PGL Environmental Consultants’ Post

In Alaska, a group of Tribes with ancestral homelands along BC’s transboundary rivers are seeking to be consulted on multiple risky and under-regulated gold mines that threaten the rivers, fish and the people in the region and their ways of life. In Washington, the Lummi Nation is asserting their transboundary rights to consult on a massive port expansion of the BC Roberts Bank Terminal that would harm Chinook salmon, Southern Resident orca whales and the Lummi people. According to the Supreme Court of Canada’s 2021 decision in R. v. Desautel, Indigenous peoples in the U.S. whose ancestral lands were taken and divided by the U.S.-Canada border may assert rights as aboriginal peoples of Canada and engage in meaningful government-to-government consultation on projects affecting them. However, BC’s Environmental Assessment Office recently notified the 15 member Tribes of the Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary Commission (SEITC) and the Lummi Nation that their rights will be “distinct” and “differentiated” from those of First Nations in BC. Both SEITC and Lummi have asked Canada for recognition as a Participating Indigenous Nation to protect aboriginal and treaty rights and natural resources from reckless development projects. #rbt2 #eskaycreek #britishcolumbia #humanrights #undrip #dripa

But what about the treaties? 🤔 We often hear about “reconciliation,” but for many Indigenous nations, the struggle to have treaties recognized and honored is still ongoing. From resource extraction to legal battles over basic rights, the original spirit of these sacred agreements is consistently disregarded. Consider these examples:    •   Treaty 8 communities fighting against environmental damage from oil sands development.    •   The Mi’kmaq asserting their fishing rights under the Treaty of 1752, only to face violence and opposition.    •   The Wet’suwet’en defending their unceded lands while pipelines are built without their consent.    •   Grassy Narrows, still dealing with mercury contamination that’s devastated their health and traditional livelihoods, despite Treaty 3 promises. These aren’t isolated incidents—they represent ongoing patterns where Indigenous treaty rights are contested, undermined, or ignored in favor of economic development. So, what does reconciliation really mean when these struggles persist? True reconciliation should start with honoring the spirit and intent of treaties. This isn’t just about legal obligations—it’s about respect, partnership, and protecting the rights and lands that were promised. What are your thoughts? How can Canada move toward honoring these sacred agreements, and what does true reconciliation look like to you? #IndigenousRights #Reconciliation #TreatyRights #LandBack #Sovereignty #JusticeForIndigenousPeoples

The Haida Nation's perseverance has led to a historic milestone in Canadian history. Recently, the Haida Nation and the province of British Columbia announced the Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement, where B.C. formally recognizes Haida ownership of all the lands of Haida Gwaii. This marks the first time in Canada's history that the colonial government has acknowledged Indigenous Title over an entire terrestrial territory, setting a new precedent for Indigenous reconciliation. According to John Borrows, an expert in Indigenous law at the University of Toronto, this agreement is groundbreaking. While Indigenous Title is an inherent right, the challenge lies in enforcing it without legal support. With only two Canadian courts having recognized Indigenous Title so far, this non-court recognition signifies a significant shift towards acknowledging Indigenous sovereignty and rights. The Haida Nation's strategic approach showcases the power of Indigenous communities in asserting their rights and gaining recognition without litigation. This agreement paves the way for a new era of Indigenous governance and land rights in Canada, highlighting the importance of respectful relationships between Indigenous nations and the government. #IndigenousRights #LandAcknowledgement #CanadianHistory

PGLers, Elissa Cook and Becky Kostka, were fortunate enough to attend and witness the 10th Anniversary Buffalo Treaty Gathering in Stand Off, Treaty 7 (Alberta) from September 22-25, 2024. Sovereign Nations from across Turtle Island gathered to renew and/or become signatories of the Treaty, while supporters and allies were also on hand to commit to supporting the signatories in efforts to "honour, recognize, and revitalize the time immemorial relationship" with buffalo; ultimately restoring the sacred relationship between the Bison Nation and First Nations. Treaty — Buffalo Treaty The Gathering was conducted through ceremony, with many Nations sharing their unique traditions, stories, and songs regarding their respective relationships with buffalo. This was intentionally done to revitalize traditional governance, protocol, and decision-making practices. The timing of this event was also important as it happened only days before the National Truth & Reconciliation Day. This day was announced in response to the TRC's Calls to Action, including: “80. We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” It is important to remember that solidarity doesn’t end with wearing an orange shirt or having a day off work, however. Supporting events like the Buffalo Treaty, reground us into what is actually important; the ability for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis to govern, assert, and resurge unhindered by colonial rule. The return of the Buffalo to the landscape is pivotal in efforts toward true reconciliation and symbolic in challenging settler entrenchment, systemic and environmental racism, and colonial violence toward Indigenous people and the land we all share.

