Posts By: Karen

May 28, 2019 – Ottawa – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today introduced Bill C-99, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, to change Canada’s Oath of Citizenship to include clear reference to the rights of Indigenous peoples.

The proposed amendment to the Oath reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation, and a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. It also demonstrates the Government’s commitment to responding to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The new proposed language adds references to Canada’s Constitution and the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples:

“I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada, including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen”.

Taking the Oath of Citizenship is the last step before receiving Canadian citizenship. The Oath of Citizenship is a solemn promise to follow the laws of Canada and to perform the new citizen’s duties as a Canadian citizen. It is a public declaration that the new citizen is joining the Canadian family and that the new citizen is committed to Canadian values and traditions.

Quote

“The change to the Oath is an important step on our path to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada. It will encourage new Canadians to learn about Indigenous peoples and their history, which will help them to fully appreciate and respect the significant role of Indigenous peoples in forming Canada’s fabric and identity.”

– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action are an important roadmap for all levels of government, civil society, education and health care institutions, and the private sector to ensure Indigenous people included as we build a stronger Canada together. The change to the Oath of Citizenship introduced today responds to Call to Action No. 94 and demonstrates to all Canadians, including to our newest citizens, that Indigenous and treaty rights are not just important to Canada—they are an essential part of our country’s character.”

– The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

“Reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis is not only an Indigenous issue; it’s a Canadian issue. It will take partners at all levels to move reconciliation forward. Today, we are advancing that partnership by proposing that all Canadians make a solemn promise to respect Indigenous rights when they recite the Oath of Citizenship.”

– The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services

“I welcome the Government’s new legislation to change the Oath of Citizenship to better reflect a more inclusive history of Canada, as recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in its final report. To understand what it means to be Canadian, it is important to know about the three founding peoples – the Indigenous people, the French and the British. Reconciliation requires that a new vision, based on a commitment to mutual respect, be developed. Part of that vision is encouraging all Canadians, including newcomers, to understand the history of First Nations, Métis and Inuit including information about the Treaties and the history of the residential schools so that we all honour the truth and work together to build a more inclusive Canada.”

– Senator Murray Sinclair

Quick facts:  

• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report states: “Precisely because ‘we are all Treaty people,’ Canada’s Oath of Citizenship must include a solemn promise to respect Aboriginal and Treaty rights”.  
  
  
• The Government consulted extensively with national Indigenous organizations on amendments to the Oath of Citizenship.
  
  
• Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 recognizes rights – including both Aboriginal rights and treaty rights – of Indigenous peoples (section 35 speaks of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada). Section 35 protects the practices and customs that are at the centre of Indigenous culture and traditions. The rights covered by section 35 include hunting and fishing rights, land rights and self-government rights.

• Canada supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration recognizes Indigenous peoples’ human rights, as well as rights to self-determination, language, equality and land.  

• Today, more than 1.6 million people, or nearly 5% of Canada’s population, are Indigenous.

Couchiching First Nation — Grand Council Treaty #3 Women’s Council received support by the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3 for their continued work on NiBi, the sacred Nibi Declaration and toolkit.

The development of a water declaration would ensure that Treaty #3 Anishinaabe Nibi Inaakonigewin (water law principles) are recorded and formally recognized in governance processes.The declaration will guide GCT3 Leadership in the creation of future policy and decision-making processes that relate to water. Another component of the declaration is to inspire people to take action to protect water through the development of a toolkit that contains curriculum based learning tools and information on how to get involved in the further development of this important work. 

“This knowledge will be preserved and shared through the declaration with our youth and future generations,” said Women’s Council member Priscilla Simard. “Anishinaabe-Ikwewag have a sacred responsibility to NiBi and should be included in all decision-making around nibi. This declaration will guide us in our relationship with NiBi so we can take action individually, in our communities and as a nation to help ensure healthy, living NiBi for all of creation.”

With the declaration  in hand, the Women’s Council will forge ahead with this important work of honouring Nibi throughout the Anishinaabe Nation of Treaty #3. An exercise that has seen the Nibi Declaration received through ceremony at the National Spring Assembly and will be distributed to all communities at the National Fall Assembly.

