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Raven's Eye

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Launched in 1997. A news publication specifically designed for the Indigenous people of British Columbia and Yukon.

  • May 2, 2016
  • Raven's Eye Staff

MEDIA RELEASE

PORT ALBERNI (Monday, May 2, 2016) - A man of huge importance to modern Nuu-chah-nulth history has died. Nelson Keitlah was one of the original leaders of the West Coast District Council, which became the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC).

Keitlah was often referred to respectfully as ‘The General’ for his ability to lead the 14 Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations in…

  • February 23, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel

At a meeting of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition held in Terrace on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5., representatives from 27 First Nations discussed the possibility of a First Nations-led environmental assessment process for major industrial projects, reads a press statement Feb. 8 from the group’s Coalition and Steering Committee.

The group says it is made up of nations who have agreed…

  • February 23, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel

Three communities of the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council and its NStQ Treaty Group voted yes Feb. 11 to continue negotiations based on their Agreement in Principle.

Canim Lake, Soda Creek and Canoe Creek/Dog Creek voted in support of moving to Stage 5, the Final Agreement, in negotiations.

“The results of this important vote show that the BC treaty negotiation process is working…

  • February 23, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel

Musqueam, Squamish and Tseil-Waututh First Nations have signaled their intention to purchase a 38.8-acre parcel of land in West Point Grey. The lands consist of two parcels totaling 38.8 acres, which are owned by the province. Another 52 acres, known as the Jericho lands, were recently transferred from the federal government to the three First Nations and the Canada Lands Corporation. “If a…

  • February 23, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel

The B.C. government and service Employees’ Union signed a solidarity accord Feb. 4, which commits its opposition to pipelines running through 130 First Nations’ territories. Representing thousands of employees, the union affirms its support of the Save the Fraser declaration, which bans Northern Gateway or other similar pipeline projects from crossing the territories of signatory nations. The…

  • February 23, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel

Kwikwetlem First Nation has filed an Aboriginal title and rights and Charter claim with the B.C. Supreme Court in an effort to ensure its title and rights over key areas in its traditional territory.

Kwikwetlem has traditional territory around the watershed of the Coquitlam River, which the Nation says has seen significant development over many years, with no end in sight.

“Our…

  • February 10, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel

Kwikwetlem First Nation has filed an Aboriginal title and rights and Charter claim with the B.C. Supreme Court in an effort to ensure its title and rights over key areas in its traditional territory.

Kwikwetlem has traditional territory around the watershed of the Coquitlam River, which the Nation says has seen significant development over many years, with no end in sight.

“Our…

  • February 5, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel

The B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union signed a solidarity accord Feb. 4, which commits its opposition to pipelines running through 130 First Nations’ territories. Representing thousands of employees, the union affirm its support of the Save the Fraser declaration, which bans Northern Gateway or other similar pipeline projects from crossing the territories of signatory nations. The…

  • February 5, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel

If members of the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ) treaty group ratify their treaty Agreement-in-Principle on Feb. 11 they will receive land transfers from the province.

The Nations in the Cariboo region of British Columbia are negotiating a treaty with the province and Canada, but under incremental treaty agreements with B.C., 3,760 hectares of Crown land will go to Tsq'escen'…

  • February 3, 2016
  • Shayne Morrow Windspeaker Contributor BELLA BELLA, B.C.

B.C. Coastal First Nations have taken on a critical role in the future of the Great Bear Rainforest, which covers a land-base twice the size of Vancouver Island.

 
On Feb. 1, the province…
  • February 3, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel
 
The 2016 Vancouver International Dance Festival, to be held Feb. 28 to March 19, will feature Raven Spirit in its impressive line-up of dance works from internationally-celebrated artists and local favorites. 
Raven Spirit will perform Frost Exploding Trees Moon, which will be staged March 13 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Woodwards Atrium at 149…
  • January 27, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel

Edward John, an executive member of the First Nations Summit, is calling for urgent efforts in B.C. to revive Indigenous languages. He said the 6,000 to 7,000 languages spoken by Native peoples around the world are “the essential component of cultural heritage” and should get international attention and support to ensure their survival. John spoke at a three-day meeting of language experts at…

  • January 27, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel

The Huu-ay-aht First Nation on Vancouver Island, one of the five Maa-nulth Treaty Nations, has purchased a significant amount of land around Bamfield, including the purchase of a gas station, a lodge and marina, the 40-acre airstrip, and the seven-acre Rance Island in Bamfield Inlet. A Huu-ay-aht, press statement says the nation hopes to generate more tourism in the area while giving an…

  • January 27, 2016
  • C33

Lelu Island and Flora Bank is critical habitat for wild salmon, located at the mouth of the Skeena River in northwestern B.C. The area has now been declared permanently protected from industrial development by a coalition of First Nations leaders, local residents and federal and provincial politicians.

The Lelu Island Declaration will be a “major obstacle” to Malaysian-owned oil and…

  • January 27, 2016
  • Compiled by Debora Steel

Simon Fraser University has approved a Burnaby campus memorial to commemorate the experience of First Nations, Metis and Inuit children who attended residential schools. It will be a part of the Faculty of Education’s new Aboriginal Gathering Place. The initiative is sparked by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) final report.

“It is still early, but we envision the creation…