By Radha Agarwal, Delta Optimist, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Drawing on nearly two decades of self-governance, Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is endorsing the ratification of the K’ómoks and Kitselas Final Agreements.
The Nation asserts that the success of these new treaties is a vital legal precedent required to unlock TFN’s own pending treaty modifications.
Continue reading Tsawwassen backs K’ómoks and Kitselas ratification amid mounting territorial disputes
By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Ottawa’s $412-million salmon recovery program offers a lifeline to BC’s struggling fisheries — but comes at the same time budget cuts are dismantling monitoring systems conservationists, experts and First Nations say are essential to protect them.
Continue reading Ottawa’s renewed salmon funding spawns both hope and skepticism
By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Disagreements over a proposal to build a pipeline to the BC coast has ignited a debate over who has the right to speak on behalf of First Nations.
After Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a memorandum of understanding with Alberta to advance a new bitumen pipeline to the Pacific coast, he met with Coastal First Nations (CFN) leaders in January.
BC Conservative leadership candidate Yuri Fulmer jumped in on X (formerly Twitter) to label CFN “just an advocacy group,” like a brand name. Fulmer claimed it is funded by foreign anti-energy groups and said if he becomes premier he will ban any foreign-funded organizations that attempt to influence BC politics.
Continue reading Coastal First Nations hit back after pundits and politicians challenge its legitimacy in pipeline debate
By Radha Agarwal, Prince Rupert Northern View, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.
Indicating a united front before the Lax Kw’alaams votes on its landmark constitution, the hereditary leaders of the Allied Ts’msyen Tribes and the Lax Kw’alaams elected council have officially signed a Governance Accord.
“Our Allied Tribes leaders have rightful authority, and we (the elected leadership) need to work closely together,” said Lax Kw’alaams mayor Garry Reece.
Lax Kw’alaams consists of descendants from the Nine Tribes of the Ts’msyen, which include the Gitlaan, Gispaxlo’ots, Gilutz’aaẅ, Gitandoa, Gitnadoixs, Ginax’angiik, Gits’iis, Gitzaxłaał, and the Gitwilgyoots. It has approximately 4,150 members and is located on the northwest coast of British Columbia near Prince Rupert.
Continue reading Lax Kw’alaams elected, hereditary leaders sign accord ahead of historic referendumBy Radha Agarwal, Prince Rupert Northern View, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Citing a history of cultural faux pas, the Gits’iis Tribe of the Ts’msyen Nation, whose ancestral lands encompass the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre site, is demanding the removal of the three totem poles outside it.
“These poles came [to Prince Rupert]. They had no business being here,” said Guu Gaa Jung (Symbia Barnaby).
Continue reading Gits’iis Tribe calls for removal of totem poles outside Prince Rupert’s Civic Centre
