All posts by Guest Post

Indigenous Nations

Squamish Nation to unveil 25-year roadmap for the future

Editor’s note: A First Nation’s vision for the future and its political relationship with the larger community.

By Bhagyashree Chatterjee, The Squamish Chief, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Building a future that lasts generations takes time, trust, and a plan. On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) will unveil its Úxwumixw 2050 Generational Plan—a vision for the next 25 years aimed at strengthening the Nation’s connection to its people, land, and culture.

Continue reading Squamish Nation to unveil 25-year roadmap for the future →
Politics

Candidates are making election promises on behalf of ecosystems that can’t vote

By Sidney Coles, Capital Daily, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The future of the natural systems we rely on to meet our basic needs—food, water, and shelter is being rolled into campaign promises made by sitting and would-be MLAs across the CRD.  In the run-up to the Oct. 19 election, it’s important to remember that these ecological systems aren’t constrained by riding or ideological boundaries. They will be constrained, however, by environmental policies that impact them, and so impact us all.

Because of their overarching effect on the way we live, work, play, and sustain ourselves, campaign promises concerning the environment and climate should trump all, but they don’t.  It’s understandable that as people struggle to pay rent, mortgage, heating, and grocery bills each month, it’s easy to forget the horrifying impacts of the 2021 heat dome in which 619 people in BC died and the disruptions the washout along the Malahat Highway caused that same year.

Continue reading Candidates are making election promises on behalf of ecosystems that can’t vote →
Education, Health, Housing

‘Tis the season for promises ahead of this weekend’s BC election

By Sidney Coles, Capital Daily, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Come election season, politicians seeking reelection or office for the first time make a lot of promises. Some we know they’ll keep. Others? It depends. Politicians make promises because they will impact voters’ beliefs about the policies they will implement if elected and serve as an indicator of their capabilities to govern. Incumbents have the advantage of the rearview mirror. They can ask voters to look at past performance. Even freshmen candidates for an incumbent  party seeking to prove their mettle to constituents can bank on that party’s record, in part or in whole—but that also means being accountable for the promises it has broken. In all cases, promises are a kind of promissory note in exchange for representation.

Continue reading ‘Tis the season for promises ahead of this weekend’s BC election →
Indigenous Nations, Sports, Youth

Vancouver Island Indigenous Snowboard and Ski Team recruiting new athletes, mentors

By Nora O’Malley, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Vancouver Island, B.C. – Up Mount Washington, Indigenous youth can ride through the trees or sit and throw snowballs – it’s all about having fun and being free for members of the Vancouver Island Indigenous Snowboard and Ski Team.

The recreation-focused, 100 per cent volunteer driven snowboard and ski team is accepting applications from Vancouver Island-based Indigenous youth ages 12 to 17 until Nov. 12. Members receive a pass to Mount Washington Ski Resort for the 2024-2025 season, access to gear if they need, plus holistic training that promotes healthy living and long-term love for the sport.

Continue reading Vancouver Island Indigenous Snowboard and Ski Team recruiting new athletes, mentors →
Indigenous Nations, Politics

OPEN LETTER: Message from Grand Chief Phillip, Chief Tom and Chief Slett to Allied Organizations re B.C. Election

Dear friends and allied organizations in the environmental movement,

The B.C. provincial election is October 19th, and we are asking you to vote for the B.C. NDP, to ensure that Indigenous rights are not rolled back and that we can work together to address the climate emergency.

Continue reading OPEN LETTER: Message from Grand Chief Phillip, Chief Tom and Chief Slett to Allied Organizations re B.C. Election →