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This is the second installment in our series on First Nations and voting. Why don’t First Nations people exercise their right to vote on par with non-First Nations people? We are going to take a look at some of the barriers to First Nation voting, including changes to voting identification requirements.

Indigenous Peoples want the ability to participate in the political, and more importantly, the economic mainstream without having to rely on federal funding to meet their community needs. In addition to business opportunities, they also want to get into the realm of taxes, royalties and revenue sharing on land developments which are viewed as critical to becoming self-reliant.

"The great aim of our legislation has been to do away with the tribal system and assimilate the Indian people in all respects with the other inhabitants of the Dominion as speedily as they are fit to change.” - John A Macdonald, 1887

This post was published in June 2015, and as of September 30, 2022, has been viewed 483,000+ times.

For First Nations, their identity, nationhood, and cultural survival are all interconnected to their relationship with the land and cannot be separated out from their specific lands. This inexorable connection is celebrated in oral histories, creation stories, ceremonies and cultural practices.

“Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinctive spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or otherwise occupied and used lands, territories, waters and coastal seas and other resources and to uphold their responsibilities to future generations in this regard.” [1]

Spiritual Connection

First Nations' relationship to the land is spiritual and that spiritual connection is constitutionally recognized and legally protected. Please keep in mind that we are speaking in general terms when we talk about the First Nations' spiritual connection with the land. Each Nation has its own unique relationship with the land and if you are working with a community, finding out that connection and relationship should be part of your research.

This is the second installment in our series on First Nation reserves. The first part provided some FAQs on reserves whereas this article will provide some information on urban reserves. According to the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada website, as of 2008, there were over 120 urban reserves across Canada [1]. The province with the highest number of urban reserves is Saskatchewan with 54, including the oldest, the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation urban reserve in Saskatoon, which was created in 1988.

There is common misconception that BC First Nations are all the same.  

When you take a look at this map of BC First Nations Language Families, that the UBC Museum of Anthropology produced and gave us permission to reproduce for use in our training efforts, you can quickly see just how diverse they are. 

How long do you think First Nations have been fighting against inequitable treatment of First Nation women by federal government laws and policies? ........At least since 1869 and likely back to 1867 with the passage of the British North America Act [1] and Section 91.24 when the Federal Government gained control of Indians and Lands reserved for Indians.

Understanding First Nations Cultural Differences is key to Working Effectively with Aboriginal Peoples®.  In fact, it should be rule number one. It will drive all of our decsion making; it will require us to do research, formulate appropriate strategies, and much more.  

Salmon have been a vital food source to many First Nations in BC since time immemorial but to many cultures, the salmon is much, much more than a food source. Some cultures believe salmon are their returning relatives, others believe they are gift bearing relatives; salmon feature prominently in legends, art and ceremonies. Prior to European contact, salmon was also an important trade item so contributed to the community economy.