Unceded Territories of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations (April 25, 2024) – The First Nations Leadership Council, Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree issued the following statement today:
“Our Gathering kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct is an annual event held on the traditional unceded ancestral territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and the səl̓ílwətaʔ Nations ɬ (Tsleil- Waututh). . It is an opportunity for British Columbia’s 204 First Nations to raise key areas to prioritize in our nation-to-nation relationships.
British Columbia First Nations are leading the way toward a better future for their communities. They are pushing for a fair standard of living, where they have housing, First Nations-led health care, access to clean and reliable drinking water, the tools available to respond to emergency situations like wildfires and floods, and more opportunities to build and develop. their businesses, and the Government of Canada will be a partner in that work.
There are also important advances being made that will change the trajectory of your relations with the Government of Canada by moving beyond the confines of the Indian law, so that it works for each nation. In many communities, this involves the negotiation of Modern Treaties or Self-Government Agreements that create greater self-determination and control over lands, resources and jurisdictions, such as education and child welfare.
While progress is being made, much work remains to build partnerships based on trust and cooperation. Canada must, for example, fully implement our promises and obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoplesadopt the First Nations Clean Water Act so that First Nations have clean water for generations to come, and we must redouble our efforts to end the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit people and gender diverse people. Furthermore, urgent and continued collective action is required to address the homelessness and toxic drug poisoning crises. We are grateful for the honest discussions that took place, inspired by the stories that were shared, and encouraged by the steps taken on the path of reconciliation.
Our best wishes and immense gratitude to all those who organized and participated in Our Meeting.”
The Government of Canada was honored to meet with First Nations leaders, members and organizations in British Columbia at Our Gathering kexwkexwntsút chet, tə sq̓əq̓ip ct. This marked the eleventh year of the meeting, co-sponsored by the First Nations Leadership Council, which is comprised of the Summit of First Nations, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, the Assembly of First Nations of British Columbia, along with Indigenous Services Canada and the Crown. Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.