Chief Delorme

If there was a chance for any continuation of optimism from last year’s BC Chiefs and Cabinet Gathering, it seemed too much to ask for from chiefs at this year’s event. But some hope remained among chiefs for some long-awaited success.

Most, if not all, First Nations delegates who attended were looking for a sliver of progress that could be made between the First Nations Leadership Council and the BC Cabinet. Sadly, many chiefs I spoke with (between speeches and lunch breaks) had already accepted non-confidence in the process.

Although we were celebrating the first-year anniversary of the landmark Tsilqot’in Supreme Court decision, many of us were still wondering if the government was listening to First Nations. Admittedly, I was skeptical upon arrival to the event, but surprisingly I found some common ground by the end of my experience there.

This represented a drastic improvement in the relationship between First Nations and the Crown and  the results have pleased me. Some highlights of the three day event included: the ever popular one-on-one meetings with a minister or deputy, the speaker series, sector panel sessions and the BC Chiefs Caucus session. Former Chief, and current Lawyer Leah George-Wilson was professional and charming in her role as moderator and the Leadership Council were stern, direct and unwavering in the messages to all Chiefs. Commissioner Wilton Littlechild from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission gave a moving and heartfelt speech that set the tone for discussions around real reconciliation and what it means for a modern society.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip echoed those sentiments declaring reconciliation needs to be seen as a new reality’ for all First Nations.  The individual time spent with ministers was a good approach by the BC Cabinet. It gave chiefs the opportunity to speak on matters that affected them. My time with ministers Amrik Virk and Teresa Wat opened up dialogue for opportunity for the Klahoose.

The information gained by these meetings will allow Klahoose to continue to have relationships with the government that produce fruitful and productive results. The only way this can continue is when both parties are open to discussion and compromise. The First Nations Leadership Council had a forward-thinking approach. It wanted to see a four-principle plan set in motion that would strengthen the rights and title of all First Nations in BC. The council is comprised of representatives from the executive of the BC Assembly of First Nations (Chief Shane Gottfriedson), the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Chief Bob Chamberlin and Chief Judy Wilson) and the First Nations Summit (Grand ChiefEdward John, Cheryl Casimer and Robert Phillips).

The plan was presented to the chiefs at the caucus meeting on the first day. After some intense discussions around details of what the messaging should be, the overall consensus was to support the plan.

On the second day, the plan was presented to the BC Cabinet for review. The final day included a host of speaker series sessions covering important subjects such as environmental stewardship, mining and forests, Aboriginal tourism, children and families, education and LNG.

To my surprise on Sept. 15, the BC Government made an announcement. A commitment was made to the public and to all First Nations to implement a plan that includes the recommendations of the First Nations Leadership Council. Specifically, they highlighted the focus on reconciliation agreements and the proposed commitment document.

Could it be they were listening? Of course, we still have the outstanding issues with LNG, the Site C hydro project and the Mount Polley mine disaster. These things have weakened the overall relationship between First Nations and the provincial government. However this new movement forward can possibly bridge the gap to meaningful discussion that helps make reconciliation a reality for all First Nations in BC. I want to thank the Coast Salish nations from the Vancouver area for allowing me to visit their territory. It was a trip I will never forget and I look forward to the work this year to make reconciliation a reality.

Thank you to chiefs and delegates for their honesty, smiles and laughter as well as to the BC Cabinet for hosting this event.

BC Announcement – http://ow.ly/Sd15B

Chief Delorme’s article on the 2014 gathering – Actions speak louder than words