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Haida Nation’s Title Over Haida Gwaii Recognized
On Apr. 14, the Council of the Haida Nation and the BC government signed the Gaayhllxid/Gíhlagalgang "Rising Tide" Haida Title Lands Agreement. This agreement recognizes the Haida Nation’s Aboriginal Title throughout Haida Gwaii, legally guaranteeing that Haida Gwaii is the territory of the Haida Nation in Crown law.
Mi’kmaw Fishermen Left to Walk Home Without Shoes
On Mar. 26, Blaise Sylliboy of the Membertou First Nation and Kevin Hartling of the Eskasoni First Nation were detained by fisheries officers after fishing for baby eels, or elvers, in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. At 1:00 AM, they were left near a gas station, in 2° C weather, 45 minutes away from their fishing area with their cell phones and hip waders confiscated.
A Guide to the Pronounciation of Musqueam and Squamish Place Names Around Vancouver
As the local government takes more and more steps towards reconciliation, signs in local Indigenous languages have popped up around the city. The vast majority of these are written in one of two languages native to the Vancouver area: hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (also written as Hul’q’umi’num), the Musqueam language, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim, the Squamish language.
The New Indigenous-Focused Grad Requirement, One Semester In
In 2022, the BC Ministry of Education announced a new Indigenous-focused graduation requirement for all high school students. The new requirement, which has been put into effect this school year, requires all students to take an Indigenous-focused secondary school course.
Not All That Glitters is Gold: How Inflation in Northern Canada Differs from Southern Canada
After reaching 6.8 per cent earlier this year, Canada’s inflation rate has begun to near its goal of 2 per cent once again. Food and gas prices have decreased, and many other commodities aren’t priced as high as they were earlier this year.
Canada’s Third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On Sept. 30, 2023, Canada observed its third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The holiday, also known as Orange Shirt Day, honours both survivors of residential schools and those who were unable to come home.
158 Unmarked Graves Found in Mission BC
On Sept. 21, 158 unmarked graves were found at St. Mary’s Residential School in Mission B.C. The graves were found as part of the 3-year plan declared by the Stó:lō Nation at the beginning of December 2021 to search for possible grave sites in Fraser Valley.
Two Indigenous Groups Close Joffre Lakes Park
In late August 2023, the Lil'wat and N'Quatqua First Nations groups closed Joffre Lakes Park to conduct Indigenous ceremonies and traditions. Immediately after the park closed, the provincial government immediately sought an agreement with the two groups regarding land sharing.
Indigenous Class Action Settlement Reached with Canada
The federal government and 325 representative plaintiffs from various Indigenous bands have recently settled a lawsuit over residential schools for $2.8 billion. Known as the Indigenous Class Action Settlement, the lawsuit preceding it has been litigated since 2012.
The End Is Not in Sight: More Unmarked Graves Found
Since the first unmarked graves were found at the former Kamloops Residential School in May 2021, more than 1,800 unmarked graves have been found across Canada. The Canadian government has been working with many Indigenous groups to search residential school sites.
Canada marks the Second Annual Day For Truth and Reconciliation
Sept. 30, 2022, marks the second annual day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is recognized as a federal statutory holiday to commemorate and celebrate Indigenous peoples. After being first declared Orange Shirt Day in 2021, it has been renamed to Truth and Reconciliation Day, but continues to hold the same meaning of honouring and remembering Indigenous communities.
Indigenous-Focused Coursework New Requirement for BC Secondary Students
On March 4, BC’s Ministry of Education announced that all secondary school students in the province will be required to complete Indigenous-focused coursework in order to graduate.
Wet’suwet’en Pipeline Encroachment
The Coastal GasLink Pipeline is being built through the traditional lands of the Wet’suwet’en people in Northern BC. The controversial project is being protested by multiple Indigenous groups.
Indigenous-Led Olympic Bid Could Bring the winter Games Back to Vancouver in 2030
The Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee have announced the first-ever Indigenous-led Olympic bid, proposing the 2030 Winter Olympics be brought to Vancouver.
Unmarked Graves Across Canada
When several hundred unmarked graves were found on former residential school sites on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory and on Cowessess First Nation territory in mid-2021, public outrage ensued.
Government Rules on Indigenous Compensation
For 14 years, the federal government has been in a legal battle over First Nations Child Welfare.
“This is their home, their history, and their heart.” Inside the Fairy Creek Protests
Since August 2020, Indigenous land defenders have been at “River Camp” and “Fairy Creek HQ” on Vancouver Island peacefully protesting old-growth logging.