Being called to “witness” in the Coast Salish tradition is a sacred honour.

Bearing witness by a “hired” Speaker carries responsibilities and duty.

As a witness, they are to listen and watch the “work” that is going to take place.

They are to carry the message back to their home community.

If, in the future, or at any time in their life, there is a concern over what took place,

they, as witnesses,

have to recall what they have heard and seen with regard to the event.

 —from the Squamish Nation Assertion of Aboriginal Title