Truth and Reconciliation
The NRRM is actively taking steps to engage in acts of reconciliation to renew relations with Indigenous Peoples and address intergenerational trauma and structural inequity that have arisen as a result of settlement.
Developing a broad understanding of how government-led policies have marginalized Indigenous communities is key to truth and reconciliation. Truth and reconciliation gives space to acknowledge and celebrate the resilience of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. In addition, truth and reconciliation provides an opportunity to confront policies and processes that negatively impact Indigenous Peoples, many of which remain in place today.
Land Acknowledgment
Land acknowledgements are a component of truth and reconciliation, as they recognize Indigenous communities who have historic, cultural and long-standing connections to the land base on which one is situated. NRRM encompasses the traditional meeting grounds, gathering places and traveling routes of several Indigenous communities. Acho Dene Koe First Nation, Dene Tha’ First Nation, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Kaska Nation, Prophet River First Nation and the Métis community are among the Indigenous communities the NRRM is aware of in the area. NRRM has adopted a policy to start each Council and Public meeting with the following acknowledgment;
"We acknowledge that the Northern Rockies Administration Centre is located in the heart of the traditional territory of the Dene, Cree and Dunne Tsaa people of Fort Nelson and Prophet River First Nations. We further recognize the rights provided by our Treaty, finally we also celebrate the contributions and the enduring presence of the Métis people in our region".
NRRM’s Framework for Incorporating Land Acknowledgements
Indigenous Communities Within the Region
NRRM encompasses the traditional meeting grounds, gathering places and traveling routes of several Indigenous communities. Acho Dene Koe First Nation, Dene Tha’ First Nation, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Kaska Nation, Prophet River First Nation and the Métis community are among the Indigenous communities the NRRM is aware of in the area. Through initial engagements with some of these communities, the NRRM is able to share a component of Indigenous history in the Northern Rockies region.
ACHO DENE KOE FIRST NATION - Acho Dene Koe First Nation’s traditional territory spans northeast British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the southeast portion of the Yukon Territory. The Nation’s main community resides in Fort Liard, Northwest Territories and Acho Dene Koe members are part of the Dene group. The Nation is a signatory to Treaty No. 11
DENE THA’ FIRST NATION - The traditional territory of the Dene Tha’ people encompasses primarily northeast British Columbia and northwest Alberta. Dene Tha’ First Nation’s primary communities are located at Bushe River, Meander River and Chateh in northwest Alberta. The Nation is a signatory to Treaty No. 8.
DOIG RIVER FIRST NATION - The community of Doig River First Nation identifies itself as Tsááʔ C̨hé Ne Dane, which means Beaver Tribe. Tsááʔ C̨hé Ne Dane are descendants of the Dane-zaa peoples who are indigenous to the Peace River region of British Columbia and Alberta. The term Dane-zaa means real or regular people and refers to the Dane-zaa peoples being the First People of the Peace River region. The Nation is a signatory to Treaty No. 8.
FORT NELSON FIRST NATION - Fort Nelson First Nation’s traditional territory spans northeast British Columbia, with its main community located approximately seven kilometers south of Fort Nelson. The Nation is a signatory to Treaty No. 8. Being NRRM's closest neighbour, we have established a great friendship allowing us to learn, celebrate, and build our community together.
Learn more about our nearest neighbour.
KASKA NATION - Kaska Nation is a transboundary Nation with traditional territory spanning British Columbia, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. The Nation includes five Kaska communities, three in British Columbia (Daylu Dena Council, Dease River First Nation and Kwadacha First Nation) and two in the Yukon (Ross River Dena Council and Liard First Nation). These Indigenous communities are members of the Kaska Dena Council.
PROPHET RIVER FIRST NATION - Prophet River First Nation peoples, the Dunne Tsaa, are indigenous to the boreal forest region of northeast British Columbia. The Nation’s main community is located nearly one hundred kilometers south of Fort Nelson. Prophet River First Nation is a signatory to Treaty No. 8.
THE MÉTIS COMMUNITY - The Métis community of Fort Nelson has an enduring presence in the region that dates back to the arrival of the North West Company. As adopted by the Métis National Council General Assembly, “Métis” means a person who self-identifies as Métis, is distinct from other Aboriginal Peoples, is of historic Métis Nation Ancestry and who is accepted by the Métis Nation. Métis People are of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry with their own unique culture, traditions and language (Michif). The Métis are a distinct Indigenous People and nation recognized in the Constitution Act 1982 as one of the three Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.
A NOTE ABOUT TREATY NO. 8 - Treaty No. 8 covers parts of present-day British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. With regard to the Northern Rockies region, Dene Tha’ First Nation, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation and Prophet River First Nation are among the Indigenous communities who are signatories to Treaty No. 8. Treaty No. 8 refers to the living agreement that these Indigenous Nations signed with the British Crown. The spirit and intentions of the Treaty are based on the principles of peace, sharing and co-existence, which have allowed for the ongoing settlement and prosperous development of the Northern Rockies and Peace River regions.
Resources
Government of Canada - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Indian Residential School Survivors Society
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program