By: Lucaiah Smith-Miodownik, News Writer In the spring of 2023, the Gitxaała and Ehattesaht Nations took to BC’s Supreme Court to challenge the policy surrounding mining minerals like gold, silver, and copper. The Nations argued the “free-entry” system in practice is “outdated and unconstitutional” as it violates the government’s duty to consult Indigenous Peoples. This system — which is currently on pause due to the court’s ruling — allows individuals or companies to “stake claims on those minerals.” For the Gitxaała and Ehattesaht Nations, the policy is a “colonial holdover.” During BC’s gold rush era, from 1858 to the mid-1860s,…
Continue reading
By: Olivia Sherman, News Writer Khelsilem is an Indigenous political leader, Chairperson of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), former SFU lecturer, and a leading voice for Sen̓áḵw’s affordable housing non-profit. The project is currently building 1,000 units of affordable homes…
Continue reading
