“Ask who you are, dig for common humanity and then we can find that we belong here. We want more than just politics.” – Chief Robert Joseph

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By Johnny Hanuse

The Joint Gathering 2015 in downtown Vancouver – co-hosted by the BC First Nations Leadership Council and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada – was a venue for discussions on emerging issues as well as an opportunity to build relationships, promote partnerships and foster leadership for a sustainable future. 

On the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations sits the Pinnacle Harbour Front hotel, which was the host building for the fourth annual Joint Gathering conference.

There were many important players in First Nation governance and the Canadian government present, including the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, Hon. Carolyn Bennett, minister of Indigenous and northern affairs (via conference video), various members of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and chiefs (both hereditary and elected) from all over BC.

The evaluation of last year’s Joint Gathering confirmed that it was a positive encounter between First Nations and government officials and so it continued for another year.

RECONCILIATION

This year there were three main topics spread over three days. The first day, Nov. 16, was dedicated to housing issues. But the keynote speaker on the first day Dr. Chief Robert Joseph, spoke about the important roles of reconciliation and the need to build meaningful relationships. When he stood up to the podium and began speaking you could see that it truly had a deep meaning for him.

“Sometimes reconciliation comes to a point of conflict, but every step is important,” he said. “It happens when your mind, heart and soul says ‘I want to take a step [forward]’. “Everybody in this room has experienced trauma. Even the normal people,” he added as the crowd laughed.

But in all seriousness, he said that he believed forgiveness is really important with moving forward. “Ask who you are, dig for common humanity and then we can find that we belong here. We want more than just politics.”

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

The second day was about child and family services. The keynote speaker was Chief Edward John who is the senior advisor on Aboriginal child welfare for the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). He talked about priority areas of Aboriginal child welfare and permanency planning for children and youth in care.

The relationship between MCFD and chiefs was not where he had hoped it to be, he said, adding that in order for a positive change, there needs to be a clear line of communication. “You are the gatekeepers,” he said. “Be diligent and ask important questions. Don’t just pass them along.” He presented a list of ideas on how chiefs and government can improve their relationships to better the lives of those incare.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Economic development was the topic of the third day. Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson from the BCAFN spoke about improving the quality of life through a community-driven, nation based economic strategy.

After his speech, he played a video of the Jimmie Creek run-of-the-river project in Toba Inlet. In the video was the message: “Why would we ever need something like Site C dam when we could have nationbased run-of-the-river projects like these ones?” Grand Chief Stewart Phillip offered closing remarks to the gathering with some insights and reflections. He then went and protested Site C in front of BC Hydro.

These were just some small examples of the topics discussed. To take full advantage of the gathering, and with so many people in attendance, a series of separate meetings to discuss other issues were held in rooms throughout the hotel. The Joint Gathering 2015 was a true demonstration of coming together, putting actions in order and looking towards the future.

The Joint Gathering 2015 was coordinated by NmTC Events which is a department of Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council.