“This declaration is vital for the physical and spiritual health of our Treaty #3 communities, our land, our families and future generations,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh. “When I was approached with the original model of this declaration, I had a vision that instructed me to tell the people that water is precious and it can give life but water can also be dangerous and can take life.  The Nibi Declaration is a way for Treaty #3 to explain the Anishinaabe relationship to water. This Declaration is about respect, love, and our sacred relationship with nibi and the life that it brings. It is based on Gitiizii m-inaanik teachings about nibi, aki/lands, other elements (including air and wind) and all of creation. This knowledge will be preserved and shared through the declaration with our youth and future generations.”

As Anishinaabe Kwe, the Women’s Council have responsibilities which includes child care and water. Isobel White (Naotakamegwanning – Whitefish Bay), Priscilla Simard (Couchiching), Maggie Petiquan (Wabauskang), Rhonda Fischer (Niisaachewan –  Dalles), Anita Collins (Seine River) are representatives from the four directional governance model. The Women’s Council worked together with the Territorial Planning Unit and Decolonizing Water.

Wendake, May 28, 2019 – In response to Premier Legault’s May 17 announcement of the creation of a Special Parliamentary Committee on Youth Protection chaired by Régine Laurent, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) reiterates the importance of including First Nations in any reflection process, including the discussions that will determine the mandate of the Special Parliamentary Committee. It will be essential to address the functioning of Quebec’s youth protection system and its relationship with First Nations, and to review interventions in order to better meet the interests of First Nations children.

“While any decision regarding a child must be made in the best interest and well-being of the child, the over-representation of First Nations children in the child welfare system remains an undeniable and disturbing reality at all stages of intervention,” declared Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.

With the introduction of Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families, which affirms the rights and jurisdiction of Indigenous peoples with respect to child and family services, the Special Parliamentary Committee cannot proceed without paying particular attention to the challenges and issues faced by First Nations in Quebec. “The AFNQL supports First Nations in the exercise of their right to self-determination. We expect nothing less from the Government of Quebec, which will have to make the decisions that will ensure our full involvement throughout the process,” added Chief Ghislain Picard.

The statistics show a critical and alarming situation. In addition to reviewing the functioning of the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse (youth protection directorate) and the role of the courts, this commission will allow us to highlight the inequalities experienced by First Nations children throughout Quebec.

“The AFNQL demands the appointment of a First Nations co-chair to the Special Parliamentary Committee. In addition, we ask that issues specific to First Nations children be included in the commission’s mandate. Our children also deserve to grow up in dignity,” concluded Chief Ghislain Picard.

A few statistics:

• The rate of reports retained for evaluation among First Nations children in Quebec is 4.4 times higher than among non-Indigenous children.

• First Nations children are 6 times more likely than non-Indigenous children to have their safety or development considered as compromised.

• The rate of First Nations children placed by the Director of Youth Protection is nearly 8 times higher than that of non-Indigenous children.

About the AFNQL

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador is the political organization regrouping 43 Chiefs of the First Nations in Quebec and Labrador. Follow us on Twitter @APNQL.

Commission parlementaire spéciale sur la protection de la jeunesse « Nos enfants méritent aussi de grandir dans la dignité »

Wendake, le 28 mai 2019 – En réaction à l’annonce du 17 mai dernier par le premier ministre Legault de la mise sur pied d’une Commission parlementaire spéciale sur la protection de la jeunesse présidée par madame Régine Laurent, l’Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec- Labrador (APNQL) réitère l’importance d’inclure les Premières Nations dans tout processus de réflexion, y compris les discussions qui détermineront le mandat de la Commission parlementaire spéciale. Il sera primordial d’aborder le fonctionnement du système de protection de la jeunesse du Québec et sa relation avec les Premières Nations, et de revoir les interventions dans le but de mieux répondre à l’intérêt des enfants des Premières Nations.

« Bien que toute décision concernant un enfant doive être prise dans son intérêt supérieur et son mieux-être, la surreprésentation des enfants issus des Premières Nations dans le système de la protection de la jeunesse demeure une réalité indéniable et préoccupante, et ce, à tous les stades d’intervention », a déclaré le chef de l’APNQL, Ghislain Picard.

Avec le dépôt du projet de loi fédéral C-92, soit la Loi concernant les enfants, les jeunes et les familles des Premières Nations, des Inuits et des Métis, qui affirme les droits et la compétence des peuples autochtones en matière de services à l’enfance et à la famille, la Commission parlementaire spéciale ne peut procéder sans porter une attention particulière aux défis et aux enjeux vécus par les Premières Nations au Québec. « L’APNQL soutient les Premières Nations dans l’exercice de leur droit à l’autodétermination. Nous n’attendons rien de moins de la part du gouvernement du Québec, qui devra prendre les décisions qui assureront notre pleine implication tout au long du processus », a ajouté le chef Ghislain Picard.

