Indigenous

Hereditary chief Deric Snow adjusts his glasses as he joins family and friends to witness the historical repatriation of the Nuxalk Nation totem pole carved by the late Louie Snow after years of effort to release the pole back to the nation from the Royal BC Museum during a ceremony in Victoria, B.C., on Monday, February 13, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

‘Wonderful awakening’ as totem pole is returned to Nuxalk Nation after a century

‘We would like the world to see that this is happening’: Chief Deric Snow

Hereditary chief Deric Snow adjusts his glasses as he joins family and friends to witness the historical repatriation of the Nuxalk Nation totem pole carved by the late Louie Snow after years of effort to release the pole back to the nation from the Royal BC Museum during a ceremony in Victoria, B.C., on Monday, February 13, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Flags mark where ground-penetrating radar recorded hits of what are believed to be 751 unmarked graves in this cemetery near the grounds of the former Marieval Indian Residential School on the Cowessess First Nation, Sask. on Saturday, June 26, 2021. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation says there are many problems with a $2 million contract Ottawa signed with an international group to provide it with advice on unmarked graves. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Taylor

Feds’ hiring of international group to advise on unmarked graves called ‘misstep’

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation says it’s ‘deeply concerned’ by the decision

Flags mark where ground-penetrating radar recorded hits of what are believed to be 751 unmarked graves in this cemetery near the grounds of the former Marieval Indian Residential School on the Cowessess First Nation, Sask. on Saturday, June 26, 2021. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation says there are many problems with a $2 million contract Ottawa signed with an international group to provide it with advice on unmarked graves. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Taylor
Kathryne Bomberger, director-general of the International Commission on Missing Persons, reacts during an interview in The Hague, Netherlands on Friday, April 8, 2022. Bomberger says families are central to addressing the issue of missing children and unmarked burials. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Peter Dejong

International organization says Indigenous families will lead unmarked graves report

International Commission on Missing Persons tapped to conduct a cross-country outreach campaign

Kathryne Bomberger, director-general of the International Commission on Missing Persons, reacts during an interview in The Hague, Netherlands on Friday, April 8, 2022. Bomberger says families are central to addressing the issue of missing children and unmarked burials. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Peter Dejong
Members of the Indigenous Harm Reduction Team, which is leading the knknxtewix program. From left to right: Elder mentor Dianna Watson (Anishinaabe), peer supporter Marley Isnardy (Chilcotin), project manager Ali Butler (syilx), Edna Terbasket (syilx), nurse Crystal Smallboy (Cree), social worker Tonya Robitaille (Anishinaabe/M?tis), and peer supporter Alyxandra Lezard (syilx). (Photo/Aaron Hemens)

New harm-reduction program in Kelowna focused on cultural wellness

The Indigenous Harm Reduction Team (IHRT), is made up of Indigenous nurses, peer outreach workers, Elders

Members of the Indigenous Harm Reduction Team, which is leading the knknxtewix program. From left to right: Elder mentor Dianna Watson (Anishinaabe), peer supporter Marley Isnardy (Chilcotin), project manager Ali Butler (syilx), Edna Terbasket (syilx), nurse Crystal Smallboy (Cree), social worker Tonya Robitaille (Anishinaabe/M?tis), and peer supporter Alyxandra Lezard (syilx). (Photo/Aaron Hemens)
A Kansas City Chiefs fan wears a headdress during the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory celebration in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. The Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday in the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Native Americans grapple with Chiefs Super Bowl celebrations

‘I don’t really fully understand it, but it is almost like a mockery’

A Kansas City Chiefs fan wears a headdress during the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory celebration in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. The Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday in the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Paige Janvier and Antuon Bitternose modeling the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society anti-bullying tops that are for sale for pink shirt day (Jacqueline Gelineau/Capital News)

Anti-bullying pink shirts support Kelowna Indigenous youth

Proceeds from the sales will fund programs at the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society

Paige Janvier and Antuon Bitternose modeling the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society anti-bullying tops that are for sale for pink shirt day (Jacqueline Gelineau/Capital News)
All aspects of syilx homelands carry teachings, protocols and medicines, all shared through captikʷł (oral storytelling laws), where sqilx’w phsyical being is tied to the timx’w, all living things. Image created by Kelsie Kilawna, graphics by Lauren Marchand

kɬusx̌nitkʷ: The original and accurate name for ‘Okanagan Lake’

skawilx (Sarah) Alexis shares what it means and how all those living on syilx homelands are called to care for it

