First Nations | BC Rural Centre

Drug Use Study Conducted in qathet Region

A study of people who use drugs conducted in the qathet region found a variety of negative consequences, likening the situation for drug users to living in a goldfish bowl. Dr. Geoff Bardwell, the study’s lead, who is affiliated with BC Centre on Substance Use, and is also an assistant professor in the school of…

Territory Acknowledgment: A Guide

Acknowledging traditional territory is, for many First Nations, a long-standing practice and a regular aspect of governance relationships and ceremony. In recent years, territory acknowledgments have become common across Canada as an act of respect and reconciliation at formal meetings, conferences, or public events. Fundamentally, a territory acknowledgment is a relational process, which means that…

Net Zero Energy Duplex at Williams Lake First Nation Completed

A new net zero energy duplex at Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) in the Cariboo is one of six demonstration projects by builders across Canada. Zirnhelt Timber Frames near Williams Lake and five other companies are working with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) to advance the net zero home industry. For the new duplex’s…

Local Indigenous Communities Reflect on Apology by Pope Francis

Calls to renounce the Doctrine of Discovery at the heart of colonialism 15th-century papal edicts empowered Europe to colonize non-Christian lands and people CBC Radio · Posted: Jul 26, 2022 6:24 PM ET | Last Updated: July 26 Judy Wilson is aKukpi7 (chief) of the Neskonlith Indian Band in B.C. She’s calling on Pope Francis to use…

Increased Opportunities for Indigenous People in Forest Sector

Indigenous people looking to work in B.C.’s forest sector will have more opportunities to learn, train and develop in-demand skills through two new provincial grants. Supported by the StrongerBC Economic Plan, the Province is providing funding to the First Nations Forestry Council (FNFC) for the Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program (IFSP) and an online forestry careers-matching tool…

BC’s First Provincial Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy

British Columbia’s First Provincial Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy: Virtual Community Engagement Series In January 2022, The Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) released British Columbia’s first Provincial Urban-Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. To continue raising awareness and gathering support from communities across B.C. AHMA will be hosting various community engagement sessions in…

Farmers Enhancing Riparian Areas – Kootenay Program Expands to New Regions

Farmers and ranchers in the Columbia Valley will continue to see rewards for taking action to conserve and enhance important riparian areas on their farms. The Windermere District Farmers’ Institute (WDFI) was one of nine groups named in January to receive a share of $133,600 this year through the Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund for…

Proposed Sale of Forest Tenure to B.C. First Nations Offers Hope to Hard-Hit Forestry Town

Canfor also agreed to sell Mackenzie site, plant and equipment to wood product company Peak Renewables Residents of Mackenzie, B.C., have long had complaints about seeing their timber supply shipped elsewhere, costing jobs. A new deal between Canfor and local First Nations may change that. (Nicole Oud/CBC) Forestry company Canfor Corp. has signed a letter of…

More Funding, Better Use of Indigenous Practices Could Prepare Communities for Future Crises

First Nations and Indigenous communities in Canada need more support from the federal government to cope with future disasters related to climate change, according to a new report on Canada’s disaster resilience. Although people living in these communities are more likely to experience climate-related disasters, experts say not enough is being done to help them plan…

Fairy Creek blockades must go, B.C. Supreme Court rules

After eight months of camping out to protect old-growth forests from logging, Fairy Creek activists have been told their blockades must go. In its decision Thursday morning, the B.C. Supreme Court stated logging activities by Teal Jones Group are completely legal, and by denying access to cutblocks, activists are in fact the ones engaging in…