Category Archives: Indigenous Nations

Indigenous Nations

Squamish Nation regains 20,000 hectares of ancestral land

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By Ina Pace, The Squamish Chief, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For the video, see: https://www.squamishchief.com/local-news/icymi-squamish-nation-regains-20000-hectares-of-ancestral-land-10871229

Two decades of planning and negotiations result in an historic land use agreement with the province.

History was made Thursday with a massive land agreement between the province and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

Continue reading Squamish Nation regains 20,000 hectares of ancestral land →
Energy, Indigenous Nations

‘A long, hot summer’: B.C.’s approval of PRGT pipeline sets stage for conflict, First Nations leader says

Matt Simmons – The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporte

The British Columbia government gave a green light to an 800-kilometre natural gas pipeline on Thursday, paving the way for construction to start this summer — and setting the stage for what one First Nations leader warns could be a “long, hot summer” of conflict. 

Continue reading ‘A long, hot summer’: B.C.’s approval of PRGT pipeline sets stage for conflict, First Nations leader says →
Indigenous Nations

With land transfer deal, once-displaced Lyackson First Nation prepares to return home

By  Julie Chadwick, IndigiNews,, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After fighting to reestablish its main village site for more than four generations, the Lyackson First Nation is mapping out a new and hopeful future.

The “Vancouver Island” community of roughly 230 people has regained ownership of a 312-hectare land parcel alongside Cowichan Tribes — building on decades of advocacy and work to regain what was lost during colonization.

“This village site will forever change the trajectory of the Leey’qsun Mustimuhw for our community today and future generations,” said Lyackson Chief Laxele’wuts’aat Chief Shana Thomas on May 22.

Continue reading With land transfer deal, once-displaced Lyackson First Nation prepares to return home →
Energy, Indigenous Nations

A ‘foot in the door’: BC First Nations buy into Enbridge pipeline

By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For decades, a natural gas pipeline has cut through the territories of dozens of First Nations in BC — moving billions of dollars’ worth of gas with zero ownership and little return to the communities.

Now, 36 First Nations have bought in.

“For decades, the nations have watched resources leave their communities with very minimal benefit,” said Justin Napoleon, from Saulteau First Nation and director of Stonlasec8, a newly formed, Indigenous-owned, limited partnership made up of 36 First Nations in BC, including Treaty 8 members. 

In a landmark deal announced today, Stonlasec8 revealed its plan to invest approximately $715 million to acquire a 12.5 per cent ownership in Enbridge Inc.’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system that stretches from BC’s remote northeast to the US-Canada border.

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Indigenous Nations, Justice

Reshaping a B.C. court to include Indigenous values

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

Tofino, B.C. – Direct efforts are underway to address the distrust and problematic history First Nations face within Canada’s justice system.

At the beginning of May, Tofino Provincial Court was relocated from the Tofino Community Hall to the Tin Wis Conference Centre on Tla-o-qui-aht-First Nations traditional territory. Court will continue to be held at this new location on Tla-o-qui-aht land for the next few years.

Tin Wis is the former site of Christie Indian Residential School.

“It used to be the gymnasium of the residential school. It holds a lot of significance,” said Tla-o-qui-aht Justice Manager Curtis Joseph (Tayiisimčił).

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