Xat'sull FN receives BC Supreme Court approval -- temporary halt to additional tailings in raised TSF pending Judicial Review

Courtesy of Xat'sull First Nation:

UBCM EA Director Forum 2025 - Day 2 of 2

On the final day of the UBCM EA Director Forum 2025, the following topic was covered:

* Electoral Area Perspectives on Regional District Legislative Reform (changes to BC's Local Government Act) -- facilitated by former RDFFG/RD Fraser Fort George CAO/Chief Administrative Officer Jim Martin

And the Forum adjourned at 12:00pm on Friday, February 7th, 2025

BC/Federal Gov'ts contribute to disaster resilience for Tŝilhqot’in peoples

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

A series of investments by the governments of British Columbia and Canada will help the Tŝilhqot’in National Government strengthen climate resilience and emergency management for its people and communities.

The Province is providing $5 million to the Tŝilhqot’in National Government for an extensive feasibility study to determine the suite of emergency infrastructure required in the territory, which is located in the Chilcotin region of west-central British Columbia. Infrastructure, such as an emergency centre and evacuation and training centres, will be considered.

“The Tŝilhqot’in peoples were severely impacted by the Cariboo-Chilcotin wildfires of summer 2017,” said the Hon. Bowinn Ma, B.C.’s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “This funding and partnership is in keeping with our government’s commitment to advance reconciliation and improve emergency management for Indigenous Peoples and is another step in solidifying our long-term and growing partnership with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government.”

Last year, the Province, the federal government and the Tŝilhqot’in National Government renewed the Collaborative Emergency Management Agreement (CEMA), which was established in 2018. The Province is providing $1 million to the Tŝilhqot’in National Government for governance and operations to support the next four years of CEMA.

CEMA commits the three governments to collaboratively develop and implement strategies to enhance the role and capacity of Tŝilhqot’in peoples in emergency management, including a review of infrastructure, operational requirements and other capacity needs.

The development of a proposal for an Indigenous-led regional emergency centre, a training facility and evacuation centres were part of the original CEMA agreement, which was renewed for a five-year term and financed by contributions from B.C.’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, B.C.’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and Indigenous Services Canada.

The BC Wildfire Service is engaged in ongoing agreements with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government related to facility and operational co-operation.

Through Indigenous Services Canada, the federal government has committed approximately $2 million for CEMA, including support for co-ordination and planning of the emergency centre, community fire-safety assessments and fire-services equipment.

Additionally, Natural Resources Canada is investing more than $1 million toward the Tŝilhqot’in National Government Emergency Management – Wildfire Capacity Building project, which will recruit and train 20 community members to build capacity and help establish crews in each of its six communities. This project is part of the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program Training Fund to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management.

These funding initiatives are a response to the 2019 Tŝilhqot’in-led report: Nagwediẑk’an gwaneŝ gangu ch’inidẑed ganexwilagh (The Fires Awakened Us) Calls to Action.

“The history of wildfire management in the province has shown us that First Nations are often at the front lines and need to be empowered to manage emergencies on their land. We know what is best for our people,” said Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government. “We have seen wildfires, flooding and a pandemic that have put our relationships with B.C. and Canada to the test. Groundbreaking agreements like CEMA are needed to ensure First Nations have an active and leading role in emergencies. We have to change the way we approach wildfire and how we fight it. The climate crisis is taking all hands on deck. We are proud to say that we are making progress in the infrastructure needed to be resilient during this crisis.”

These investments also advance reconciliation under the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement of 2019, which brought the Tŝilhqot’in National Government, the Province and the federal government together to continue their work toward supporting the self-determination of the Tŝilhqot’in peoples. The Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement is the first tripartite reconciliation agreement of its kind in B.C.

The work done with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government and Tŝilhqot’in communities is intended to inform work with other Indigenous governments and communities, and the broader commitment to improve overall emergency management in B.C. and throughout the country.

Labour Day 2022

Today is Labour Day in Canada - a day whose origins go back to April 15th, 1872 but ultimately declared a National Statutory Holiday on July 23rd, 1894 under former Canadian Prime Minister Sir. John A MacDonald (Conservative).  The full background on this day can be viewed here

While it was a crime to be part of a trade union back in the 1870's -- now today, trade unions have fought long for many workplace benefits like 40 hr work week, health/dental benefits and parental leave when a child is born and the minimum wage.  And although these are hard fought for benefits and should be celebrated, there is much more to do.  Thank you to all of the trade unions and their supporters/allies for fighting for basic workplace rights in Canada....

~SF

BC supports First Nations with residential school sites response

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The British Columbia government has allocated $12 million to support First Nations throughout B.C. with investigative work at former residential school sites, as well as cultural and wellness supports for communities and members experiencing trauma from residential school site findings.

