The Squamish Nation communications department was busy this past week, fielding calls from the media asking about the supposed return of a hereditary chief and the apparent storming of a council meeting last Friday (May 23), and the eviction of chiefs and council members from the band's office."The Squamish Nation has received a number of media calls today, apparently on account of a press release issued by Gerald Johnston, a Squamish Nation member who claims to be a hereditary chief," read a response from the Squamish Nation.Johnston, who the press release says "suffers from delusions and appears to be under the influence of disgruntled non-aboriginal people from the Downtown Eastside", claims his name is Chief Kiapilano, although he is not recognized by the Squamish Nation as such. In January, the British Columbia Supreme Court held that Mr. Johnston was not entitled to represent the Squamish Nation.Johnston issued a statement May 23 which said, "Hereditary Squamish Chief Kiapilano and a dozen supporters occupied the offices of the state-funded 'Squamish Band Council' in North Vancouver, and ordered the eviction of the entire band council."But the Squamish Nation said the event was far less dramatic than presented by Johnston in his release and on his website www.jointhefederation.org."Today, Mr. Johnston and several non-aboriginal people came to the Squamish Nation offices and claimed to evict the elected Council and the staff. However, his demand was ignored and he left the premises without incident when requested by the RCMP."Johnston is also one of a group who disrupted Easter services at Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver in March. His press release said he and others "initiated these actions by posting eviction notices on the Roman Catholic, Anglican and United churches in downtown Vancouver, ordering them off Squamish land." Johnston has promised "further occupations of church and government buildings will continue on June 1 and indefinitely, until those responsible for genocide of native people are brought to justice."
