Reconciliation and recreation: Indigenous perspectives

 

Webinar Summary

The Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C.’s January 2024 webinar featured a conversation with Roxanne Joe, from the Lil’wat First Nation, and Saya Masso, from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. The two work in the lands and resources departments of their respective nations. They shared their thoughts and experiences on a variety of topics related to recreating in a respectful way, reconciliation and more.

Watch the webinar

key takeaways:

“We want to be approached with respect and with consent. We are tired of being trumped by privilege and being an afterthought when it comes to projects/activities involving our Territories.” – Roxanne Joe.

Reconcili-action: helping create action on the rights of Nations to benefit from their territory. Example: Tla-o-qui-aht Nation’s Tribal Allies, 120+ Tofino businesses that donate to the Guardian program. – Saya Masso

Guidelines for recreation groups on working with First Nations in a good way:

Initiate

  • First line of contact should be with the Nation’s band office. A good place to start is the Lands and Resources Department, Natural Resource Department or Title and Rights Department.

  • Nations are often inundated with requests - be patient.

  • Ask how your group can help the Nation, not just how the Nation can help you.

  • Invite Nation members onto tables and boards.

Collaborate

  • Establish protocols and guidelines for recreational use in consultation with the Nation.

  • Include when okay to go and not go: seasonal closure, sensitive areas recreation should avoid, establish acceptable places to camp, etc.

  • Consult with the Nation on events and races.

  • Help amplify the Nation’s desires and requests with membership and the public - spread the news of a seasonal closure or request to avoid an area through your networks and with signage.

Honour

  • Renaming and introducing local First Nation language to recreation features and landmarks is important, but only with First Nation guidance and leadership.

  • Land acknowledgements are always welcome, but must be sincere, not a checked box, and rooted in education about the Nation.

  • A monetary contribution to the Nation is even more valuable – hire an elder to open the event.

Ceremony

  • Celebrate successful collaborations (invitations to drumming, singing and feasts).

  • Lil’wat Nation and Pemberton Valley Trails Association collaborated on a memorial sign that included a QR code to hear the proper pronunciation of the trail.

Meaningful connections

  • Invite the Nation to have a booth at events or races.

  • Collaborate on social media - Instagram takeover for the day or week.

  • Do field trips together - an opportunity to connect with the land and each other.

Give Back

Listen to us

“We know the land, and we want to protect every aspect of our Nation's Territories. We know when enough is enough. And our inherent rights should come before privilege, tourism, capacity, and overuse.” – Roxanne Joe

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Questions, comments, or webinar topics you would like to see? Email us at info@orcbc.ca

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