The eviction of the ‘campers’ at Cheanuh campsite is an emotionally charged one.
Long term residents of the site, some for decades, worked and lived side-by-side with Scai’new band members, forming relationships that bonded them through times of celebrations, and times of hardships.
An abrupt 30-day eviction (and confiscation) notice and a “Back it up and hitch it up” attitude is how band leadership chose to end those relationships.
The transition from Cheanuh for those who made it their primary home could have been so much more respectful. Why didn’t the band have the members of the camp ground community meet with them to tell them plans to develop were in the works? Give the ‘campers’ a year to make the transition, dismantle and salvage some of their investment, and let the band say good bye to those who had deep friendships so that they could treasure their last summer at Cheanuh?
Nothing will completely reverse the disrespect for those who have been treated so unfairly.
But extending the eviction time frame would be a place to start.
Janice St. John
East Sooke
