“We are the ones that we are waiting for” - Governing Transboundary Waters: Canada, the United States, and Indigenous Communities - page 122

within the Coast Salish traditional territories (see Figures 6.2 and 6.3). This
declaration is important for a number of reasons. First, it declares that these rights
have existed since time immemorial. Second, it specifically outlines the terri-
tory of the Coast Salish region. Third, it commits the Salish Nations to govern
these resources for future generations with the spirit of sovereignty as a connected
nation:
We declare and affirm our Inalienable Right of Aboriginal Title of Aboriginal
Rights to the Lands, the Mountains, the Minerals, the Trees, the Lakes, the
Rivers, the Streams, the Air, and other Resources on our Land. We, Declare
that our Aboriginal title and rights have existed from time Immemorial, Exists
at the present time and shall exist for ALL Future TIME. We, Declare unto
ourselves that Sovereignty is Inherent in our NATION.
As a connected Nation, inherent rights and title to the land, water, and resources
are articulated. The signing members articulate their vision, territory, and
membership. This process is central to the rescaling process that includes aligning
themselves under a reconnected nation and agreeing to common terms.
Signing the drum declaration serves as a symbol of the leaders' commitment to
ongoing cooperation throughout the Salish Nation. As Tom Sampson reflected,
“Signing the drum was one of the best things that we have done. I believe there
is cause again to reaffirm that relationship”. “After all”, he continued, “that
continuity lies in the heart and minds of our people”. The drum continues to serve
an important role in the Salish Gatherings.
Uniting individual tribes and bands under a single Nation (represented as a
singular drum that declares and asserts the rights of a Nation) serves as a discursive
tool towards the “performativity” (and actualization) of unification. These
connections are reaffirmed every year, as the Coast Salish Gatherings rotate between
communities. The drum is displayed prominently at the meetings and referenced
frequently.
Self-determination and governance
Furthermore, the Gathering places the Salish people at the locus of power for the
management and protection of their natural environment. This organizational
structure reinforces a governance model in which Coast Salish people govern the
resources for their community. The Gatherings serve as a place for Coast Salish
community leaders to identify key priorities for the Coast Salish Nation. These
priorities are then brought back to the communities and integrated into localized
efforts. In addition, the Gatherings serve as an important place for information
exchange, and reaffirmation and revitalization of shared identity. The Gatherings
keep the momentum for the work ahead, and keep the goals aligned.
A growing number of scholars have written extensively on the need for
Indigenous communities to reclaim their governance mechanisms, breaking away
from systems that perpetuate a dependence on federal governments (Deloria, 1984;