Flagging tape and survey stakes within 5 metres of World-Class rock art.
I am shocked at the proximity of development to some of the finest petroglyphs in the world, those on Gabriola Island. In the picture to the left, I am standing between two clusters of flagging tape 5 metres from the petroglyph in the foreground, where there is also a wooden survey stake and shot rock on the ground. Development has already encroached within 30 metres of this amazing site since 2002 and shows no signs of stopping. This is an outrage and is completely unacceptable. I am not interested in whatever compromises or tradeoffs that led to this. We have known since the Stein River case – 20 years ago – that we cannot treat rock art as co-terminus with the design. Ethical archaeology requires that a buffer be provided around rock art and many other sites in order to ensure the character of the art is preserved. If the BC Heritage Conservation Art cannot protect this site, then as far as I am concerned, no site in British Columbia is safe.
To add insult to injury, the developers are using these petroglyphs, which if nothing else are the intellectual property of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, in their advertising. These developers, who go by the name “The Legends at Spirit Rock” are cynically suggesting there is spiritual benefit to living close to these ancient sites. Indeed, Oprah says so! They have a photogallery, which carefully does not show the blasted forest within 30 metres of the site.
As the advertising for the Gabriola Island development “Legends at Spirit Rock” says, “A community invigorated by the natural physical beauty of the land, forest, ocean and mountains, inspired by the significant spiritual, healing energy of the First Nations history, and enthused by the opportunity to live in a development that created a substantial environmental legacy. A community that embraces these values with homes of quality and expression of individual character and soul while promoting environmental preservation, respect for the land and its’ history, the neighbours, the community and the West Coast, Gulf Islands lifestyle …..The “Perfect Place to Live.”
Yes, the perfect place to live is within a few metres of these sites – here is the same petroglyph as above used as advertising fodder.
Petroglyphs are not lifestyle amenities nor advertising copy.
Note the metre stick — this is an archaeologist’s picture. Do they even own the copyright to this picture, let alone the art depicted? Do they say that they have flagged within 5 metres of this boulder? Do they note they have encroached on this world-class site? Do they tell people that there are hundreds of human burials known from within 500 metres of this place and that the occupants of the Legend at Spirit Rock will be living in a cemetery? Do they tell people that this development will channel not healing energy, but will induce grave spiritual danger for their clients?
This is so crass I can’t even begin to express it. Desecrating one of the most significant rock art sites in the Province does not allow you to claim there is “significant spiritual, healing energy of the First Nations history”. Have you no shame, Legends at Spirit Rock developers? Needless to say, I am raising this issue with the Archaeology Branch of the Government of BC. Something has gone terribly, terribly wrong. This is a case where the only response is a righteous anger and a deep and abiding shame.
This is awful! How can developers be allowed to build so close to a site like this, not to mention on a burial grounds. That is completely unethical.
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I don’t know, yet. A consulting archaeologist reviewed the development in relation to this site in 2002. Their recommendations went to the BC Government, and would have included advice on set-backs and so forth. The government implicitly accepts these recommendations when it processed the consultants report. The developer would have been instructed on appropriate behaviour. What the advice was, I am not yet sure. Nonetheless, either,
(a) the government allowed the development at this proximity in which case that is wrong, wrong, wrong, and reflects poorly on both them and on the consultant
or
(b) the developer did not follow the consultancy report, in which case they may have violated the Heritage Conservation Act
Unfortunately, no one seems interested in laying charges under the HCA and in this particular case it may well be too late since there is a short statute of limitations. I am looking into the sequence of events.
Either way, I hope anyone who buys a house here is haunted into an early grave.
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The developers of this site have pretty much alienated everyone on the island for their crass and overbearing manner. They are likely in serious financial dificulties due to the lack of sales – partially because most of their ‘ledgends’ development is within earshot of a rifle range. How romantic is that?
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I was invited to attend a ceremony about a month ago when three elders were invited to the petroglyph site to bless the site and welcome non-native people to the site. There is no development occurring in the vicinity of the site. The flags you mentioned have nothing to do with development. In fact, it is my understanding that approximately 30 acres around the site and the burial caves are being set aside for a centre dedicated to the preservation of First Nations cultures. I have the impression that the developers are going to great lengths to ensure that this sacred spot is protected and respected. I suggest that you visit the site in the presence of the developers and find out what is really going on.
Thank you for your suggestion.
Mr. Young neglected to tell you the Snunyemuxw disagree with the
burial ground and petroglyphs development. Ms. Borsuk had to hire
a native from out of province most likely from Alberta. As they are
currently seeking help from an Alberta Cree in order to pretend to be
honouring the “sacred site” I only hope that more people read Dr. Mackie’s
information and respect native culture.
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I agree with Dr. David Young, cultural anthropologist. The concept is to enlighten and stress the importance and power of native culture and spirituality, something that was lost on early settler society through their so-called responsible government, who chose to criminalize the culture and spirituality instead of recognizing the benefits. It is not too late. It is frustrating to hear people who claim to know what is happening, why it is happening, and how we should respond, when you know so little. Native culture is being respected and glorified. Why not choose to come to Gabriola and meet the owners and Dr. Young.? You would come away with a different perspective.