UNITED WE STAND

Referendum Boycott Talking Circle, Squirrel Cove, BC.

On the evening of May 1, 2002, members of Klahoose First Nation joined in council with other Cortes citizens, to learn about alternative responses to the BC Referendum. Organizers of the event, Ann Mortifee and Dwayne Rourke, informed people of their choice to join with First Nations people in boycotting the referendum. They were joined by many who chose to send their ballots collectively to the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs. By doing so, they join forces with Chief Stewart Phillip, President of that Union who has stated:

"The referendum is playing on the uninformed majority about the constitutionally enshrined and judicially recognized Aboriginal Title and Rights that exist in this province. Democracy is much more than ballots being burned in protest, democracy is the recognition that the rights of the minority cannot be subjected to the majority in a 'amateurish' and clumsy process based on ambiguous questions with a preconceived outcome.

"We are working with the First Nations Summit, the United Native Nations and a growing coalition of political, labour, church and concerned citizens who adamantly oppose the referendum. We are collecting unsigned ballots throughout the province and will present them in protest to the provincial government at the conclusion of this immoral exercise".

Anyone wishing to have their ballot be a part of this boycott initiative may send their ballot to:

Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs
500 - 342 Water Street, 
Vancouver, BC, V6B-1B6
CANADA
Ph: 604.684.0231
Fx: 604.684.5726

If possible, leave the ballot blank, but complete and sign the
certification envelope.