Tŝilhqot’in chief feels good about collaboration with the province

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Ten years following the Tŝilhqot’in's historic title win, Xeni Gwet'in Chief Roger William says it's important to continue collaborating with provincial leaders.

Chief Roger William of Xeni Gwet’in First Nation feels positive about the opportunities to collaborate with the provincial government following the B.C. cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering.

Chief William was among the more than 1,000 First Nation representatives who attended the Jan. 21 and Jan. 22 gathering in Vancouver. Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, located 200 kilometres west of Williams Lake, is one of six communities which make up the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG).

“I like what I heard,” said Chief William about the discussion which took place. He contrasted this to the concerning language he heard from certain members of the Conservative party during the last provincial election, language he described as “backward” and threatening the strides made for First Nation in B.C. over the last few years.

Chief William said he felt TNG could stay on track in negotiations with B.C.’s NDP along the lines of the nation’s priorities.

“Our team is working hard,” he said, noting TNG is closer than ever to achieving jurisdiction over child and family services.

All six TNG communities sent a representative to the gathering, and together they marked the ten-year anniversary of the historic Tŝilhqot’in Decision, their title win over 1,900 square kilometres of their ancestral land. They shared an exhibit, a film and spoke to the entire gathering, discussing their journey to the title win and how things have improved since and what more there is to do. The first of its kind in Canada, Chief William said the Tŝilhqot’in Decision is part of what brought the B.C. cabinet and First Nation leaders gathering to life.

“It’s just connecting and working with each other to make things work for Indigenous communities,” William said about the gathering. Following their title win, TNG signed a letter of understanding with former Premier Christy Clark to work towards reconciliation, leading to the formation of the leaders’ gathering.

Chief William emphasized the importance of local governance, and said being able to meet face-to-face with B.C.’s leaders and communicate their objectives and expectations facilitates this.

“How do we advance as first nations in the area, this country, this province,” he said. The gathering allows First Nation leaders to speak with each and every minister as well as the premier.

Chief William also highlighted the importance of having the Tŝilhqot’in Women’s Council present with the chiefs at the gathering.

“The Indian Act turned everything upside down,” he said, giving the example of how women’s power was stripped from them under the Indian Act.

“We’re trying to put the women in front again.”

https://www.wltribune.com/local-news/ti ... ce-7795851