Residential schools happened—that’s the truth. Previous generations didn’t sign treaties with First Nations—that’s the truth. Our government is committed to doing the work of reconciliation, because doing this together is better for everyone.
There’s a lot of misinformation being shared on social media regarding our work with Indigenous Peoples. That misinformation has even made its way into the Legislature.
Our incredible natural spaces, authentic Indigenous experiences, incredible culture, events, and people are bringing more people to see why we love BC, and helping support hundreds of thousands of jobs, and to pay for things like healthcare and education.
I love what tourism brings to BC!
Had a great conversation with my colleagues, @annekangburnaby.bsky.social and @lanapopham.bsky.social, at the BC Tourism Industry Conference this week. As a government we’ve set a goal to double tourism revenues to BC over the next ten years.
These Council members work to engage with youth in their communities, implement province-wide initiatives that benefit Indigenous youth, and represent youth voices at the provincial level.
It's always inspiring to meet with young leaders!
I had the great honour meeting with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres' Provincial Indigenous Youth Council. PIYC is made up of Indigenous youth from around the province that are actively involved in their local Friendship Centre.
Residential school denialism is hateful and causes harm to survivors and their families. We all must speak out against this hateful rhetoric and continue to lift up truth.
MLA for Cowichan Valley, Debra Toporowski (Qwulti’stunaat) rose in the House today to speak against residential school denialism. Thank you for sharing your and your family's truth, and for your powerful words.
I wish to congratulate the past and present Nisg̱a’a leadership and Elders, and the Government of Canada. As treaty partners we have achieved many social, cultural and economic successes of the past 25 years, and look forward to the good work we will do together in the future.
I’m grateful to have joined representatives from the Nisga'a Lisims Government, BC & Canada in an evening hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia to celebrate 25 years of collaboration and tripartite partnership through the Nisg̱a’a Treaty.
The Nisg̱a’a Treaty, the first modern treaty in BC, marked a turning point in our history, a renewed relationship focused on reconciliation and supporting an even better life for Nisg̱a’a people. It shows us what’s possible through perseverance, partnership, and respect.
Thank you for your work in demonstrating the essence of “putting truth before reconciliation”.
Know an individual, group, or organization that’s working to make reconciliation happen? Nominations for the 2026 Awards are now open! Find out more here: bcachievement.com/bc-reconcili...
· Dwight Ballantyne from Maple Ridge
· Deanna Duncan from Klemtu
· Charlene Belleau from Williams Lake
· Kevin Borserio from Daajing Giids
· syiyaya Reconciliation Movement in Sechelt
· Honouring Our Elders Legacy Project Coordinating Team in Smithers
· The Aboriginal Housing Management Association
They do the hard work of facing the truth, and building a future of respect, and prosperity together.
It’s an honour to celebrate some of the people who are working hard to make this meaningful change in BC including:
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 BC Reconciliation Awards!
These awards honour people and groups that are bringing communities together, breaking down barriers, and making a stronger province by leaning into reconciliation.
By working in partnership and recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples, we strengthen jobs, the economy and generate prosperity for all British Columbians.
Today, with my colleagues, along with Tahltan Nation and Skeena Gold and Silver leadership, we announced the Eskay Creek gold-silver mine is now approved for reopening – a historic first Section 7 agreement negotiated under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
We stand together with Tseshaht First Nation, residential school survivors, and community leaders in condemning the repeated acts of racist vandalism defacing the Orange Bridge in Port Alberni and thank the community for coming together quickly to condemn these horrible acts.
news.gov.bc.ca/33263
The steady rise of residential school denialism in B.C. is deeply concerning. It seeks to erase and distort the truth of residential schools and the lived experiences of survivors and their families, undermines reconciliation and hurts everyone, especially those who should be supported to heal.
Thank you to Chair Kory Wilson and the incredible team for sharing your stories of healing and for your dedication to healthy and safe communities.
Working with existing community services, the Centre helps participants break harmful cycles through reintegration plans and program supports strengthening identity and belonging, and building safer more resilient communities while doing that.
Everyone wants to break the cycle of crime, jail, and reoffending. The Justice system should help people get better, and not get stuck in the system.
The Indigenous Diversion Centre in Prince George offers a culturally grounded alternative to the conventional justice system to do just that.
The Board is looking to fill 2 positions:
- Youth Representative (aged 19-29)
- Regular Member
Interested in being one of those board members? Email MACIW@gov.bc.ca today!
Learn more about MACIW: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/...
I need good advice!
The Minister’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Women (MACIW) advises the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (me) on ways to improve the quality of life for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse folk across B.C.
A residential school survivor herself, Dr. Dunstan would later help other survivors tell their stories on their healing journeys.
My condolences go out to her family on her passing.
Dr. Ruby Dunstan was the first female Chief of Lytton First Nation. She was also a strong advocate for the protection of the environment and was instrumental in the creation of the Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Provincial Park.
I hope to see that commitment from Peter Milobar today, and from the other candidates in the days to come.
Because residential school survivors - and all British Columbians - deserve nothing less.
John Rustad rightly ejected Brodie and fired Shepherd. And Peter Milobar was right to condemn these comments in the legislature.
Now, every candidate should say clearly: Brodie, Armstrong and Shepherd are not welcome in their party.
Dallas Brodie and Tara Armstrong have attacked residential school survivors, including telling First Nations to dig up children’s remains to prove they were harmed. Lindsay Shepherd called Orange Shirt Day “the grandest lie of all.”
