Former Tsawwassen chief named new KPU chancellor

Photo: KPU

A former Tsawwassen chief who led the nation to implement B.C.’s first urban treaty has been named the new chancellor of Kwantlen Polytechnic University. 

Kim Baird (Kwuntiltunaat) will serve a three-year term as KPU’s chancellor, starting on Oct. 5. 

According to KPU, the chancellor is the ceremonial head of the … Read More

‘Culture compass’ features Coast Salish histories on North Shore

Above: A group of people involved in the North Shore Culture Compass, including representatives from Tsleil-Waututh and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, at an opening event in March. Photo by Mike Wakefield.

A new online resource means people can learn about the North Shore’s Coast Salish culture and history from home. 

… Read More

Indigenous planning students produce Halalt children’s book

Post-secondary planning students at Halalt First Nation have worked with the community to create a children’s book. 

The book titled A Story of Xeláltxw Mustimuxw was released to the nation after students Andrea Oakunsheyld and Phil Climie completed their practicum earlier this year. 

They were part of a cohort from the University of British … Read More

Moving forward with delicate balance as summer gatherings cancelled

Above: NmTC hosted a youth gathering at Tla’amin in 2017. File photo.

By Skayu Louis 

Summer is usually a time for our communities to gather and connect. However, this year, most of the annual events we have come to look forward to — canoe journeys, culture camps and … Read More

UBC Indigenous-led garden brings connection amid uncertainty

Photo: Led by mentor Kim Haxton, a small crew from IndigenEYEZ works to prep the beds for planting.

By Skayu Louis

The Tu’wusht Garden Project is an Indigenous-led food security initiative at the University of British Columbia. Named in the Tla’amin language, Tu’wusht means “we belong” and is a … Read More

Coast Salish knowledge-keepers guide SD68 framework

Above: Stz’uminus Elder George Seymour shares a song as his grandchildren look on.

By Cara McKenna

After a regular day at Cedar Secondary School, a group gathered in the foyer, listening to Stz’uminus Elder George Seymour tell a Coast Salish orca story.  

… Read More

Agreement means ‘new beginning’ for Indigenous students on Gulf Islands

Above: Students welcome their peers, teachers and guests to a ceremony at Salt Spring Elementary School on Feb. 26.

By David P. Ball

“Hay ch q’a’ Si’em’!” shouted and sang hundreds of Salt Spring Island children and their teachers in unison on Feb. 26, at the invitation of Cowichan Nation Elder Tousïlum.  

“Thank you … Read More

SFU elects Sḵwxwú7mesh chairman

Photo: SFU

Simon Fraser University has elected a new chairman from Sḵwxwú7mesh Nation. 

Chris Lewis (Syeta’xtn) was first appointed to the board in 2014, and served as deputy-chairman before becoming chairman this year. 

The SFU board oversees the university’s administrative side including … Read More

‘Plane of Reconciliation’ honours Indigenous veterans

Photo by Todd Peacey.

An airplane display that honours Indigenous veterans is now hanging at the Comox Valley Airport. 

The “Plane of Reconciliation” project is a replica First World War Nieuport Biplane that was donated by the late Captain David Freeman — a longtime pilot who wanted to commemorate Indigenous veterans. 

With … Read More

Hul’q’umi’num’ lessons focus on daily use of language

Above: Gary and Adam Manson, front, in a group shot with the language class.

By Julie Chadwick

Students of a Hul’q’umi’num’ language learning series gathered to practice their vocabulary and hear stories from Snuneymuxw Elder Gary Manson (Xul’si’malt) in the … Read More