Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast

Thank you to the delegates of the Modern Treaty Nations, their staff & the staff of our various Ministries who went all-out to create a venue for productive & compassionate discussion around some of the most pressing issues facing us in a time of global uncertainty. We’re so much stronger together.

Our discussion in the Nisga'a Lisims Council Chambers was a powerful reminder of how much we have in common, but also how distinct our needs can be, and that we must have pathways and tables to address them.

This was my first time attending the Premier’s Forum, and my first time in Nisga’a lands (New Aiyansh).

Thank you for sharing your history and for the beautiful gift of an oar with artwork depicting three Sockeye, one of which is carrying spawn. A piece that stands as a powerful reminder of how our water, our lakes and rivers, carries life and how we must cherish and protect it.

People have long told me the Meziadin is a stunning area of BC, and seeing it in person was remarkable - capped off by a boat ride on Meziadin Lake and a wonderful meal together.

I'm so grateful to have been able to spend time with members of the Gitanyow First Nation in my time in the North.

Getting to see that history on the land base firsthand cements in my heart why we must conserve what can't be replaced, and support communities in growing an economy that works for them.

Thank you to President Slater, VP Heather Hawkings, Chief Quock, Chief Rocky, and everyone in the Tahltan Central Government and Dease Lake Community who made us feel welcome and for sharing their perspective, history, and needs.

Saturday, June 21 was National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and I’m glad that I got to spend it with such an amazing group of people on and above an amazing part of BC.

Oh - and the sign post forest in Watson Lake, Yukon. A perfect way to end the night when it doesn’t get dark until midnight.

Thank you Chief Stephen Charlie and Bill Lux for thoughtful discussions and your insights, and for the opportunity to meet and talk with Trina - a 3rd-generation guide outfitter on Lake Denetiah – and the amazing fresh trout and rhubarb pie.

Understanding the shared values people place on the land is at the heart of our Northwest strategy.

Getting a chance to tour an area dubbed “the Serengeti of the North” was unforgettable.
Thanks to our great hosts from the Kaska Nation we took a float plane and toured parts of the  Dene Kʼéh Kusān, which means Always Will Be There.

Building relationships and furthering reconciliation, as well as economic and social development, is so important in more remote communities and the onus is on government to get that work started and by bringing everyone to the table.

As a legislator and representative, having a chance to see issues through the lens of locals is invaluable, so I thank you, Atlin, for your hospitality and kindness.

Nestled between the Yukon-Alaska-BC border is the beautiful town of Atlin. I’m so glad to have visited and had a chance to speak with First Nations and local government on the issues that matter to them.

Strengthening land stewardship, cultural site protection in Squamish Nation territory Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the Province have signed an agreement to guide forest stewardship in Squamish Nation territory at a ceremony held at the top of the Sea-to-Sky gondola ov...

Learn more: news.gov.bc.ca/32526

By continuing to work with First Nations and other partners, we will be better able to steward the water, land, and resources that are so important to all of us.

The Squamish Nation Land Use Planning Agreement demonstrates what can be done when we work together.

This will bring increased certainty in the land base while protecting wetland ecosystems, areas of old cedar forests, and culturally modified trees.

Nature is our greatest ally in adapting to climate change and mitigating climate-related risks, and supporting healthy communities.

Specifically, this Agreement identifies 33 Siiyamin ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh cultural sites that are areas of historical and cultural importance. Along with these sites, the Agreement establishes 6 Special Cultural Management Areas for enhanced forest stewardship.

Yesterday we marked the meaningful work that has been achieved between the Province and the Squamish Nation with the signing of the Squamish Nation Land Use Planning Agreement. This Agreement protects areas of ecological and cultural importance while building sustainable forestry.

And from Whitehorse we headed down to Atlin — we were still in the Yukon for this photo, but much of this scenery (and the mountain) is in beautiful BC.

We landed in Yukon just last night and got to meet the Minister of Environment, Highways, and Public Works.

An update on the grizzly bear on Texada. This is something we've been following carefully and examining every option and solution. Please see the statement below from me and the Minister of Environment, and please reach out to me if you have questions or want to chat further.

Watershed Security Fund Grant Recipients Almost $5 million will be distributed to 26 projects spanning seven watershed basins. These grants aim to bolster and rehabilitate communities' resilience to climate change, support jobs, enhance regi...

Learn more here: watershedsecurityfund.ca/2025/06/11/i...

#HealthyWatersheds #WatershedSecurity #BCWatersheds

Kudos to communities doing their part to help ensure safe, clean water is available to communities throughout B.C. for generations. 🌊

Watersheds are all unique in characteristics, ecosystems, and the people they support, so I’m thankful of First Nations’ and local knowledge

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💧B.C.’s watersheds are the lifeblood of this province.

In 2023, we invested $100 million in the Watershed Security Fund, co-developed with First Nations.

Yesterday, the Watershed Security Fund announced 28 new projects supported by nearly $7 million in grant funding.

This is BC ⛰️

Province, First Nations take next step to grow economy through partnerships, planning, conservation in northwestern B.C. In partnership with the Province, the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations are kicking off land-use planning in the northwestern corner of B.C., engaging with industry...

By developing this agreement we will advance our goal of protecting 30% of the land by 2030 on some of the most biodiverse and rugged landscapes and watersheds in Canada.
 
Learn More: news.gov.bc.ca/32434

Our partnership with Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations, along with industry has been in a major undertaking to provide clarity for First Nations, industry and the public.