Reconciliation Road

In this episode of "Reconciliation Road," host Dan George is joined by Glen Williams, Simoogit Malii, the President and Chief Negotiator of the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs. Malii takes us deep into the collaborative efforts of land stewardship and shared decision-making, highlighting the Gitanyow Nation's journey and achievements.

Malii, the Simoogit (Hereditary Chief) for his Wilp (house group), has been instrumental in fighting for the preservation and implementation of Gitanyow laws. Under his leadership, the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs have entered into significant agreements with provincial and federal governments to protect Gitanyow title and rights. Notably, the recent Funding Agreement with the Government of Canada and the renewal of the Gitanyow Huwilp Reconciliation and Recognition Agreement with BC mark important milestones.

In this episode, Malii discusses the significance of these agreements and the importance of the Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI), an innovative collaboration between the Province of BC and First Nations. He shares his perspective on how ESI fits into the broader picture of shared decision-making and co-management in the natural resource sector.

Malii also explores the impact of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) on this collaborative work, the challenges faced, and the practical approaches developed to overcome them. He delves into the concept of "Ayookxw" (Gitanyow laws) and its influence on Gitanyow’s approach to land stewardship.

Tune in to hear Malii’s insights and experiences in forging transformative partnerships and advancing Gitanyow’s journey towards self-governance and environmental stewardship. Thank you for listening to "Reconciliation Road."

Join host Dan George in this enlightening episode of "Reconciliation Road" as he welcomes Dr. Dave Schaepe, Director & Senior Archaeologist of the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre at Stó:lō Nation. Dr. Schaepe takes us into the heart of the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance (STSA) Pilot Agreement, a groundbreaking initiative in collaborative land stewardship and shared decision-making.

With over 35 years of experience in archaeology, anthropology, and cultural heritage research, Dr. Schaepe offers invaluable insights into the unique aspects of the STSA Pilot Agreement, the first of its kind in British Columbia. He discusses the key factors that led to the agreement, the challenges faced, and the practical approaches developed to overcome these obstacles.

Dr. Schaepe also explores how the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) has influenced the agreement's development and implementation. He shares his experiences with the consensus-seeking, shared decision-making model adopted under the agreement and reflects on the concept of "Lets'emó:t" (one heart, one mind) and its impact on the collaboration.

Don't miss this compelling conversation with Dr. Dave Schaepe, as he shares the remarkable journey and transformative potential of the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance. Thank you for listening to "Reconciliation Road."

Join host Dan George in this episode of "Reconciliation Road" as he sits down with Dillon Johnson, a dynamic young leader from the Tla’amin Nation. Dillon takes us into the heart of collaborative land stewardship and shared decision-making, offering a deep dive into the Tla’amin tiskʷat site MOU and its significance in the broader context of the Tla’amin Treaty and reconciliation with the Province of BC.

Dillon Johnson, a Tla’amin Citizen and Vice-Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Raised in Tla’amin territory, he holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Commerce, along with a certification as an Aboriginal Financial Manager. Dillon's leadership extends to his role on the Executive Council of the Tla’amin Nation, where he serves his fourth term as an elected leader.

In this episode, Dillon explains the Tla’amin Treaty and its importance as a modern agreement that sets out the rights and responsibilities of First Nations and the government. He discusses the tiskʷat MOU, its role in the implementation of the Tla’amin Treaty, and its contribution to Tla’amin’s vision for stewardship and self-governance.

Dillon shares the challenges faced during Tla’amin’s journey towards self-determination and the practical approaches developed to overcome them. He highlights the impact of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on the tiskʷat MOU and offers insights into shared decision-making and consensus-seeking models of collaboration.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Dillon Johnson, as he shares the Tla’amin Nation’s path to reclaiming their land and forging transformative partnerships. Thank you for listening to "Reconciliation Road."

