Category Archives: Indigenous Nations

Cost of Climate Change, Indigenous Nations, Water

Feds invest $117 million to protect drinking water on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

More than $117 million in infrastructure funding will be unleashed to address water woes on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast, the federal government announced on Thursday. 

The shíshálh Nation will head up the project along with the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) to upgrade the region’s water treatment plant and construct two large storage reservoirs in the Chapman Creek watershed.

Drinking water in the region, which is on B.C.’s southern coast and includes the municipalities of Sechelt and Gibsons, is under threat from a constant string of summer droughts. 

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Indigenous Nations

Trudeau did more towards reconciliation than all of his predecessors, First Nations Leader says

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

In remembering Justin Trudeau’s leadership, the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) says it intends to continue working with Canada’s political leaders towards reconciliation.  

In a press release dated Jan. 7, Nits’ilʔin (Chief) and TNG Tribal Chair Joe Alphonse said Trudeau has done more towards reconciliation than all his predecessors combined.  

“From the day he took office, Trudeau made Indigenous issues a national priority, and, for that, he will always be honoured.” 

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Indigenous Nations

Investigating the Bigfoot phenomenon by marrying traditional knowledge with science

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

This story starts down an abandoned forest service road deep in central Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations territory on Vancouver Island. It was fall, two or three years ago. Tyee Wilson Jack was bucking up a log for firewood when he saw something move on the right side of his periphery.

“Did something just stand up?” thought the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ (Ucluelet First Nation) Hereditary Chief. “I didn’t want to turn my head, but I moved my eyes. I swore. It’s a frickin’ Pookemis.”

“He’s just watching me,” Jack thought as he continued chopping, as he said to himself, “I’m not gonna panic. One more swing and I’m gonna look.”

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Indigenous Nations

B.C. demonstrates lack of commitment to UNDRIP: Xatśūll First Nation

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

Xatśūll First Nation is calling on the province of B.C. to clarify its stance on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). 

This is following the government’s approval of the Cariboo Gold Project in Wells which spans across several First Nation territories, including Xatśūll’s.  

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Indigenous Nations

Mowachaht/Muchalaht launch Aboriginal title claim against the province

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

Victoria, BC – Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation (MMFN) is taking the Government of British Columbia to court in pursuit of self-governance and land stewardship of their unceded traditional territory. 

Tyee Ha’wilth Mike Maquinna and Ha’wilth Jerry Jack announced on Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria that they are a filing a title claim in the British Columbia Supreme Court. The First Nations seeks a declaration of Aboriginal title and monetary compensation for the infringement to their historical lands.

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