Indigenous reconcilliation

Lt. Gov. Janet Austin said during the inaugural ceremony recognizing the 2021 and 2022 recipients of the British Columbia Reconciliation Award that more work lies ahead when it comes to Reconciliation. (Photo Courtesy of DON CRAIG photography)

Appeal for ‘revolutionary’ change voiced at B.C.’s latest reconciliation awards

Award recognize individuals and organizations who have furthered and inspired reconciliation

 

Shannon Bellamy and Tom Andrews of the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society form their own arch with help from their shadowy friends at the site in Waterwheel Park where a new welcome arch will go up by next fall. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Arch another means for bridging cultural divides

Illuminated permanent art piece will allow people to see the light

 

Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre in Terrace this November. Poilievre also visited Kitimat and Prince Rupert during his northwest B.C. tour. (Michael Bramadat-Willcock/Terrace Standard)

Pierre Poilievre pumps natural gas during northwest B.C. tour

Fiery Conservative leader talks LNG, ‘safe supply’ and reconciliation

 

Doug White, chairman of the B.C. First Nations Justice Council, will join the premier’s office at Special Counsel on Indigenous Reconciliation. (Black Press Media file photo)

Coast Salish lawyer Doug White joining B.C. premier’s office to speed reconciliation

White will work on issues held up between multiple government ministries

Doug White, chairman of the B.C. First Nations Justice Council, will join the premier’s office at Special Counsel on Indigenous Reconciliation. (Black Press Media file photo)
Paddles were installed by Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin and T’esots’en, Patrick Kelly, a member of the award selection committee, on Nov. 22, kicking off the call for nominations for the 2023 B.C. Reconciliation Awards. (Courtesy of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia)

PHOTOS: Artists’ paddles hung in Victoria symbolize commitment to reconciliation

Tuesday event launches call for nominations for the 2023 B.C. Reconciliation Awards

Paddles were installed by Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin and T’esots’en, Patrick Kelly, a member of the award selection committee, on Nov. 22, kicking off the call for nominations for the 2023 B.C. Reconciliation Awards. (Courtesy of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia)
The Survivors’ Flag hangs to honour Indigenous Peoples who were forced to attend residential schools, on the grounds of the legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

1/3 British Columbians want to rename province to recognize Indigenous heritage: Poll

More than 60 per cent of residents not bothered by B.C.’s name, though

The Survivors’ Flag hangs to honour Indigenous Peoples who were forced to attend residential schools, on the grounds of the legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Indigenous community members, international delegates and Victoria Forum organizers sit for a photo next to a hand-carved paddle, designed by Darlene Gait of Esquimalt (Xwsepsum) Nation, inside the University of Victoria’s First Peoples House. (Austin Westphal/News Staff)

Vancouver Island First Nations look to sports for reconciliation

International declaration seeks to advance truth, respect, reconciliation through sport

Indigenous community members, international delegates and Victoria Forum organizers sit for a photo next to a hand-carved paddle, designed by Darlene Gait of Esquimalt (Xwsepsum) Nation, inside the University of Victoria’s First Peoples House. (Austin Westphal/News Staff)
Sonny McHalsie, a Stó:lō historian, with Bad Rock (Xéylxelamós) behind him, a sacred transformation site on the Fraser River, also known as Lady Franklin Rock, near Yale. Recently 45 sacred sites of the Stó:lō have gained legal protection. (Jennifer Feinberg/ Chilliwack Progress file)

Landmark agreement to protect 45 sacred sites across Stó:lō territory a first for B.C.

‘This is a major step forward for First Nations heritage conservation in B.C,’ says Stó:lō chief

Sonny McHalsie, a Stó:lō historian, with Bad Rock (Xéylxelamós) behind him, a sacred transformation site on the Fraser River, also known as Lady Franklin Rock, near Yale. Recently 45 sacred sites of the Stó:lō have gained legal protection. (Jennifer Feinberg/ Chilliwack Progress file)
Anna Atleo dances with Rebecca Atleo, right, during an announcement ceremony on Aug. 10 in the Maaqtusiis School Gym. (Nora O’Malley photo)

First Nation women to guide framework for new Big House in Ahousaht territory near Tofino

“If I ever have grandchildren, one day they will be dancing in that Big House”

Anna Atleo dances with Rebecca Atleo, right, during an announcement ceremony on Aug. 10 in the Maaqtusiis School Gym. (Nora O’Malley photo)
Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister Murray Rankin, photographed during a funding announcement at the legislature in June 14, is the new acting attorney general and housing minister. (Black Press Media file photo)

B.C.’s Indigenous relations minister ‘honoured’ to assume attorney general role

Murray Rankin also adds housing responsibilities, has short-term goals for temporary role

Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister Murray Rankin, photographed during a funding announcement at the legislature in June 14, is the new acting attorney general and housing minister. (Black Press Media file photo)
One of the walls set to be painted with a mural to increase the attractiveness of downtown Duncan. (Google Maps)

