Tag Archives: Tŝilhqot’in Nation

Forests, Indigenous Nations

Indigenous Peoples are more protective of forests and biodiversity, study finds

A new UBC led study of 111 peer-reviewed papers found that forests and biodiversity are better, or at least equally, protected if they are managed by Indigenous peoples. Between 2005 and 2012, vegetation loss in native areas of the Brazilian Amazon was 17 times lower. In Australia, 60% of the nation’s 1,574 threatened species were found on Indigenous lands. In the United States, Indigenous lands harbour more mature trees and higher tree volume. Close to two-thirds of the articles noted that Indigenous peoples were themselves threatened, and some offered suggestions to either provide resources or strengthen their tenure over the land. While little of the material dealt with British Columbia, lead author William Nikolakis has worked with First Nations in the Interior and was prepared to comment.   

Continue reading Indigenous Peoples are more protective of forests and biodiversity, study finds →
Indigenous Nations

Cariboo nation calls B.C. out on misinformation about Aboriginal title

By Andie Mollins, The Williams Lake Tribune, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is calling on governments to set the facts straight around Aboriginal title and to stop what TNG calls fear-mongering.

“It’s been working well, it’s been happening for 11 years…I don’t know why B.C. is not coming forward and sharing those facts” said Jenny Philbrick, executive director of the TNG, about the nation’s own declaration of title.

Continue reading Cariboo nation calls B.C. out on misinformation about Aboriginal title →
Indigenous Nations History

Study finds pit houses in B.C.’s Chilcotin ‘older than the pyramids’

By Andie Mollins, The Williams Lake Tribune, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Archaeological evidence collected in the first phase of a cultural heritage study suggests the historical presence of the Secwépemc in the Chilcotin was larger than once thought. 

Conducted by Williams Lake First Nation, Esk’etemc and Inlailawatash LP, the study is an urgent response to the Chilcotin Landslide to collect and preserve historical data at risk of being lost forever. 

Continue reading Study finds pit houses in B.C.’s Chilcotin ‘older than the pyramids’ →
Health, Indigenous Nations

First Nations grapple with COVID-19

the Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As of July 31, the percentage of First Nations individuals living on reserve reported positive for COVID-19 was one-quarter of the rate of the general Canadian population, according to Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). “The work that communities have done, to ensure the safety of their citizens, of their Elders and of their communities generally has been phenomenal,” says Dr. Shannon McDonald, who is the Chief Medical Officer at the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). McDonald is Metis and Anishinabe, and introduces herself as a guest on Tsawout territory. But as COVID-19 cases continue to increase across B.C., several First Nations have also announced increasing numbers of positive COVID-19 cases.

Continue reading First Nations grapple with COVID-19 →
Health

COVID 19 rates of Indigenous peoples living on reserve is one quarter of the general populations

the Discourse, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

First Nations individuals living on reserve had COVID-19 rates that were one quarter of the rate of the general population — what can be learned from this?

Continue reading COVID 19 rates of Indigenous peoples living on reserve is one quarter of the general populations →