Editor:
Thanks to Firth Bateman and Curt Chilcott for their letters giving a more balanced and hopeful view towards better relations between Delta and Tsawwassen First Nation than was the frustration unfortunately expressed by many Delta councillors on May 7 after hearing the report on TFN traffic impacts.
The Optimist headline from May 9, Traffic impacts to be 'insane,' was a clear indication of the serious level of disconnect between neighbours.
The development of Tsawwassen First Nation land does present a considerable challenge for Delta and for good neighbour relations between the two jurisdictions and communities.
Much of the current difficulty and concern in Delta about TFN land plans and shopping malls are the direct result of a long standing disconnect between Delta and TFN.
Good neighbours can talk to each other in a spirit of cooperation and trust with the goal to help one another.
On May 15, 1991, in an historic event, the Tsawwassen First Nation chief, council and many members came to Benediction Lutheran Church for the Chewassen Que Quel Tsawwassen Assembly.
This was a cooperative project to Que Quel (to talk in assembly) in the Coast Salish Halkomelem language. This event was attended by Delta mayor, council, MP, MLA and all local dignitaries, as well as over 400 neighbours, to hear Tsawwassen First Nation members explain their community.
The Que Quel goal was to get to know each other. The second step now is to help one another.
Can we continue on this path to get to know our neighbours and to help one another? This certainly is the only way to prosper together.
Carol Vignale