Les statistiques démontrent une situation critique et alarmante. En plus de revoir le fonctionnement de la Direction de la protection de la jeunesse et le rôle des tribunaux, cette Commission nous permettra de mettre en lumière les inégalités que vivent les enfants des Premières Nations sur tout le territoire au Québec.

« L’APNQL exige la nomination d’une personne issue des Premières Nations à la co-présidence de la Commission parlementaire spéciale. De plus, nous demandons que les enjeux spécifiques aux enfants des Premières Nations fassent partie du mandat de la Commission. Nos enfants méritent aussi de grandir dans la dignité », a conclu le chef Ghislain Picard.

Quelques statistiques :

• Le nombre de signalements retenus pour évaluation chez les enfants des Premières Nations au Québec est 4,4 fois plus élevé que chez les allochtones.

• Les enfants des Premières Nations sont 6 fois plus susceptibles que les enfants allochtones de voir leur sécurité ou leur développement jugé compromis.

• Le taux d’enfants des Premières Nations placés par le Directeur de la protection de la jeunesse est près de 8 fois plus élevé que celui des enfants allochtones.

À propos de l’APNQL

L’Assemblée des Premières Nations Québec-Labrador est l’organisme politique qui regroupe 43 chefs des Premières Nations au Québec et au Labrador. Suivez l’APNQL sur Twitter @APNQL.

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde says economic certainty can only be achieved when First Nations rights, title and jurisdiction are respected and upheld, including the standard of free, prior and informed consent. The National Chief made the comments following the decision by the British Columbia Court of Appeal in the B.C. government’s reference question on regulatory powers over crude oil.

“First Nations rights over any decisions that affect our lives or traditional territories, including the duty to consult and free, prior and informed consent, must be respected by all governments,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “Respect for these rights is not a barrier to economic certainty. Ignoring these rights leads to uncertainty, conflict and costly litigation. It’s unfortunate that this decision ignores First Nations rights and fails to recognize that First Nations are an order of the government within Canada’s Constitutional framework. The federal and provincial levels of government must ensure that First Nation customary laws and processes are respected at all times. It is becoming increasingly clear that this is the only way forward.”

The AFN intervened in this reference case – Proposed Amendments to the Environmental Act – insisting the court ensure the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and free, prior and informed consent be upheld, along with customary laws and practices. AFN also called on the court to consider the perspectives of First Nations, their relationship to the lands and natural environment, and the way these relationships are uniquely and inextricably connected to First Nations health, well-being and cultural, social and economic vitality.

AFN Yukon Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, co-chair of the AFN Advisory Committee on Climate Action and the Environment, said: “This court decision does not speak to the very obvious fact that a true partnership with First Nations is required for any decisions that impact our territories. Building an honest trusting relationship with First Nations is key to building a future that protects and sustains the environment regardless of jurisdiction. We can work on the environment and still invest in education, in healthcare and still find new ways to build a modern innovative economy that thrives. But the relationship with First Nations must be genuine, respectful, open and we must be involved right from the very start.”

The decision on the proposed amendments to the Environmental Management Act dealt with the jurisdiction and authority of the Government of B.C. to regulate and restrict companies that transport diluted bitumen through B.C. The unanimous ruling found that the draft legislation was not within BC’s jurisdiction to enact.

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde said today’s Supreme Court of Canada decision inR v. Bartonincludes some positive steps but reinforces the need for fundamental changes to Canada’s legal system to ensure fairness and dignity for Indigenous women and girls, and respect for First Nations approaches to justice.

“I agree with the statement in today’s decision that ‘we can – and must – do better’ to address the failings of the justice system when it comes to Indigenous women and girls,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “The decision includes some important changes to the law, notably instructions that judges must provide to juries in cases of sexual assault involving Indigenous women. Canada’s highest court is acknowledging the prejudices and biases against Indigenous women and girls, and the need for reform. I am disappointed that the case is being sent back for re-trial on the reduced charge of manslaughter. We will continue to push for fundamental change in the justice system to embrace First Nations approaches like restorative justice and respect for our peoples and rights.”