Two new murals planned for downtown Duncan

Murals will be themed on Indigenous reconciliation

One of the walls set to be painted with a mural to increase the attractiveness of downtown Duncan. (Google Maps)
The University of Victoria’s First Peoples House, located in the heart of the campus. In 2023 UVic will be offering a master’s in business administration program for Indigenous Reconciliation for the first time. (Courtesy of UVic Photo Services)

B.C. university to offer groundbreaking MBA program in Indigenous Reconciliation

University of Victoria program’s first enrolment of business students set to begin in spring 2023

The University of Victoria’s First Peoples House, located in the heart of the campus. In 2023 UVic will be offering a master’s in business administration program for Indigenous Reconciliation for the first time. (Courtesy of UVic Photo Services)
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation master carver Joe Martin orchestrates the raising of a new totem pole for Opitsaht on July 1, 2022. (Nora O’Malley photo)

Truth-speaking Vancouver Island totem pole unveiled on Canada Day

July 1 ceremony on the shores of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations village of Opitsaht near Tofino

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation master carver Joe Martin orchestrates the raising of a new totem pole for Opitsaht on July 1, 2022. (Nora O’Malley photo)
Riding the road to reconciliation, T̓iick̓in (Thunderbird) Ebikes owner Gordon Taylor Jr., front, takes MP John Aldag and MP Gord Johns out for a test ride on the newly minted ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) trail. (Nora O’Malley photo)

First Nations say landmark Pacific Rim national park path ‘going in the right direction’

New 25-km ʔapsčiik t̓ašii symbolizes true collaboration between Parks Canada and First Nations

Riding the road to reconciliation, T̓iick̓in (Thunderbird) Ebikes owner Gordon Taylor Jr., front, takes MP John Aldag and MP Gord Johns out for a test ride on the newly minted ʔapsčiik t̓ašii (pronounced ups-cheek ta-shee) trail. (Nora O’Malley photo)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens to Prince Charles delivering remarks during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda on Friday, June 24, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Learn from reconciliation efforts in Canada, Prince Charles urges Commonwealth

Prince of Wales offered Canada as an example to follow

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens to Prince Charles delivering remarks during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda on Friday, June 24, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Jo-Ina Young and her puppet, Rosie, teach kids at Sooke School District schools about Metis culture and history. (Courtesy of Jo-Ina Young)

Metis educator keeping language, history alive in Vancouver Island schools

Jo-Ina Young is resident Metis elder at Ecole John Stubbs Memorial in Colwood

Jo-Ina Young and her puppet, Rosie, teach kids at Sooke School District schools about Metis culture and history. (Courtesy of Jo-Ina Young)
Recent UBC graduate Aiyana Twigg won the 2022 Lieutenant Governor’s medal for inclusion, democracy and reconciliation. (Courtesy of Aiyana Twigg)

UBC student wins Lieutenant-Governor medal for work on Indigenous language revitalization

Aiyana Twigg helps under-resourced communities to develop their own dictionaries, among other things

Recent UBC graduate Aiyana Twigg won the 2022 Lieutenant Governor’s medal for inclusion, democracy and reconciliation. (Courtesy of Aiyana Twigg)
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, arrive in St. John’s to begin a three-day Canadian tour, Tuesday, May 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Prince Charles offers remarks about reconciliation as Canadian tour begins

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon welcomed Charles and Camilla to Canada in Inuktitut

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, arrive in St. John’s to begin a three-day Canadian tour, Tuesday, May 17, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Motorists line up to cross the Confederation Bridge on Friday July 3, 2020. Members of the Prince Edward Island legislature voted unanimously to ask the federal government to change the name of the Confederation Bridge to Epekwitk Crossing. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Brian McInnis

P.E.I. asking Ottawa to change name of Confederation Bridge to Epekwitk Crossing

Members of the Prince Edward Island legislature voted unanimously Friday to ask…

Motorists line up to cross the Confederation Bridge on Friday July 3, 2020. Members of the Prince Edward Island legislature voted unanimously to ask the federal government to change the name of the Confederation Bridge to Epekwitk Crossing. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Brian McInnis
Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations leaders, Tofino Resort + Marina crew, and Bottom Dwellers Freediving teamed up on April 23 to host an inaugural Spearfishing Summit. All the funds raised at the event go to support the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Youth Warrior Leadership Program, a local society that weaves traditional and mainstream leadership and wellness teachings and practices together on the land to build capability, cultural pride and confidence in young men. (Nora O’Malley photo)

First-ever B.C. Spearfishing Summit nets over $20,000 for Indigenous youth

36 sets of advanced snorkeling gear will be distributed amongst the Nations thanks to the fundraiser

Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations leaders, Tofino Resort + Marina crew, and Bottom Dwellers Freediving teamed up on April 23 to host an inaugural Spearfishing Summit. All the funds raised at the event go to support the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Youth Warrior Leadership Program, a local society that weaves traditional and mainstream leadership and wellness teachings and practices together on the land to build capability, cultural pride and confidence in young men. (Nora O’Malley photo)