Indigenous issues and reconciliation were a hot topic as the Union of BC Municipalities` Annual Convention kicked off yesterday.
Heading the session were Murray Sinclair, who previously hosted the Truth and Reconciliation hearings, BC`s Indigenous Minister Murray Rankin, and John Jack, who serves as Councillor for the Huu-ay-aht First Nation.
Jack says that in order to pursue and achieve their goals, First Nations need more power, particularly over their resources.
Rankin pointed out an agreement in Mission, which saw 60 hectares of crown land handed to First Nations.
Now, the City manages the land, next to a former Residential School, as a park area with housing, and potential for economic development.
Rankin called it a unique example of Reconciliation.
Sinclair touched on education, saying that he began school with 45 fellow Indigenous students, but was the only one to graduate high school.
He says that, even today, more needs to be done to promote a quality education for Indigenous students.
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