The AFN was an intervenor in R v. Barton. The AFN intervened in support of justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and for more respectful treatment of Indigenous women in the justice system. Bradley Barton was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Cindy Gladue in June 2011 and a jury acquitted him following a month-long trial in 2015. In its submissions, the AFN argued the importance of the mandatory requirements of s. 276 of the Criminal Code to protect the equality and privacy rights of a victim, and the necessity for fair and balanced instructions to the juries regarding racial biases. The AFN also argued that the characterizations of Cindy Gladue during the trial perpetuated myths and stereotypes about Indigenous women that should not form any part of Canadian law.

“The lives of Indigenous peoples must be valued and we need to fix the broken systems that consistently suggests our lives are worth less than others,” said AFN BC Regional Chief Terry Teegee who holds the justice portfolio with the AFN.  “First Nations are underrepresented on juries and overrepresented in jails. This is why we continue to push for the support and implementation of restorative justice and to increase the representation of Indigenous people on juries and in the judiciary. We want all Canadians to stand with us in this work.”

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

May 27, 2019 – Ottawa – National Defence / Royal Canadian Navy

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) will affiliate each of its six new Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) with regions of the Inuit Nunangat. The first such affiliation, between the future Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf and the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut, was formally recognized during a visit by her Commanding Officer, Commander Corey Gleason in Iqaluit today.

Affiliation between an HMC Ship, its sailors and civilian communities is a long-standing and honoured naval tradition, with relationships lasting throughout the service life of the ship. The remaining affiliations within the Inuit Nunangat in the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq regions of Nunavut as well as the Inuvialuit, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut regions – will occur as each AOPS is constructed and enters service.

Over the next several years, the six AOPS’s and their crews will build ties with the communities in these regions during routine operations in Canada’s Northern waters. The relationships established between the Inuit Nunangat and the RCN AOPS will create solid partnerships that generate pride in both the ship’s company and the communities they will represent. Each ship’s company will work with community members, local leaders, and engage with youth groups, to build relationships based on respect, mutual understanding, and shared experiences.

Quotes

“Canada’s Northern communities have unique experiences to share with our Royal Canadian Navy which will directly contribute to a deeper understanding of their culture and heritage. Strengthening our relationship with Inuit communities helps the Canadian Armed Forces to enhance its awareness of issues that confront those living in the North, and will contribute to a more meaningful engagement and enduring presence in the Arctic, helping to keep Canada strong at home.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

“On behalf of the Government of Nunavut, I welcome the Commanding Officer to the Qikiqtaaluk and look forward to engaging with the crew of the future HMCS Harry DeWolf. I look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship between Canada’s Navy and our vibrant communities.  We are excited to welcome you, and work with you to protect Canada’s Arctic.”

The Honourable Joe Savikataaq, Premier of Nunavut

“Inuit have been an integral part of Canada’s efforts to establish sovereignty in the Arctic. From Sanikiluaq on the Belcher Islands to Grise Fiord, in the High Arctic, Inuit were relocated to various Qikiqtani communities to establish Canada’s presence in the region. Today we embark on a new chapter in Arctic sovereignty, a chapter marked by dialogue and cooperation. In this spirit of reconciliation, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association welcomes the future HMCS Harry DeWolf.”

P.J. Akeeagok, President, Qikiqtani Inuit Association

“The Arctic is important to Canada’s identity, its security, and its future prosperity. These vibrant communities are at the heart of Canada’s North and form an integral part of Canada’s history and identity. Engaging with the people in the Inuit Nunangat will help the RCN to better understand and connect with this important region and enhance the conduct of our Northern operations for years to come. The RCN looks forward to working with these communities as we begin what promises to be a long-lasting and mutually respectful relationship.”

Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy

“Affiliation is an important naval tradition, and I am honoured that the crew of HMCS Harry DeWolf will perpetuate this custom with communities of the Qikiqtani region. As Commanding Officer of the future HMCS Harry DeWolf, my ship’s company and I look forward to operating in our Northern waters and to engaging with communities throughout the region.”

Commander Corey Gleason, Commanding Officer, HMCS Harry DeWolf

Quick Facts

·       The Royal Canadian Navy is a rapidly deployable, highly flexible multipurpose maritime team that provides the Government of Canada with a range of defence and security options in support of Canadian interests at home and abroad.

·       In Canada’s Arctic waters, upholding national sovereignty, providing armed seaborne surveillance and defence, and delivering maritime domain awareness, is a collaborative effort between the RCN and trusted partners in other government departments and agencies.

