Dear North Cowichan Mayor, Council and Planning Staff and community members,

After being able to scan the Madrone report quickly, I see it is
consistent with my position that their Archaeology assessment
was limited in assessing cultural significance and that involvement
of local First Nations is essential to understand the cultural elements
and significance of the land under question, for appropriate land use
decisions.

I draw your attention specifically to Section 5.4  on page 58,
second paragraph which recommends a "consulation program be carried
out with local First Nations" and that a traditional use study be carried
out. Of course "traditional use study" is one type of sociocultural
assessment.

The term "traditional use study" is seen as rather dated today but still
communicates the point that unless First Nations are engaged, there
is information unknown, and it is not possible to answer the question
of what are the impacts of development.

I also note that Madrone's report is consistent with my point that
some important plant species are not visible at this time of year
and so an assessment in the spring/summer season is essential.

I certainly look forward to further discussions in this regard
upon my return from my international meetings and to learning of your
important upcoming discussions at the Information Meeting
in November. I regret not being able to attend in person.

In the interim, please take this email as my continued public
expression of interest in Echo Heights and support for the
health, in all its forms, of local communities in the area.

Kind regards,
Kelly Bannister