“Finding evidence of a burial site for children who attended the former Kamloops residential school was a stark reminder of the atrocities of the Canadian residential school system and how those continue to be felt to this day,” said the Hon. Murray Rankin, BC's Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “Many other sites throughout the province and country are still the source of unanswered questions and terrible pain. It is imperative that we take our lead from First Nations as we move forward, and we will continue to act quickly and in a co-ordinated way to support their needs.”

The Province has been co-ordinating closely with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Indigenous Services Canada and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) to support First Nation-led responses. This new provincial funding will support First Nations with community-led strategies to identify, investigate, document, maintain, protect and/or commemorate residential school sites where children’s remains may be located, as well as to provide community wellness, cultural and mental health supports.

The provincial and federal governments and the FNHA are working with a number of First Nations that have requested assistance to determine needs and next steps for searches at other sites, removing structures, providing resources for healing and identifying other supports. These include Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc and Daylu Dena Council.

“The provision of these funds for immediate use by First Nations in the aftermath of discoveries of remains at residential school sites is an important first step in supporting the resiliency and healing of B.C. First Nations people,” said Charlene Belleau, chair, First Nations Health Council. “We acknowledge our B.C. government partners for this effort, as our communities honour the spirit of these lost children.”

In light of the pain that recent residential school findings are having on the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples, there is an identified need for mental, emotional and cultural supports for survivors, intergenerational survivors and communities as the most urgent priority.

“We are pleased to see the B.C. government’s commitment to supporting First Nations in this work,” said Richard Jock, CEO, FNHA. “Acknowledging trauma and the damaging and lasting impacts residential school have on First Nations people, their families and communities is a first step. The ongoing provision of culturally safe healing and wellness supports for B.C. First Nations must be communities-driven and Nation-based. This must be the primary focus going forward.”

The provincial and federal governments and the FNHA will work together to co-ordinate mental health and cultural supports for Indigenous peoples experiencing distress or trauma as a result of findings at residential schools. The new provincial funding will support healing for survivors and families in both Indigenous communities and urban areas.

More information on how First Nations can access the provincial funding for site investigation work and cultural and wellness supports will be shared in the coming days.

Support services for residential school survivors in B.C.:

• The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides a 24-hour, provincewide Indigenous crisis line for Indigenous peoples in B.C.
  Adults, call 250 723-4050. Children and youth, call 250 723-2040. Toll-free: 1 800 588-8717
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line for Indigenous people across Canada:
  Phone toll-free 1 855 242-3310 or chat online: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
• The Métis Crisis Line for Métis people in B.C., available 24 hours a day at 1 833 MétisBC: 1 833 638-4722
• Tsow Tun Le Lum for Indigenous peoples in B.C., phone: 1 888 403-3123
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society, phone: 1 800 721-0066 or 604 985-4464
• 24-Hour National Crisis Line for residential school survivors and others affected: 1 866 925-4419

Quick Facts:

• There were 18 residential schools that operated in B.C.
• The first one to open in 1863 was St. Mary’s in Mission, which was also the last to close in 1984 after 121 years in operation.
• In addition to residential schools, there were more than 100 day schools and three Indian hospitals in Prince Rupert, Nanaimo and Sardis

BC seeks input from Indigenous peoples to shape future of reconciliation

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

The provincial government is asking Indigenous peoples for additional feedback on the draft action plan required under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

“British Columbia made history when we became the first jurisdiction in Canada to adopt the United Nations (UN) Declaration, but passing this legislation was only one step on our journey to advance reconciliation and undo 150 years of colonial harms that continue to be felt to this day,” said BC Premier John Horgan. “While we still have much to do, we believe the proposed actions in this draft plan demonstrate our government’s commitment to pursuing true and meaningful reconciliation together with Indigenous peoples. Part of our changing relationship is a commitment to the idea of ‘nothing about us without us.’ That is why we are asking for further feedback on this draft action plan from all First Nations and Indigenous peoples and organizations in B.C.”

The consultation draft of the action plan identifies 79 specific actions developed in partnership by the Province, First Nations and Indigenous peoples to help advance the human rights of Indigenous peoples.

"We are very grateful for the leadership, expertise and commitment of the Indigenous partners who have engaged with us on the important work of developing this consultation draft," said the Hon. Murray Rankin, BC's Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. "We are now looking for further input from all Indigenous peoples in B.C., so we can make sure the finalized action plan appropriately represents their priorities."

The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act requires the provincial government to develop and implement an action plan in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous peoples. Ministries across government have been engaging with First Nations and Indigenous partners over the past year to develop the draft action plan. Feedback collected between now and July 31, 2021, will be used to finalize the action plan later this year.

The draft action plan outlines key actions the Province proposes to take over the next five years across government to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It includes actions in the areas of self-determination and self-government, rights and title, ending anti-Indigenous racism and social, cultural and economic well-being.

The draft action plan does not include all of the Province’s work on reconciliation. Much work is currently planned or underway. That will continue in parallel with the work under the action plan, including separate work to align laws to the UN Declaration.

