The Simpcw First Nation is opposing the new Raven totem pole scheduled to be raised in Jasper next summer, claiming it is an infringement on their aboriginal rights and title to the land.

Simpcw First Nation Chief Keith Matthew said the nation was not consulted about the new Raven pole, or the original pole, which are not a part of the Simpcw heritage.

“It’s not representative of our culture,” Matthew said. 

Chief Matthew said the Simpcw don’t have an issue with the Haida creating the pole, but with Parks Canada and the federal government for ignoring the Simpcw and not recognizing the cultural values their people offer the land.

“It’s about the reconciliation of a wrong against our community,” Matthew said. “To deny our presence is a misrepresentation of history.”

He said Parks Canada is ignoring the significance of the Simpcw by commissioning other symbols.

Jasper National Park Superintendent Greg Fenton said he was surprised by the announcement, as the Simpcw First Nation participated in the Aboriginal Forum and were fully aware of the Raven totem announcements during the past year.

“They had representation at the Jasper Aboriginal Forum and received information about the pole and the need to work with other aboriginal groups,” Fenton said.

However, Matthew said the aboriginal forum is not the proper avenue for such negotiations, and he’s calling for an open discussion to rectify the situation through bilateral talks. The Simpcw are upset their title to the land was erased through the creation of the national park.

The federal government extinguished aboriginal title on national park land a hundred years ago. The Simpcw were not a part of the numbered treaties, thus were not involved in those talks. However, Fenton said it is a blanket policy of the federal government. 

“This policy is consistent across the country,” he said.

While this means First Nations People cannot hunt in the park, Fenton said Jasper National Park is trying to reach out and offer opportunities to First Nations people.

The Simpcw First Nation currently has about 600 residents living near Barriere, British Columbia. They did march in the Canada Day parade, and Matthew said they will increase their presence in Jasper.

“We will be there on a regular basis,” Matthew said. The Simpcw would also like archeological research completed in the park to determine where their people used the park. Currently, oral history is used to confirm their place on the land.

Fenton agreed to meet with the Simpcw a year ago, but he has been unable to fulfill that obligation. He told the Fizhugh he will meet with the Simpcw during the coming months, and he’s confident a resolution can be found.

Jasper National Park does recognize the Simpcw First Nation’s stance that portions of the park are a part of their traditional land, Fenton said, and if there is a rights complaint, the Simpcw know the proper avenues to follow, he added.

The recently-passed Jasper National Park Management Plan calls for greater involvement with First Nations people.

Chief Matthew said parts of Jasper National Park were used as a wintering ground by his people before the creation of the park. They were not compensated for the loss of their traditional territory, which stretches through large sections of British Columbia and Alberta.

The pole was originally scheduled to be raised this summer, however Haida carvers have pushed back the completion date until 2011. In the meantime, various aboriginal groups are in negotiations about the totem, determining protocol for such an arrangement.

Haida leader Guujaaw could not be reached for comment, however he’s mentioned in the past the totem should be considered a work of art, as Haida totems appear around the globe.