Epictetus retweetledi
In most of British Columbia, unlike much of the rest of Canada, treaties were never signed and Indigenous title was never meaningfully resolved. That history is one reason reconciliation has taken a different path here.
Land acknowledgements are a respectful and widely accepted practice connected to reconciliation and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
People can reasonably debate how they are delivered or whether they are always meaningful.
But turning the simple recognition of Indigenous history and presence into a political wedge issue is unhelpful, particularly in a province where strong relationships with First Nations are important to economic development, stability, and social cohesion.
As a candidate seeking to become Premier of British Columbia, it is concerning to see you propose to ban territorial acknowledgements and spread fear about property rights, making anti-indigenous rhetoric your defining message.
Leadership in this province requires an understanding of our history and the importance of maintaining constructive, respectful relationships with First Nations.
Caroline Elliott@NVanCaroline
Land acknowledgements are divisive and undermine BC’s legitimacy. I’ll end them in the public service and in schools. Public employees should act in the interests of British Columbians. Full stop. Join me: WinForBC.ca
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