Today, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It’s a day designated for all citizens of Canada to reflect on and honour the contributions and resiliency of Indigenous peoples. At the NWMO we are committed to Reconciliation, aligning Indigenous Knowledge with our work, and building sustainable relationships with Indigenous communities. Some of the ways we are actioning these commitments are: - Application of Reconciliation Assessment tool, - Cohesive and mandatory 4-part Reconciliation training program, - Annual Indigenous Knowledge and Western science conference, - Release of Water Statement

Change is slow. Treaty after treaty - broken. “The land shall be theirs for as long as the grass shall grow.” The world’s largest bronze stretches over 400 feet in length. It contains over 38 people, 34 horses, three wagons, a cannon, a dog, and even a frightened jackrabbit. The figures are most often defined heroic and magnanimous. Adjusted for inflation, it’s near a 12-million-dollar installation. It’s known as the Centennial Land Run Monument, was paid for through Federal and State funding in conjunction with local philanthropy and every time I see it, it turns my stomach. I’m hopeful that there may be change on the horizon thanks to the developmental work of the Society for the Protection of Indigenous Rights and Indigenous Treaties (SPIRIT.) Phase One’s recently completed “Land Run Narrative: A perspective from the Indigenous community in Oklahoma” defines a path to progress. Closing remarks from the Knowledge Keepers “When we (Indigenous Oklahomans) see the Centennial Land Run Monument in Oklahoma City, we see another attack on our spirit and a physical reminder of the perils of settler colonial manipulation forced upon us. The 6.2-million-dollar bronze statue that celebrates all of this is problematic for the State of Oklahoma, and it perpetuates the erasure of Native history and Native people. As the state with one of the largest Indigenous populations in the U.S. Oklahomans deserve better. Micro assaults and harmful stereotypes have plagued Native communities and spaces in white America since the founding of the country. Sports mascots, red face, and erasure events such as school Land run re-enactments continue to push the narrative that we don’t exist, or we are romanticized versions of the past. School curriculums don’t include the histories we deem important for ourselves, although it should be noted that due to the actions taken by Native parents and activists, many Oklahoma communities have ended Land Run reenactments because they present such a skewed and inaccurate representation of a critical moment in Oklahoma history. This interim report finds that the Centennial Land Run Monument is in fact hurtful to the Indigenous communities of Oklahoma. From collected recordings, we have an archive of word-for-word opinions elaborated with examples of family lineage stories, to experiences and memories of our being in Oklahoma. It is the Knowledge Keepers' hope that the Indigenous community of Oklahoma gets just as much space or funding to create their side of the story as the one documented through the Centennial monument. To build toward a better future, it’s imperative that we collectively move away from a one-sided story that celebrates extraction, colonialism, and histories of violence. In conclusion, the Knowledge Keepers.” Anita Fields, Yatika Fields Thank you both for your work, experience and guidence! NOW WE START PHASE II of III - to tell the untold. Image: A small portion of The Land Run Monument by Paul Moore

🌞🌞🌞 A good and hopeful story. The Government of British Columbia recognizes Haida ownership of all the lands of Haida Gwaii. The article explains that, "this is the first time in Canadian history that the colonial government has recognized Indigenous title across an entire terrestrial territory, and it’s the first time this kind of recognition has occurred outside of the courts. Experts say it marks a new path toward Indigenous reconciliation." Twenty years before, the BC government had a very different take and offered a deal that would give the Haida - whose home it as been for 13'000 years - 20% of their lands if they agreed to give up 80% of their lands ... sounds nuts, right!? But it goes to show how much on the non-indigenous world still thinks about indigenous people. Luckily, the then President of the Council of the Haida Nation refused the deal, saying, “Why would we give up 80 percent of our land to get 20? This case is about respect for the Earth and each other. It is about culture, and it is about life.” Maybe, for a respectful way forward with nature, more and more governments should take this as an example. Frankly, I have far greater faith in indigenous people being respectful with nature than I do with our traditional expansionist economic models and mindsets. #rewilding #rewilderweekly

(August 9, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – On the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) urges governments, organizations, and individuals to take action to protect, uphold, and safeguard the rights of First Nations across Canada and the rights of Indigenous Peoples around the globe. This year’s theme, “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact,” highlights the importance of respecting the autonomy and territories of Indigenous Peoples, including those who choose to live in voluntary isolation and depend strictly on the natural environment that they have protected for generations. https://bityl.co/RWW3

(August 9, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – On the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) urges governments, organizations, and individuals to take action to protect, uphold, and safeguard the rights of First Nations across Canada and the rights of Indigenous Peoples around the globe. This year’s theme, “Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact,” highlights the importance of respecting the autonomy and territories of Indigenous Peoples, including those who choose to live in voluntary isolation and depend strictly on the natural environment that they have protected for generations. https://bityl.co/RWW3

We are thrilled to be working with our partners—BC Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship, and the First Nations Guardians Working Group —to bring you the First Nations Guardians and Stewardship Training Initiative (GSTI). GSTI is already making a profound impact by empowering First Nation communities. This initiative equips Guardians with the training, education, and skills needed to manage and protect their ancestral lands. By enhancing the capacity of Guardians, GSTI supports sustainable stewardship practices that honor Indigenous traditions and laws. This program goes beyond funding; it strengthens the spiritual and cultural connections between First Nations and their territories, ensuring the preservation and restoration of lands, waters, and wildlife for future generations. Through GSTI, we are building a foundation for a sustainable and self-determined future. Eligible applicants for GSTI include BC First Nations, Modern Treaty First Nations, Self-Government Nations, Tribal Councils, and organizations mandated under Hereditary Chiefs or other traditional governance structures. This initiative is designed to respect and support the diverse governance models within First Nations communities. For more details and to apply, visit https://lnkd.in/gdveMQ3V #FirstNations #Guardians #Stewardship #IndigenousLeadership