In this episode of "Reconciliation Road," host Dan George sits down with Satsan (Herb George), a Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief and long-time advocate for First Nations title, rights, and self-governance. With over 40 years of experience, Satsan shares his journey from the historic Delgamuukw-Gisdayway decision to his current role as President of the Centre for First Nations Governance.

Join us as Satsan recounts pivotal moments in his career, including the groundbreaking Delgamuukw-Gisdayway Supreme Court ruling that recognized Aboriginal Title as a legal right to the land. He explains the significance of hereditary versus elected leadership and the inherent rights that come from Indigenous peoples' original occupation of the land.

Satsan also discusses the challenges posed by the Indian Act and practical steps towards achieving self-government. Reflecting on the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Satsan offers his insights on creating a future rooted in recognition, respect, and partnership. Tune in to hear his vision for the future and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of the foremost leaders in Indigenous rights and governance. Thank you for listening to "Reconciliation Road."

Meaningful, Substantive Collaboration: Are We Moving in the Right Direction?

Welcome to Season 2 of "Reconciliation Road" with your host, Dan George. This season's theme is "collaboration." With over 30 years of experience working with First Nations across BC and Canada, Dan shares his insights on the importance of collaboration between First Nations and the Crown to achieve Nationhood, prosperity, and self-sufficiency.

For many years, ineffective policies, hostile negotiations, and outright opposition defined the relationship between First Nations and the Crown. However, recent investments in building relationships have begun to change this dynamic. Collaboration requires trust, which is challenging to cultivate given the historical context of hurt and oppression. Yet, there are successes we can learn from which demonstrate that investing in relationships can lead to significant progress.

Throughout four episodes, Dan interviews four trailblazers dedicated to reconciliation and creating a better future. Join us on this journey as we explore the art of the possible in reconciliation. Listen in for inspiring conversations and learn how meaningful connections are made through collaboration. Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination. Thank you for listening!

Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination. The road to reconciliation is a long and winding one with many stops along the way. When we come together, great things happen. Thank you for joining me on this journey.  

My guest for this episode is Dr. Bruce McIvor. Bruce is a partner at First Peoples Law LLP.  Bruce is recognized nationally and internationally as a leading practitioner of Aboriginal law in Canada.  He is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation.

Bruce understands the importance of reconciliation more than most – he’s written an entire book on it. He just published his new book: “Standoff: Why Reconciliation Fails Indigenous People and How to Fix It”. In this incredible book, Bruce articulates what Indigenous peoples in this country know so well and what can be clearly seen to all Canadians if they are paying attention to the constant stream of news reports of standoffs and confrontations, Canada’s “reconciliation project” has obviously gone off the rails. In this series of concise and thoughtful essays, Bruce explains why reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is failing and what needs to be done to fix it. 

Bruce’s message is consistent and powerful: if Canadians are brave enough to confront the reality of the country’s colonialist past and present and insist that politicians replace empty promises with concrete, meaningful change, there is a realistic path forward based on respect, recognition and the implementation of Indigenous rights.

The focus of our program is reconciliation in all its forms. We seek solutions and encourage our listeners and supporters to look at old problems through new eyes. 

Seeing with new eyes is an approach which tries to take a fresh look at something, bypassing the pattern  recognition and seeing the issue with a different perspective. Such an approach is critical if we are to  work and walk together on the road of reconciliation.

We well know that leadership matters. It is essential in every sector, in every community, and in every country. In these times of unprecedented change, organizations, communities, and governments need more leaders and now more than ever we need leaders who can unite and mobilize others in a common cause. 

In our BC Health Care System, we have the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, a team that is tasked with overseeing the health of British Columbians and advising on public health concerns and situations to our ministers and public bodies. 

“Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe” is something the Office of the Provincial Health Officer is also known for  now, words many British Columbians became familiar with during the pandemic, words that still ring  true today. This sentiment comes from our Provincial Health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and her team, a sort of slogan now for many people across our province.

Today we are so happy to have both Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC Provincial Health Officer and Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Indigenous Health with us; two pivotal figures in the health and wellness of citizens in BC today. They have worked tirelessly through the pandemic, devoting themselves to protecting the citizens of BC, and are monumental in the efforts to improve access to equal health care and wellness for Indigenous communities. 