·       Affiliation between the Royal Canadian Navy’s AOPS and the Inuit Nunangat supports Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, by strengthening the Navy’s understanding of the Arctic region and connecting with our most remote communities.

·       Spanning three territories and stretching as far as the North Pole, Canada’s North is a sprawling region, encompassing 75 percent of the country’s national coastlines. The sheer expanse of Canada’s North, coupled with its ice-filled seas, harsh climate, and more than 36,000 islands make for a challenging region to monitor – particularly as the North encompasses a significant portion of the maritime approaches to North America.

·       Approximately 43 per cent of Canada’s ocean coastline is found within the Nunavut Settlement Area; 104,000 out of a total of 243,000 kilometres.

·       24 out of 25 Nunavut communities are coastal communities, including all 13 communities in the Qikiqtani region.

·       The Qikiqtani region is the largest of the three regions in Nunavut, with a total population of 19,654; 15,507 of whom are Inuit.

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde supports the Algonquin Nation in their work to secure title to lands within Algonquin territory. This includes the future Indigenous Peoples Space – a property at 100 Wellington Street and adjacent properties, across the street from Parliament Hill in Ottawa announced by the Government of Canada in 2017 as a centre for Indigenous peoples.

“The space at 100 Wellington Street and the adjacent property will be an important space for all First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders, governments and organizations to  conduct intergovernmental business and strengthen relationships,” said National Chief Perry Bellegarde.  “I support the Algonquin peoples in pressing for the Government of Canada to recognize that this future space is on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin territory.  This will show a true act of reconciliation and acknowledgement of the important original relationship of partnership and sharing – that the First Peoples never gave up their rights in their traditional territories. This acknowledgement would set out the right approach for a space that will develop and grow based on the vision of the Algonquin peoples and all First Nations, Métis and Inuit.”

In a May 14, 2019 letter to federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett, National Chief Bellegarde urged the Government of Canada recognize the title of the Algonquin Nation and that it should do so in a manner that reflects and respects the protocols of the Algonquin Nation and meaningful engagement with First Nations.  This is consistent with AFN Resolution 29/2017 passed in July 2017.

“Indigenous Peoples have an inherent right to self-determination throughout our traditional territories,” said National Chief Bellegarde.  “The recognition of Algonquin title is integral to ensuring this project continues in a good way and sets a tone to lead to better outcomes for First Nations and Canada.  AFN looks forward to continued collaborative efforts with the Algonquin Nation, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council and the federal government to ensure the future Indigenous Peoples Space will be a site for First Nations and other Indigenous peoples and governments to conduct intergovernmental business and advance their self-determination.”

The groups involved will be hosting an event at 100 Wellington this June, with details forthcoming.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.

Kenora, ON — Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh, Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty #3 says he supports the recent friendship agreement signed between the Town of Fort Frances and Couchiching, Mitaanjigamiing, Naicatchewenin and Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nations, also known as Agency One communities.

“The First Nations involved have been embroiled in this situation and tied up in litigation over many years so I am pleased that they are moving forward in a good way,” said Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh. “I believe by following traditional protocols and ceremony, this situation can and has progressed positively.  This agreement is proof that we need to continue to support the First Nations in their fight to return the unsold territorial lands back to Agency #1 communities and why Canada and Ontario must commit to supporting the process.”

The signing took place at Point Park in Fort Frances April 23, at the location which has been the focal point for the past two decades.

“This is a movement towards reconciling a relationship that for years has been strained,” said Couchiching First Nation Chief Brian Perrault. “This tension was never in the best interest of both our communities and I am thankful that we can move forward in a positive direction.”

The goal of the agreement according June Caul, the mayor of Fort Frances, is to make the town, the First Nations, better places to live, while also fostering economic development and finding common ground on regional issues.

“We are finally looking at making things right,” said Nigigoonsiminikaaning Chief Will Windego. “It’s been going on for far too long and now that we have all the right people sitting at the table, this situation can be settled and benefit everyone.”

SUMMARY: Indigenous educator, entrepreneur and cultural advocate Frank Brown will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws during VIU’s June 5, 2019 afternoon convocation ceremony for his contributions to preserving Indigenous culture including the resurgence of the Tribal Canoe Journey.

VIU MEDIA RELEASE: Thursday May 9, 2019

NANAIMO, BC: Celebrating and preserving Indigenous cultures and perspectives through place-based teachings is Frank Brown’s life-long commitment.

