Douglas S. White Addresses Gabriola on Indigenous Reconciliation

Gabriola Island recently served as the venue for the Islands Trust Quarterly meeting, which took place over three days at the Haven on Davis Road. On September 17, 2023, the Trust Council welcomed Douglas S. White, special counsel on reconciliation to Premier David Eby, to address the local community and trustees. White, a former chief of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and an award-winning lawyer, shared insights on the historical context of First Nations and local government relationships, along with his vision for future collaboration with the Islands Trust.

Gabriola Trustee Susan Yates described White’s address as a highlight of the quarterly meeting. “It was a riveting address by former Snuneymuxw chief Douglas S. White,” she remarked. Fellow Trustee Tobi Elliott presented White with a watercolor painting of Amphitrite Point by an Indigenous artist following his speech, symbolizing the importance of cultural recognition.

White emphasized the significance of First Nations relationships with local governments, asserting that meaningful progress occurs at the local level. He stated that establishing respectful and understanding relationships is essential for effective collaboration, regardless of existing treaties or formal agreements with federal and provincial authorities. “This is where aspiration becomes action!” Yates added, reflecting White’s sentiment.

In his address, White shared a personal anecdote from his tenure as chief, illustrating the disconnect between First Nations and local government. He recounted a situation involving a public water system project intended to deliver water from the City of Nanaimo to Cedar, which ultimately did not benefit the Snuneymuxw. White expressed his appreciation for the mayor’s handling of the issue, highlighting the complexities of urban Indigenous governance.

White discussed the historical treaties and agreements that shape current relationships between First Nations and local governments, including the Islands Trust Act. He criticized the delays in recognizing Indigenous rights, noting that politicians have often sidestepped crucial negotiations regarding land rights. He pointed out the importance of including First Nations in discussions about their rights and title over land and waters.

The former chief recalled the 2004 stand-offs on forest roads in Haida Gwaii, which resulted from Indigenous rights being relegated to the Crown or the courts without proper consultation with First Nations. “The Haida people were the missing and crucial component of that negotiation,” White noted, emphasizing the need for direct engagement.

White acknowledged the Islands Trust Act for its progressive nature at the time of its inception in 1974, but pointed out that it did not include First Nations until 2021. He stated, “There’s always a disconnect between what the law states and what is just and what is right.” He urged both official representatives and community members to leverage the statutory tools available to foster better relationships.

Yates added that from 1974 until 2021, there was no concerted effort for co-governance with First Nations within the Trust Area, which encompasses 31 Indigenous Nations and governing bodies. White acknowledged the role of local MLA Sheila Malcolmson in fostering a respectful relationship with the Snuneymuxw since the 1990s, highlighting her prior roles in the Islands Trust.

In his closing remarks, White praised the Islands Trust’s openness and willingness to learn, viewing this as crucial for building relationships. He called for structural changes within the Islands Trust Act to enhance partnerships with First Nations. “Come on province!” he exclaimed, emphasizing the importance of protecting environmentally and culturally sensitive areas.

White also referenced the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which Canada and British Columbia have endorsed as a framework for Indigenous and local government relations. He underscored the obligations this declaration imposes on governments to align their laws with its principles, stating, “Almost the entire body of provincial statutory law was crafted with the basic idea that First Nations don’t matter.”

The address concluded with a call for courage and continued progress towards reconciliation. White encouraged attendees to complete the Reconciliation Action Plan and consider organizing a summit with all 31 First Nations in the Trust Area. The gathering concluded with a roundtable discussion, where White engaged with council members, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and shared purpose.

Yates encapsulated the essence of the meeting, noting White’s infectious enthusiasm and encouragement. She remarked on the importance of ongoing dialogue and the need for legislative reform in partnership with First Nations. As the community reflects on this important address, the path forward towards reconciliation and meaningful partnerships remains a shared commitment among all parties involved.