Xatśūll First Nation representatives brought a message of hope and possibility to the B.C. cabinet and First Nation Leaders' Gathering in Vancouver.
“We look forward to working with the province,” Kukpi7 (chief) Rhonda Phillips said in an interview with the Tribune, explaining the nation wants to be a willing partner with the provincial government.
“We talked about our concerns around cumulative effects of what’s happening in our territory and the infringement of our aboriginal title rights,” she said.
Phillips was accompanied by the nation’s technical team as well as an elder and youth representative during the Jan. 21, 22 gathering.
“Having our elder and youth there just solidifies what we're trying to do in our community," Phillips said. “It's not just the chief, we’re all there saying ‘hey, this is what we want’.”
Equipped with the knowledge and experience of Xatśūll Elder Barb Dixon, and the perspective and voice of youth representative Olivia Baptiste, the Xatśūll team communicated their desire to collaborate with the province on sustainable resource development while also ensuring the Nation's inherent rights and the protection of their land.
"We're partners and we're equals," Phillips said, adding this was important to remember while working towards reconciliation in a way that works for the people of Xatśūll First Nation.
Phillips said she and her team met with about six provincial ministers, and felt they responded in a positive way, with one minister having already reached out to set up meetings with the nation.
Along with meeting provincial leaders, Phillips said the gathering is a great opportunity to connect with other First Nation communities.
The Xatśūll team present at the gathering happened to be women, and they were inspired by what they saw in the Tŝilhqot’in National Government’s (TNG) presentation, which was opened by their women’s council.
“It was a spark for us to move in that direction and bring our women forward,” she said.
She also enjoyed listening to the TNG’s account on their journey towards obtaining title over their land and how they paved the way for other First Nations to do do so.
"I raise my hands up to them...if we don’t give up and stand united, we can also reach that for ourselves,” Phillips said.
She ended by acknowledging the difficult reality of today’s world, but said she always remains positive.
“I think that’s the biggest thing...and bringing our people along with us.”
The gathering was the ninth of its kind since it began following the historic title win by the Tŝilhqot’in and a letter of understanding between the province and TNG to work towards reconciliation.