All aspects of syilx homelands carry teachings, protocols and medicines, all shared through captikʷł (oral storytelling laws), where sqilx’w phsyical being is tied to the timx’w, all living things. Image created by Kelsie Kilawna, graphics by Lauren Marchand
The Okanagan Indian Band Group of Companies has announced the addition of three new board members Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023. (Brendan Shykora - Morning Star)

Okanagan Indian Band announces new board members

Jenelle Brewer, Trent Blind and Leah George-Wilson join Chief Byron Louis on the Group of Companies board of directors

The Okanagan Indian Band Group of Companies has announced the addition of three new board members Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023. (Brendan Shykora - Morning Star)
B.C. Representative for Children and Youth Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond speaks during a news conference after releasing a joint report with the B.C. Information and Privacy Commissioner about cyberbullying, in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday November 13, 2015. The University of Regina says it has rescinded the honorary doctor of laws degree it awarded to Turpel-Lafond in 2003 as she faces questions about her Indigenous heritage. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Turpel-Lafond stripped of honorary degree over claims of Indigenous heritage

University first to revoke a degree granted to Turpel-Lafond after she returned 2 others

B.C. Representative for Children and Youth Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond speaks during a news conference after releasing a joint report with the B.C. Information and Privacy Commissioner about cyberbullying, in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday November 13, 2015. The University of Regina says it has rescinded the honorary doctor of laws degree it awarded to Turpel-Lafond in 2003 as she faces questions about her Indigenous heritage. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Jon Coleman (right) and other members of the Cowichan Tribes-owned Khowutzun Development Corporation, here seen blocking work at the site of the new Cowichan District Hospital on Bell McKinnon Road over union issues, has called on the provincial government to abolish an agreement that he says prevents him and other Indigenous contractors from working on the site. (Robert Barron/Citizen)

Indigenous contractor won’t represent ‘token Indians’ in B.C. hospital dispute

Builder wants community benefits agreement abolished despite exception allowing him to work on site

Jon Coleman (right) and other members of the Cowichan Tribes-owned Khowutzun Development Corporation, here seen blocking work at the site of the new Cowichan District Hospital on Bell McKinnon Road over union issues, has called on the provincial government to abolish an agreement that he says prevents him and other Indigenous contractors from working on the site. (Robert Barron/Citizen)
People gather at Centennial Square marking the sixth anniversary of B.C. declaring overdose deaths a public health emergency in Victoria, Thursday, April 14, 2022. A First Nation on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island has declared a state of emergency over what its leadership describes as the “unrelating impact of drugs and alcohol” on its members, particularly children and youth.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

B.C. First Nation declares emergency over drug and alcohol crisis

Ehattesaht First Nation on Vancouver Island says six young people have died

People gather at Centennial Square marking the sixth anniversary of B.C. declaring overdose deaths a public health emergency in Victoria, Thursday, April 14, 2022. A First Nation on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island has declared a state of emergency over what its leadership describes as the “unrelating impact of drugs and alcohol” on its members, particularly children and youth.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Health Minister Adrian Dix said Cowichan Tribes’ companies can work at the construction site of the new Cowichan District Hospital. (Ministry of Health graphic)

Stalement that has slowed construction of $1.4 billion B.C. hospital over: Dix

B.C. health minister says local Indigenous companies free to work at hospital site near Duncan

Health Minister Adrian Dix said Cowichan Tribes’ companies can work at the construction site of the new Cowichan District Hospital. (Ministry of Health graphic)
Hinatinyis Coté and Larry Johnson drum and sing with Donna Samuel at Spirit Square, Harbour Quay prior to the opening ceremonies for the Orange Shirt Day walk on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Sept. 30, 2022. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
Hinatinyis Coté and Larry Johnson drum and sing with Donna Samuel at Spirit Square, Harbour Quay prior to the opening ceremonies for the Orange Shirt Day walk on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Sept. 30, 2022. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

How Truth and Reconciliation Day is marked across Canada

B.C. would become the 6th province or territory to designate Sept. 30 as a holiday.

