Thetis LTC Regular Meeting Minutes

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ADOPTED 
Thetis Island ADOPTED 1 
Local Trust Committee 
August 20, 2019 
 
Thetis Island Local Trust Committee 
Minutes of Regular Meeting 
Date: 
Location: 
August 20, 2019 
Royal Canadian Legion 
9775 Chemainus Road 
Chemainus, BC 
 
Members Present: Laura Patrick, Chair 
Doug Fenton, Local Trustee 
Peter Luckham, Local Trustee 
Staff Present: Marnie Eggen, Acting Regional Planning Manager 
Penny Hawley, Recorder 
  
Others Present: Lynne Smith, Electoral Area G Director 
Jim Chisholm, Band Manager, Penelakut Tribe 
Auggie & Laura Sylvestre, Elder, Penelakut Tribe 
Approximately 40 members of the public 
1. CALL TO ORDER 
"Please note, the order of agenda items may be modified during the meeting. Times are provided 
for convenience only and are subject to change." 
Chair Patrick called the meeting to order at 9:15 am. She acknowledged that the meeting was 
being held in the territory of the Coast Salish First Nations.  Jim Chisholm, Band Manager, 
Penelakut Tribe was invited to introduce members of the Penelakut Tribe in attendance. 
Mr. Chisholm provided background about Moore Hill and the duty to consult and meaningfully 
engage with Penelakut First Nation.  He said at this time no consultation has occurred yet with 
Telus or others regarding the proposed Telus tower. Chief Joan Brown sent a letter to Telus and 
the Local Trust Committee wanting an immediate stop to any decisions regarding the proposal 
until meaningful engagement takes place with the Penelakut Chief and Council.  
 
Elder Auggie Sylvester explained the significant cultural and spiritual value of the Moore Hill 
area to the Penelakut Tribe. Penelakut ancestors (loved ones) were buried in a cave in and 
around the Moore Hill area, but their burial boxes were removed by the BC museum and 
perhaps it is time that they are returned. Stone dishes are there and should be looked 
after.  Elder Sylvester explained the sacred and cultural significance of the location and how the 
area should not be disturbed. 
 
Elder Sylvester also explained that First Nations had in the past a canal between Thetis Island 
and Penelakut Island so there was no need to row around the island which had been impacted 
by settlement.  Also, there is another graveyard at the ferry landing on Thetis Island which was 
greatly impacted with the development of the ferry dock.  The long houses were located near 
the existing Capernwray building and were removed.  Each of these impacts greatly affected the 
well-being of the Penelakut People and at that time no consultation or meaningful engagement 
took place. 

ADOPTED 
Thetis Island ADOPTED 2 
Local Trust Committee 
August 20, 2019 
Chair Patrick thanked the Penelakut members for their presentation. She made introductions of 
the Trustees and staff and read out the terms of the meeting and adjusted the Agenda to add 
late items. 
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 
The following additions to the agenda were presented for consideration: 
11.2 Trustee Fenton to attend Union

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