Category Archives: Indigenous Nations

Indigenous Nations, Sports, Youth

Vancouver Island Indigenous Snowboard and Ski Team recruiting new athletes, mentors

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

Vancouver Island, B.C. – Up Mount Washington, Indigenous youth can ride through the trees or sit and throw snowballs – it’s all about having fun and being free for members of the Vancouver Island Indigenous Snowboard and Ski Team.

The recreation-focused, 100 per cent volunteer driven snowboard and ski team is accepting applications from Vancouver Island-based Indigenous youth ages 12 to 17 until Nov. 12. Members receive a pass to Mount Washington Ski Resort for the 2024-2025 season, access to gear if they need, plus holistic training that promotes healthy living and long-term love for the sport.

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Indigenous Nations, Politics

OPEN LETTER: Message from Grand Chief Phillip, Chief Tom and Chief Slett to Allied Organizations re B.C. Election

Dear friends and allied organizations in the environmental movement,

The B.C. provincial election is October 19th, and we are asking you to vote for the B.C. NDP, to ensure that Indigenous rights are not rolled back and that we can work together to address the climate emergency.

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Indigenous Nations, Politics

Rustad’s Indigenous policy announcement adds insult to injury, say First Nations

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

First Nations leaders are dismayed BC Conservative Leader John Rustad chose to announce his party’s proposed Indigenous policy on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. 

The national holiday is a day of mourning that honours children and the survivors of residential schools, and acknowledges ongoing impacts to their families and communities. 

It’s not an appropriate occasion for a political leader to proclaim his agenda for how he plans to work with Indigenous peoples should he become leader, Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit political executive told Canada’s National Observer — particularly when that statement fails to uphold a commitment to Indigenous rights and title and the province’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). 

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Indigenous languages, Indigenous Nations History

Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony on Cortes Island

There was a Truth and Reconciliation ceremony at Gorge Harbour on Monday, September 30. It consisted of sacred songs and sharing experiences, as well as Chief Steven Brown’s perspectives on how the Klahoose are reclaiming their present and their future.

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Indigenous languages, Indigenous Nations History

Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Name Changes For Campbell River Area

The  Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ [pronounced Lee-gwilth-daxw] Nations (We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and Kwiakah) are asking the province to change several geographic names in the Campbell River area.

They wish to change the name of the Discovery Passage to Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Passage, the Quinsam River to Kʷənsəm River and the Tyee Spit to ʔuxstalis [pronounced Oox-sta-lease]

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