January 14, 2021 | Pacheedaht First Nation: An Example of Reconciliation and Development
Stewart Muir Stewart Muir is founder and executive director of the Resource Works Society, a Vancouver-based group open to participation by British Columbians from all walks of life who are concerned about their future economic opportunities. He is an author, journalist and historian with experience on three continents including a financial editor of The Vancouver Sun responsible for mining and markets coverage. Since Resource Works was established in 2014, the group has gained international recognition for its practical approach to the public challenges of responsible natural resource development and use.
This Vancouver Island First Nation’s success story shows how reconciliation and development go hand-in-hand
Dr. Shannon McDonald, the acting chief medical officer of the First Nations Health Authority, said 600 infections in B.C. First Nations are still active, and 32 people from Indigenous communities have died of coronavirus.
British Columbia has allocated 25,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to First Nations for distribution by the end of February and 19 have received doses so far
VICTORIA If a surge in COVID-19 cases wasn t bad enough, a Vancouver Island First Nation says discrimination is spreading too. According to Cowichan Tribes leadership, a spike in racism aimed at its members has come along with a new transparent approach to COVID-19. Cowichan Tribes, which is located in the Duncan area, is the largest First Nation band in B.C. Recently, B.C. s First Nations Health Authority has begun releasing specific COVID-19 data. This includes information on a widening community cluster amongst Cowichan Tribes membership. There are currently 70 cases amongst the population as of Monday. Band leadership say members have faced an onslaught of discrimination since the community cluster was announced.