Brown, a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation, who carries the Hereditary Hemas (Chief) name of Dhadhiyasila (λ.λ.yasila) meaning “preparing for the largest potlatch”, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Vancouver Island University (VIU) in recognition of his commitment to advancing the causes of Indigenous sovereignty, cultural resiliency and environmental stewardship. He will participate in VIU’s afternoonconvocation ceremony on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 starting at 2:30 pm.

Brown was the initiator of and lead coordinator for the Tribal Canoe Journey to Bella Bella in 1993 and 2014 – the resurgence of the annual tradition of First Nations people in the Pacific Northwest Coast that engages nations to share their culture, dance, songs and language.

The journeys have become an important revitalization project of the Heiltsuk Glwa or “ocean going canoe” – which had not been carved or used over several decades. In 1986, as a student, Brown raised $250,000 to carve the traditional Glwa and led a symbolic canoe journey by enlisting other youth and paddling to Vancouver for Expo ʾ86.

“Frank has dedicated most of his life to the canoe journey resurgence. Through the Tribal Journeys our people have witnessed the strength of cultural connection of the Glwa and the meaning it has brought to our contemporary lives,” says K̓áwáziɫ Marilyn Slett, Heiltsuk Tribal Council Chief Councilor. “Many of our young people who have embarked on these journeys were high-risk youth. The impact and strength of participating in the Tribal Journeys is such that it gives each youth a renewed sense of their Heiltsuk identity, promoting life balance and a healthy lifestyle.”

“By carrying forward the tradition of the Tribal Canoe Journey, we are holding strong to our long history on the coast,” says Brown. “The journey is a vessel of empowerment and keeps us connected to our culture and natural world in a physical, emotional and spiritual way.”

This spiritual awakening journey is similar to the one Brown embarked on when he was 14 years old. Facing a criminal conviction, Brown’s family elders requested he be exiled on an island in Heiltsuk territory, as part of Heiltsuk law, instead of going to a juvenile detention centre in Vancouver. He was on the island for eight months, and he was the first person in living memory within the community and in the Canadian judicial history to follow this Indigenous legal tradition.

During this time of solitude, Brown experienced the healing power of nature and reconnected with the importance of his Indigenous culture and place-based teachings. The experience deeply rooted a life-long commitment in Brown to promote cultural resiliency and environmental stewardship. 

Brown values education as a means to achieve sustainable socio-economic prosperity for Indigenous peoples, and supported the development of a community-based stewardship program and Aboriginal ecotourism place-based learning program with Vancouver Island University.

“VIU as an ally has been open to listening and truly hearing the Indigenous community and that is evident in the support they have provided in helping develop curriculum to promote Indigenous education and prosperity,” he says.

VIU also shows its support to Indigenous ways of knowing and being by participating in the Tribal Journeys and opening its doors to travelers of the journey. “VIU has always been very welcoming to our people. I have taken several groups of faculty and staff along with me on the journeys to experience our culture,” says Gary Manson, VIU Elder-in-Residence and participant of the Tribal Journeys. “It has been incredibly impactful to see all the different tribal groups come together and share in song and dance. It plays a significant role in connecting the younger generation who have grown up in an urban landscape to understand the teachings of our ancestors and to connect and advocate for our Earth.”

Brown is currently proprietor of SeeQuest Development, a management consulting firm; Cultural Coordinator for Heiltsuk Tribal Council; and an adjunct professor in Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University. He co-chaired a Heiltsuk Nation initiative to investigate the 2016 Nathan E. Stewart environmental disaster, where an American-owned tug and barge ran aground in Heiltsuk territory, spilling 110,000 litres of diesel fuels and heavy oils and devastating the coastline. Brown collaborated on a ground-breaking report and assessment of the spill in the context of Heiltsuk laws.

“Frank’s story of grit, perseverance and service serves as a model for those who aspire to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” said Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor. “His own personal journey along with his efforts to revitalize the Tribal Journeys are inspiring for both VIU students and the wider community and we are honoured to celebrate his achievements.”

Brown will deliver brief remarks during VIU’s June 5 convocation ceremony which can be viewed on VIU’s Facebook page.

Permalink: https://news.viu.ca/indigenous-advocate-receive-honorary-doctorate-degree-viu

Photo Caption: Frank Brown will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from VIU on June 5^th.  Photo Credit: Rob Ferguson