Understanding The Voice
It is with a sense of hope; and, further, with the support of patience that these publications of The Salishan Echo will be issued.
Whenever people – the society of individuals – gather, and share ideas and concerns there will evolve a consensus.
Today, as in the 10,000 year history of the Salish Peoples, there is a need to understand how the governance of people is constructed and regulated.
The decision to create a public protection and preservation of territory – both of the individual right to secure a home; and, the matter of a group of peoples deciding to regulate a certain territory – brings forth numerous demands and responsibilities upon those who will be citizens within this defined territory.
A regulated and known territory is a declaration of statehood. The Salishan People have traveled and regulated a known territory on the west coast of North America { Turtle Island ) for more than 5000 years – without relinquishment.
Over this historical period there have been visitors from other states and nations – both from Europe and Asia. And, these visitors have come with several different agendas.
The Asians, in the early 1400s, came to the shores of North America / Turtle Island with the protocol of adventure and discovery; without the mandate of conquest.
In 1405 Zheng He, the Chinese admiral, began a global sea expedition that lasted nearly 30 years; sailing out with 300 ships and 30,000 merchant mariners. They came to Turtle Island.
This was 80 years before the Columbus voyages from Europe.
Therefore, today – as with tomorrow - we are wise to consider things with an open mind … to understand how the history of Turtle Island and the Salishan People is relevant in a contemporary world where there is discussion and negotiation of rights and responsibilities – where Treaties are being written that will change this course of history.
As individuals within the Salishan Nation, it is very imperative to require a full disclosure of the Terms and Conditions of these “Treaties”; and, therein, also, to require a knowledge of the impact of the chosen words that will create a new mandate of Rights and Responsibilities between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples within the Salishan state. Gus Wen Tah embraces Peace, Friendship & Trust.
