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 disputesEditor’s Note: Four of the 17 First Nations supposedly belonging to the Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship asked that their names be removed when this organization was first announced. They were the Mamalilikulla, Namgis and Kwikwasutinuxw Haxwa’mis First Nations (collectively referred to as the “Broughton First Nations”) and the Klahoose First Nation. This was apparently not done.
By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Some BC First Nations want Ottawa to cancel its ban on open-net salmon farms and hand them the reins of a reformed system that could better protect both wild salmon and jobs in their communities.
Continue reading Some BC First Nations want to replace the salmon farming ban with their own system — and preserve jobs
Press release from the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
April 14, 2026– Hupacasath and Tseshaht Territories, Port Alberni, BC
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) is relieved to hear that amendments to DRIPA are paused while the Premier looks for support with chiefs and opposition MLA’s. We know it is not because he is listening to the First Nations who have spoken out against amending DRIPA but rather his need to find enough MLAs to support his amendments. The premier needs to drop this initiative.
NTC says to the Premier, now it is time to work with First Nations and find solutions to what he feels is a huge problem. We would like good faith negotiations in person and no negotiating through the media. Also no short meetings and turn around times to respond to BC’s position. We want co-developed solutions. NTC has always been willing to look at options other than amending DRIPA.
Continue reading DRIPA: Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Says Its Time to Set the Record Straight!
By Michelle Gamage, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Former chief coroner Lisa Lapointe recently criticized B.C.’s drug policies, saying the province’s approach to the ongoing toxic drug crisis is not evidence based.
Lapointe, who was B.C.’s longest-standing chief coroner and held the position for 13 years before retiring in 2024, was speaking as part of a new, ongoing webinar series, “Perspectives on 10 Years in Crisis,” hosted by the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition.
Continue reading BC’s Drug Response Isn’t Following the Evidence, Former Chief Coroner says
The lengthy legal battle over salmon farming in British Columbia’s Discovery Islands reached a significant milestone on January 29, 2026, when the Federal Court of Appeal dismissed a challenge by MOWI. This decision follows five years of tension that began when former Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan mandated the removal of all salmon farms from the region by mid-2022. While the industry complied with the order, they simultaneously pursued a series of lawsuits to overturn the government’s directives. Following their latest defeat, Mia Parker, MOWI’s director of environmental performance and certification, emailed media “While we are disappointed that the federal court of appeal did not find in our favour, we respect the findings of the court.”
Continue reading Federal Court of Appeal Dismisses Mowi’s Challenge