Our province is at a turning point in how we address racism and colonial views intertwined with our healthcare system and Dr. Henry and Dr. Behn Smith are both playing important roles in this shift and how the future of equal access to health care and community wellness will look for Indigenous Peoples  in British Columbia moving forward. With this I am happy to welcome Dr. Henry and Dr. Behn Smith to our show!

In the recording of this episode, Dr. Henry and Dr. Behn Smith joined us from and respectfully acknowledged their gratitude to work and reside in the traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples and the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination. The road to reconciliation is a long and winding one with many stops along the way. When we come together, great things happen. My guest for this episode is Kukpi7 Mike LeBourdais. Becoming an effective leader is a character trait that many people strive for. Kukpi7 LeBourdais is a game changer, a trailblazer, and a truly effective leader I am grateful to know and learn from!

Kukpi7 Mike LeBourdais is Kukpi7 (Chief) of Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band. He is Executive Vice President for the Western Indigenous Pipeline Group, Chairman of Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics, and sits as a Director for Cayoose Creek Developments. Kukip7 LeBourdais has served as Director of All Nations Trust Company, Chairman of the Native Economic Development Advisory Board, Co-Chairman of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, and Business Development Officer for the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interiors First Nations.

Kukpi7 LeBourdais brings a wealth of knowledge and skill with him having worked with First Nations in Canada, the USA ,and New Zealand. He has experience working in jurisdiction, taxation, forestry, pipelines, revenue sharing, independent risk assessment, and more. Kukpi Mike is heavily invested in the acquisition of the Trans Mountain Pipeline by the Indigenous communities along its route; seeing the returns brought back into the rightful territories who are bearing the risk with this expansion. He is an outspoken and passionate voice for the advancement of Aboriginal title and rights and a tireless advocate working to see the benefits of natural resources and protection of the environment in Indigenous traditional territories returned to its people.

Enjoy, stay safe, and keep standing in the light! Mussi Cho!

The focus of our program is reconciliation in all its forms. We seek solutions and encourage our listeners and supporters to look at old problems through new eyes.  

Seeing with new eyes is an approach which tries to take a fresh look at something, bypassing the pattern recognition and seeing the issue with a different perspective. Such an approach is critical if we are to work and walk together on the road of reconciliation.

 We well know that leadership matters. It is essential in every sector, in every community, and in every country. In these times of unprecedented change, organizations, communities, and governments need more leaders and now more than ever we need leaders who can unite and mobilize others in a common cause. 

My guest for today’s edition of Reconciliation Road is none other than Nathan Cullen. Nathan was elected MLA for Stikine in the 2020 provincial election. He is also the Minister of State for Lands and Natural Resource Operations, the Chair of the Environment and Land Use Committee and a member of the Cabinet Committee on Economy.

Previously, Mr. Cullen served as a member of Parliament in the Skeena-Bulkley Valley for 15 years from 2014 to 2019. Early in his career he worked in international development in Africa and South America during the 1990s on community economic development projects.

Nathan lives in Smithers, in the heart of Wet’suwet’en territory, with his wife and twin sons.

Welcome to Reconciliation Road! My guest today is Niilo Edwards. Niilo Edwards is the Executive Director of the First Nations Major Project Coalition, a national First Nation led not-for-profit business capacity organization. Niilo joined the organization as Executive Director upon establishment in 2017.

 He is responsible for the overall organizational strategy including the management of the technical services provided to Coalition members to assist them in participating in major infrastructure projects on a commercial basis across Canada. Prior to this role, Niilo served as an advisor to the First Nations Financial Management Board, one of the institutions created under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act.  

 In 2019, Niilo was appointed to the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy Advisory Council for Canadian energy policy. In 2020 he joined the board of directors of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships.

Check out more of Niilo's exciting work at http://fnmpc.ca