Dear Editor,
Biosolids are a combination of human and industrial waste accumulated from cities. The secretive systematic approach to dump biosolids in the beautiful Nicola Valley is disgusting. The First Nations people of the valley are shocked by the government’s tactic of allowing biosolids to be dumped on their territories. As a result, the First Nations communities are gathering to protest against the land application of biosolids. The biosolids could endanger the First Nations peoples’ traditional way of life by affecting their practices of food gathering such as fishing, hunting and picking wild medicinal herbs.
First Nations largely depend on fishing as their source of traditional food for the whole year. Biosolids affect fish and other aquatic life by potentially polluting the water quality of the rivers, lakes and creeks. First Nations’ people have to make every effort to protect their traditional food source by standing firmly against importing biosolids in the Nicola Valley.
Hunting for deer, moose, and elk is a way of life for First Nations’ people. Traditional foods such as deer, moose and elk are not processed food. This type of wild food is needed because diabetes is so high in aboriginal communities. Also, many First Nations people depend on eating wildlife as they live on a tight budget. Wildlife is also used for ceremonial purposes including funerals, and the hides are used for traditional drums and clothing. Biosolids may contain pollutants, odours, pathogens and harmful metals that can be dangerous to humans and wildlife.
Another traditional practice of First Nations people is picking wild medicine plants, herbs and berries. Biosolids are spread through the forests, jeopardizing the First Nations’ practices of eating forest berries and herbs. Biosolids could be harmful to wild plant growth. Hence, First Nations’ people must protect their precious wild vegetation to sustain their health and wellness by saying no to biosolids.
This waste might compromise the First Nations peoples’ traditional practices such as fishing, hunting and picking wild, medicinal vegetation. To make matters worse, government officials have kept this land application a secret from people. First Nations people should voice their opinions against the biosolids dumping on their territory. This movement needs not just aboriginals, but people of all backgrounds and cultures to unite and take action to combat biosolids.
Kay Swakum
Merritt
