mission statement (DRAFT VERSION)
We, the indigenous peoples of the Salish Sea our autonomous status as sovereign Tribes and First Nations and our inherent responsibility as protectors of our Mother Earth, will continue to speak with One Voice for the preservation, restoration, and protection of the Salish Sea Eco Region for the sustainability of our sacred inherent family rights and values that have been passed on to us by our ancestors.
sacred trust of the Coast Salish Peoples (DRAFT VERSION)
Together for the Salish Sea, 2006 CSG
The Coast Salish people are the owners of the Salish Sea. Our ancestors have passed down the traditional teachings of songs, dances, and spiritual ceremonies that depict our identity and strengths of our peoples. Our sacred trust has been given to us from our ancestors and defines our role as protectors of our Mother Earth. We are entrusted with the protection and sustainability of environment and natural resources of our ancestral lands and waters of the Salish Sea. Over the decades our lands and waters have been severely impact by pollution that affects our culture, food, health, and economy. Most importantly hurting our elders who have relied on these since the beginning of time and threatening the lifeways of our children’s future.
We have always defended and protect our ancestral lands and waters, we seek to acknowledge our sacred alliance so we may work together as one; as one proud nation. Our elders, leaders and community members have given us a strong message that our homelands and waters need to be protected, preserved and restored for future generations. With our commitment to our Sacred Trust we will work together with the six governing bodies of the Salish Sea to overcome the environmental challenges to our shared homelands.
To be approved and adopted as a non-formal mission and prologue
of the Coast Salish Gathering.