There are a number of ways to provide feedback. First Nations and Indigenous peoples and organizations are invited to visit the website to provide comments directly online, fill out a feedback form online or in hard copy, or make a submission in writing. In addition, provincial government staff will be reaching out directly to engage with a wide range of Indigenous organizations, leadership tables and First Nations communities. More information can be found at: engage.gov.bc.ca/declaration

The Province will be collecting feedback on the draft action plan until July 31, 2021.

Quick Facts:

• B.C. was the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement the UN Declaration through legislation. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act passed unanimously in the B.C. legislature on Nov. 26, 2019.
• Since July 2020, provincial ministries held more than 80 separate meetings with more than 75 First Nations and Indigenous partners to identify potential actions to include in the draft action plan.
• The First Nations Leadership Council (representing the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs) conducted similar engagement with 11 First Nation organizations.

Learn More:

Draft action plan:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/government/ministries-organizations/ministries/indigenous-relations-reconciliation/declaration_act_action_plan_for_consultation.pdf

Engagement opportunity: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/declaration

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act: https://declaration.gov.bc.ca

Funding provides long-term certainty for BC Northern Transportation Services

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

People in northern British Columbia will continue to enjoy safe, reliable transportation options with help from new multi-year funding from the provincial and federal governments.

B.C. and Canada are providing $7.9 million in Safe Restart funding to respond to the longer-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued need for public transportation in rural and remote communities in northern B.C. through to March 2025.

“People all across British Columbia rely on safe and reliable public transportation options. The funding announced through the Safe Restart Agreement with the federal government and the provinces will ensure the continued operation of these critical services,” said the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Investing in public transportation is an important part of our government’s plan to make our communities cleaner and healthier as we begin to recover from the pandemic.”

The funds will be administered by Northern Development Initiative Trust, which will engage with Indigenous communities, regional districts, local governments and stakeholders to develop and implement a grant program to address the region’s diverse transportation needs.

“Due to the unique nature of the region and the long distances between communities, affordable and reliable transportation is essential for people who live and work in the region,” said the Hon. Rob Fleming, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Our government is committed to providing sustainable, longer-term funding to ensure people in the North can travel easily and safely.”

The new funding will enable northern bus services, including the areas served by BC Bus North, to be sustained and enhanced. As part of a provincial contribution agreement, Northern Development Initiative Trust will analyze existing transportation services with its partners and stakeholders to establish eligibility criteria for the grant program.   

“Northern B.C. is a vast region with many unique communities, several of which are isolated. Safe, consistent and affordable transportation is a necessity for many residents of the North, especially now as the province is reopening and travel will increase,” said Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust. “We applaud the Province of B.C. and its recognition of the importance of northern transit service, now and into the future.”

In 2018, when Greyhound Lines, Inc. eliminated its bus services throughout Western Canada, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, working in partnership with BC Transit, launched BC Bus North, a long-haul bus service serving communities such as Prince Rupert, Prince George, Valemount, Fort Nelson and points in between.

This $7.9-million contribution was made available through the $1.08-billion federal/provincial SafeRestart program to help ensure essential public transportation services continue during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

The trust will focus its allocation of these new funds on transportation options that connect people to regional centres and provide longer-distance connections to worksites, health services, education and training opportunities, as well as maintaining connections between family and friends.

Northern Development Initiative Trust is an independent, non-profit corporation that focuses on stimulating economic growth through investments in grassroots, community-led projects.

Created in 2004 by the provincial government, the trust has approved and administered more than $405 million to more than 4,500 projects in central and northern B.C. communities since 2005.

BC Recycles

A new website has been established to be an online "one stop shop" for finding locations near you to recycle your various items including electronics, glass or flammable materials among other items

According to the website - BC Recycles is:

Product stewardship is an environmental management strategy guided by the principle that whoever designs, produces, sells, or uses a product takes responsibility for minimizing that product’s environmental impact.

By diverting recyclable materials from the landfill, we can reduce the need to develop new landfill sites. The diverted materials can be reused and we can save the energy needed to produce new products from raw materials.

BC product stewards have committed to recycling their products safely and responsibly. By returning your products to the appropriate collection sites, you can guarantee a safe and responsible recycling process.

Their funding comes from two models of:

a) Internalized Cost Model

The internalized cost model is a funding model where the cost of the recycling program is part of the producer’s cost of the product; the producer either absorbs the cost of recycling or internalizes the cost into the product’s selling price. Programs with internalized recycling costs do not charge separate fees to the consumer at the retail point of sale.

b) Eco-Fee Model

The eco-fee model is a funding model where the cost of the recycling program is also part of the producer’s cost of the product, however, the cost (typically referred to as eco-fees) are charged to the consumer at the retail point of sale. Eco-fees are typically applied as a separate charge in addition to the product’s selling price.

You can view the full website here