Cowichan Tribes Chief William Seymore says he’s pleased to see a partially-built home on Grace Islet, just off Salt Spring Island, being carefully deconstructed.
Grace Islet is a sacred burial site. After First Nations raised concerns about its significance, the province bought it from the land owner and transferred it to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Seymore says removing the frame of the house is expected to take 6-8 weeks.
Seymore says there are many gulf islands with First Nations burial sites that are culturally significant.
He says he’s glad the burial site on Grace Islet is being protected, but he hopes it’s not a one-time deal.
Seymore says he and other Chiefs across the country would like to see the Heritage Act changed to protect other sacred burial sites.
