W̱SÁNEĆ Members Only – W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Forum Presentations
On April 11, 2024, leadership and Elders from the W̱SÁNEĆ communities gathered for a Leadership Forum (the Forum) to view presentations on strategic ways of working together to ensure a bright and prosperous future for the W̱SÁNEĆ community. The theme of the forum was “Planning for the Future of W̱SÁNEĆ,” and leadership from four W̱SÁNEĆ bands attended.
The morning sessions began with an opening song and prayer. Then, the day continued with five impactful presentations presented by speakers from both the public and private sectors.
The first presenter was Jean-Pierre Morin, Departmental Historian for the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). His presentation, titled “Reserves of the Saanich Peninsula,” discussed the long-term impacts of the Indian Act and the reserve creation process on the W̱SÁNEĆ people.
Two representatives from Woodward & Company Lawyers, LLP—Eamon Murphy (Partner) and Stephanie Axmann (Senior Counsel)—presented the “Collaborative Pursuit of Rights Recognition and Implementation.” Woodward & Co. Lawyers LLP is a law firm that works exclusively with Indigenous governments and organizations. Their mission is to be the leading national law firm that provides excellent legal services to Indigenous communities, governments and businesses, advancing transformative change in an era of reconciliation and decolonization.
In their presentation, Murphy and Axmann discussed two specific legal cases: the Ahousaht (& Nuu-Chah-Nulth) fishing rights cases and the Tsilhqot’in Aboriginal title claim, to demonstrate the power of the collective both in legislation and negotiation.
Kilslaay Kaajii Sding Miles Richardson, of the Eagle Clan of Ts’aahl (Haida Nation) presented on “Reconciling Ways of Knowing Nationhood Support Initiative.” He is the Chair and Director of the National Consortium for Indigenous Economic Development (NCIED) at the University of Victoria. NCIED is a sponsor of Nationhood Supportive Initiative, a movement working to assert Indigenous Nationhood through stewardship throughout Canada.
Corey Dekker—Director of Vancouver Island Negotiations for CIRNAC—and Christie Harvie—Regional Executive Director, Coast Area for the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation—delivered a presentation which discussed the lasting effects of colonialism on W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, especially when it comes to the legacies of the Indian Act. Their presentation covered issues about self-determination, the benefits of collectivity, and ways to move forward to (re)build nationhood.
Corey Dekker—Director of Vancouver Island Negotiations for CIRNAC—and Christie Harvie—Regional Executive Director, Coast Area for the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation—delivered a presentation which discussed the lasting effects of colonialism on W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, especially when it comes to the legacies of the Indian Act. Their presentation covered issues about self-determination, the benefits of collectivity, and ways to move forward to (re)build nationhood.
