Two months ago, I had the incredible experience of attending the opening of Gvúkva’áus Haíɫzaqv, or House of the Heiltsuk, the Heiltsuk Nation’s new Big House in Bella Bella. In addition to its detailed artistry, the building is enormous, with a capacity of up to 1,000 people. As I marvelled at the magnificence and magnitude of […]
Reconciliation
Partnering with Indigenous communities to build relationships, find solutions, and grow prosperity
In 1930, the Ruskin Dam was built in the heart of Kwantlen First Nation territory, in an area with significant spiritual and cultural meaning to the Kwantlen people. At that time, the principles of respectful consultation and engagement were not the norm. Reconciliation had not yet begun to be stitched into the fabric of our […]
Words of Hope
ÍY SC̸ÁĆEL. ÍY, C̸NES QENOṈE ṮÁ. These were the words spoken in the Legislative Assembly by Lieutenant-Governor Janet Austin this past March. They mean, “Good day. It’s good to see you all,” in SENĆOŦEN – the language of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. I find it inspiring that the LG is advancing reconciliation by learning one […]
Coming together through sport
Once again, it’s that time of year when the hotels and restaurants are bustling and the energy in Prince Rupert is electric. It’s a full week of the All Native Basketball Tournament – a time for Indigenous communities from across the province and Alaska to come together to compete, spectate, celebrate and reunite with family […]
Improving opportunities for former children and youth in care
This month, young people across B.C. went back to college and university for the spring semester. It’s an exciting time as young adults see new experiences and new opportunities. I’m sure we can all remember thinking about all the things we could be when we grew up. Our families would nurture and support our curiosities […]
Filling the gaps: transportation solutions for northern and rural B.C.
When I was first elected in 2013, one of the first letters I received was from three Indigenous women who had tragically lost female family members on the Highway of Tears (Highway 16). Their message to me was simple: “Don’t forget about our loved ones.” Since the Highway of Tears Symposium in 2006, families and […]