Rancher gifts land to First Nation during title and rights ceremony
“He said ‘I’m 86 years old and I can’t look after the land anymore,’ and I want to give it to your people,” Belleau said. “He said ‘it was always your land, I’m giving it back to the people. I thought ‘wow’.”
In a surprise move a Cariboo rancher has donated his land to Esk’etemc (Alkali Lake) First Nation after being a neighbour of the community for more than 50 years.
Kenneth Linde, 86, bought the land in 1961 and is giving 50 per cent of 640 acres, the woodlot and the water rights to Esk’etemc. Grand Chief Ed John described Linde’s gesture as a “remarkable act of reconciliation.”
“It’s significant because now there’s dialogue in this country about reconciliation and rather than talking about it he is doing something about it,” John said.
Chief Charlene Belleau announced Linde’s gift during a declaration of Esk’etemc title and rights ceremony and celebration held Monday, May 8 in the community at the Sxoxomic Gymnasium.
Belleau said Linde had called the band office asking her to meet him at his ranch and surprised her with his offer. As he stood there draped in a blanket presented to him by the community, the community honoured him with a song, hugs and handshakes.
White Wolf : Rancher gifts land to First Nation during title and rights ceremony
“He said ‘I’m 86 years old and I can’t look after the land anymore,’ and I want to give it to your people,” Belleau said. “He said ‘it was always your land, I’m giving it back to the people. I thought ‘wow’.”
In a surprise move a Cariboo rancher has donated his land to Esk’etemc (Alkali Lake) First Nation after being a neighbour of the community for more than 50 years.
Kenneth Linde, 86, bought the land in 1961 and is giving 50 per cent of 640 acres, the woodlot and the water rights to Esk’etemc. Grand Chief Ed John described Linde’s gesture as a “remarkable act of reconciliation.”
“It’s significant because now there’s dialogue in this country about reconciliation and rather than talking about it he is doing something about it,” John said.
Chief Charlene Belleau announced Linde’s gift during a declaration of Esk’etemc title and rights ceremony and celebration held Monday, May 8 in the community at the Sxoxomic Gymnasium.
Belleau said Linde had called the band office asking her to meet him at his ranch and surprised her with his offer. As he stood there draped in a blanket presented to him by the community, the community honoured him with a song, hugs and handshakes.
White Wolf : Rancher gifts land to First Nation during title and rights ceremony
