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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.
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 Representatives Meet the Pope
32 First Nations delegates, and survivors of Canada’s residential schools travelled to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. They demanded that they receive a formal apology from Pope Francis and the Catholic Church for the abuses they endured under the control of Catholic school staff.
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.
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.
ANALYSIS: The TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, Explained
The TRC has said that reconciliation cannot begin unless Canadians know the historical experiences of Indigenous People on the land that is now called Canada, and recognize the continuing impacts of genocidal institutions.
ANALYSIS: What is Reconciliation?
The word “reconciliation” means two groups coming to a truce after a time of conflict. In Canada, this refers to recognizing the truth about our history and working with Indigenous people to mend the consequences of these events to move forward together.