
tial, financial inducements.

According to Premier Clark the rest of the
citizenry of British Columbia Is not to receive
an opportunity to pass judgement on this deal.
They are patted on the head like children and
told this agreement, crafted behind closed doors

byp bureaucrats, saad will change the face of

. ovation and individ-

British Columbia forever, must just be accepted -

— that there is no choice.

No matter that the Nisga’a deal is a template
for dozens more treaty’s yet to be negotiated; no
matter that public views were neither sought nor
reflected in the negotiations; no matter that
those lofty democratic principles which history
repeatedly instructs us are absolute prerequisite
to wealth creation, self-sufficiency and social
welt being are almost totally absent. The public
is just supposed to accept this ill-conceived
manifestation of modern social engineering.

We break with democracy and democratic
principles at our peril. History is an unrelenting
uncompromising judge of human behaviour and
we humans have recorded enough of it so as to
have an invaluable resource at our disposal.

History allows us to make authoritative
predictions of outcomes for various human ac-
tions with a great deal of certainty as a result.

Based on history, the Nisga’a Treaty will most
assuredly insulate Nisga'a Central Government
from the needs of or-
dinary Nisga’a |
people, make demo-
cratic and fiscal ac-
countability almost
impossible to
achieve and entrench
inequality and pro-
mote racial discord
as 8 consequence,

It will also set im-
mutable barriers to |
wealth creation, in-

wal achievement,
At best it will come _——

to be seen in time as Mike Scott

one more very regrettable and unnecessary con-
tribution to aboriginal dependence and econom-
ic stagnalion. At worst it will foment conflict
along racial lines. Hither way it is individual
Nisga’a people, particularly those living on

.reserve, who will ultimately pay the biggest

price for governmental folly,

The Mail Bag

B.C.’s new alphabet

Dear Sir:

The new NDP ABC’s ..

A— is for Alberta; Where all the jobs have gone

B — is for the Budget Lies; It just goes on and on

C — is for Commonwealth; Where all the rules did
bend

D — is for Deficit; When will it ever end?

E — is for Economy; The worst in all the land

F — is for FRBC; It didn’t work as planned

G — is for the Gag Law; You cannet have your say

H — is for Health Care; Just try and see your Doc
today.

I — is for Hydro International; It was a gravy train

J — is for Jobs; There are none, it is plain

K — is for Kemano; Where the government reneged

L — is for the Labour Laws; They make investors
feel afraid

M — is for Mo; From his clients he did steal

N — is for Northern Commissioner; It was a back-
house deal

O — is for Offloading; The height of government
snobbery.
he — is for Photo Radar; The modern highway rab-

ry

Q — is for Quotas; We cannot sell our lumber

R — is for Recession; The result of Glen Clark's
blunder ’

S — is for Stupich; In court he'll have-his day

T — is for Taxes; In BC you pay and pay .

U — is for User Fees; To these we should take axes '

V — is for Very High; Think stumpages andtaxes «

W — is for Welfare; Under NDP it’s doubled .

X — is for Xenophobia; A sign the Premier’ 8

troubled

Y — is for Yankees; Whom premier Glen Clark:
flaunts.
Z — is for Zirnhelt; Government can do whatever it
‘wanis.
Lorne Sexton, Terrace, BC.
(received via e-mail);

Thumbs up to drivers °

Dear Sir: \

In the thirteen years I have lived in Terrace I have:
written three letters to the editor, all negative toward:
other people or companies. Not this time!

I would like to publicly thank the nameless, kind and!
thoughtful people whom have shown me that there are’
still lot of courteous people out there on the roads.

I drive truck fora large local chip hauling company, .
and one of the hardest things each trip is to get out of"
the government weigh scales at the four-way stop.
Recently I have noticed that more people than not stop,
on the highway and let us exit the scales so we are not
sitting there for what sometimes could be five or ten’
minutes during rush hour.

This may not seem Hke very much to some people, .
but for us, who are out on the road for long hours (10-'
14), it means quite a lot!

Of all the towns in the northwest, Terrace has the |
most courteous drivers by far! I wish the people living ; ‘
in the Cablecar subdivision in Kitimat would come
over and take lessons from Terrace’s drivers. .

. Thanks to the courteous drivers of Terrace, not. only
for myself, but for all the truck drivers that I work with.

Brad Mazurak, Terrace, B.C.
(received via e-mail)

Passport to history

Dear Sir:

I would like to respond to your recent editorial on the
B.C. Heritage‘Passport program.

British Columbia has more than 230 historic sites,
museums and other heritage attractions of all kinds and

- sizes. Thirteen of these are government-operated ‘

facilities that are open to the public, and all are of great! |
importance in telling the story of B.C.’s past. y)

- Through our B.C. Heritage Passport promotion, we *
offer discounted tickets to the heritage sites we own j
and operate. While government cannot give discounts ,
for sites it does not own, there’s no question that more ,
creative partnerships among historic sites, tourism as- *
sociations, various levels of government and the pri-
vate sector can help ensure that community heritage is -
preserved and presented to residents and visitors alike. F

While agreements like this may be a possibility for '
the future, this year’s new Heritage Passport program is > .
a good start and helps profile B.C. heritage propertics.

A Heritage British Columbia map, available for sale
through the ministry and the Heritage Society of B.C.,-
can guide travellers to many of B.C.’s wonderful . :
heritage atiractions.

As minister responsible for tourism and culture, I ene
courage all British Columbians to know the stories that
shape this prevince and to take pride in owr heritage. +

Tan G. Waddell, Minister of Tourism, .
Victoria, B.C, ’

Doctors get support |

Dear Sir:

Health minister Penny Priddy was on BCTV recently ,
ranting and raving about the doctors suspending their
services for a week.

1 support the doctors. Ms. Priddy claims they are ac-,
ting irresponsible. The government is the one acting ir-
responsible. Just because they happen to be doctors,
why should they work overtime for nothing?

When I was working, if] worked overtime I got paid.
IfI didn’t get paid I didn’t work. Simple as that.

The government says there’s no moncy for schools,

. hospitals, teaching the young grades music, I won’t call

them liars but they can sure fracture the truth,

When it comes to big, fancy court houses and high
class country club style jails in Prince George, there
doesn’t seem to me any shortage of money,

Lindesay Burnett, Terrace, B.C,

The Terrace Standard welcomes letters to the editor.
Our deadline is noon Friday for the following Wed-
nesday’s issue. Our mailing address is 3210 Clinton
St, Terrace, B.C. V8G §R2. Our fax number is 250-~
638-8432, We particularly welcome letters via e-mail.
Our e-mail address is
standard@kermode.net

More letters, Page AG —