Hinatinyis Coté and Larry Johnson drum and sing with Donna Samuel at Spirit Square, Harbour Quay prior to the opening ceremonies for the Orange Shirt Day walk on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Sept. 30, 2022. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
Hinatinyis Coté and Larry Johnson drum and sing with Donna Samuel at Spirit Square, Harbour Quay prior to the opening ceremonies for the Orange Shirt Day walk on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Sept. 30, 2022. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
B.C. Representative for Children and Youth Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond listens during a news conference in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday Nov. 13, 2015. A statement from Royal Roads University says it has accepted the return of an honorary doctorate from Turpel-Lafond, who was the subject of a CBC investigation about her claims of Indigenous heritage last fall. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Turpel-Lafond returns second honorary degree after being told of identity review

Royal Roads University says it initiated a review in response to public concerns

B.C. Representative for Children and Youth Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond listens during a news conference in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday Nov. 13, 2015. A statement from Royal Roads University says it has accepted the return of an honorary doctorate from Turpel-Lafond, who was the subject of a CBC investigation about her claims of Indigenous heritage last fall. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It will become a paid statutory holiday in B.C. (Black Press Media file photo)

B.C. making National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a paid stat holiday

Provincial legislature passed first reading of new legislation Tuesday morning (Feb. 7)

Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It will become a paid statutory holiday in B.C. (Black Press Media file photo)
Spawning sockeye salmon, a species of pacific salmon, are seen making their way up the Adams River in Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park near Chase, B.C., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

First Nations, B.C. groups launch coalition to save Pacific salmon from extinction

New coalition says Pacific salmon populations have declined by more than 90 per cent since the 1970s

Spawning sockeye salmon, a species of pacific salmon, are seen making their way up the Adams River in Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park near Chase, B.C., Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller stands during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Ottawa spending $2M for international commission to offer advice on unmarked graves

Organization will undertake a cross-country outreach campaign with Indigenous communities

Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller stands during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Chief John Powell, centre, of the Mamalilikulla First Nation, sits with Joyce Murray, back left, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and former chief Richard Sumner during an announcement about a new marine refuge in the Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala (Lull Bay/Hoeya Sound) area in Knight Inlet on B.C.’s central coast, at the International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) in Vancouver, on Sunday, February 5, 2023. The federal and British Columbia governments alongside 15 coastal First Nations have officially endorsed the blueprint for a vast network of marine protected areas along the west coast of Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Governments, B.C. coastal First Nations endorse marine protection action plan

New protected areas coming between the top of Vancouver Island to the Canada-Alaska border

Chief John Powell, centre, of the Mamalilikulla First Nation, sits with Joyce Murray, back left, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and former chief Richard Sumner during an announcement about a new marine refuge in the Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala (Lull Bay/Hoeya Sound) area in Knight Inlet on B.C.’s central coast, at the International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) in Vancouver, on Sunday, February 5, 2023. The federal and British Columbia governments alongside 15 coastal First Nations have officially endorsed the blueprint for a vast network of marine protected areas along the west coast of Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Mehdi Sharifi, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Frances Narcisse, now a Neskonlith councillor and Louis Thomas, Knowledge Keeper with the Neskonlith band, attend a Salmon Arm job fair in October 2022 to help get more Indigenous youth involved in Indigenous food research. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)

Lilies, not fries: Work grows to regenerate traditional plants on Secwépemc land

Knowledge keeper and research scientist join forces to return to healthier more sustainable time

Mehdi Sharifi, research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Frances Narcisse, now a Neskonlith councillor and Louis Thomas, Knowledge Keeper with the Neskonlith band, attend a Salmon Arm job fair in October 2022 to help get more Indigenous youth involved in Indigenous food research. (Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer)
A First Nations house post, shown in a handout photo, is being returned to its home in B.C. after 138 years, including spending the last two decades in storage at Harvard University in Massachusetts. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Gitxaala Nation **MANDATORY CREDIT**

Emotional return of house post connecting B.C.’s Gitxaala Nation to their ancestors

Post has been shipped from Harvard University, expected to arrive in Prince Rupert next month

A First Nations house post, shown in a handout photo, is being returned to its home in B.C. after 138 years, including spending the last two decades in storage at Harvard University in Massachusetts. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Gitxaala Nation **MANDATORY CREDIT**