Canada is often praised for its multiculturalism and progressive values, but beneath the surface lies a painful and ongoing struggle for justice over indigenous peoples. Despite the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and calls for progress, issues surrounding land and resources remain unresolved. So in this article, I’m going to give you the facts about the land and resource issues facing indigenous peoples.
What Is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)?
For many years, Indigenous peoples in Canada were forced to leave their lands and put into residential schools. These schools were meant to erase their culture and caused a lot of harm. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was created to learn the truth and find ways to repair the damage.
The TRC created 94 Calls to Action, asking the government, businesses, and Canadians to help Indigenous communities. Some of these actions are about land rights:
- Call to Action 45 asks Canada to follow the rules of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which includes land rights.
- Call to Action 92 says businesses must get permission from Indigenous groups before using their land for projects.
Even though these actions were made years ago, many Indigenous peoples feel not enough has been done.
The Wet’suwet’en Land Dispute
About Wetʼsuwetʼen people
The Wetʼsuwetʼen people’s traditional territory spans approximately 22,000 square kilometers in northern British Columbia. It includes the areas around present-day towns such as Smithers, Burns Lake, and Houston. This land is rich in natural resources, with forests, rivers, and wildlife that have sustained the Wetʼsuwetʼen people for thousands of years.
The Wetʼsuwetʼen people speak a dialect of the Witsuwitʼen language, which is part of the Athabaskan language family. Efforts are being made to revitalize and preserve the language, as it is considered endangered.
Their culture is deeply rooted in respect for the land and natural resources. Traditional practices such as fishing, hunting, and gathering remain central to their way of life, as do ceremonies and oral storytelling that pass down knowledge and values through generations.
A big example of these problems is the Wet’suwet’en land dispute in British Columbia. The Wet’suwet’en people have lived on their land for thousands of years. Unlike many Indigenous groups in Canada, they never signed a treaty to give up their land. This means they still have strong legal and cultural rights to it.
The problem started in 2019 when the government approved a pipeline called Coastal GasLink to go through Wet’suwet’en territory. Some elected chiefs agreed to the project, but the hereditary chiefs—traditional leaders—did not. They believe the pipeline will harm the land, water, and their culture.
This disagreement led to protests across Canada in 2020. Supporters of the Wet’suwet’en argued that Canada was not respecting Indigenous land rights.
Courtesy of CBrentPatterson via Twitter
This is not only matter for Wet’suwet’en people.
The Wet’suwet’en conflict is about more than just one pipeline. It shows a bigger problem in Canada: Indigenous peoples are still fighting for their land and rights.
The Canadian government says it supports reconciliation (repairing relationships with Indigenous peoples), but its actions don’t always match its words. For example:
- Canada passed a law to follow the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which says Indigenous peoples must give free, prior, and informed consent for projects on their land.
- However, Canada doesn’t yet have strong rules to make sure this happens.
Without proper protection, Indigenous peoples like the Wet’suwet’en are forced to protest or go to court to defend their land.
What Can Canadians Do to Support Indigenous Rights?
The Wet’suwet’en conflict and similar issues across Canada show that Indigenous peoples are still fighting for their land, rights, and recognition. As Canadians, we have a responsibility to support reconciliation—not just through words but through meaningful actions. Here are some ways Canadians can help:
1. Educate Yourself About Indigenous History and Rights
The first step is to understand the history and context of Indigenous struggles in Canada. Learn about:
- The history of colonization, including the harmful legacy of residential schools.
- Treaties, or the lack of treaties, that determine land rights today (such as unceded territories).
- The traditional governance systems of Indigenous nations, such as the hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en.
This knowledge helps us understand why conflicts like the Wet’suwet’en pipeline dispute exist and why they matter. Share what you learn with others, whether through conversations, social media, or your own writing.
2. Listen to Indigenous Voices
Supporting Indigenous communities starts with listening to their perspectives. Indigenous peoples have been speaking out for years about their rights, their relationship to the land, and their hopes for reconciliation. Canadians can:
- Follow Indigenous leaders, activists, and organizations on social media or in the news.
- Watch or attend public discussions or panels featuring Indigenous speakers.
- Read books, articles, and blogs written by Indigenous authors.
#Assembly of First Nations: Advocating for First Nations in Canada
Indigenous Climate Action
By listening, we can better understand their priorities and how to be allies in their fight for justice.
3. Protect the Environment
Many Indigenous communities, including the Wet’suwet’en, are fighting to protect the land and water from harm. As Canadians, we can help by:
- Reducing our own environmental impact by conserving energy, reducing waste, and making sustainable choices.
- Demanding that the government enacts stronger environmental protection laws that respect Indigenous land rights.
Protecting the environment is not just about nature—it’s also about respecting Indigenous peoples’ deep connection to their traditional lands.
4. Donation
Donating to Indigenous causes is one of the most impactful ways you can support Indigenous peoples in Canada. Whether you contribute to legal funds, community support, cultural preservation, or environmental defense, your donation will help Indigenous communities continue their important work. By supporting Indigenous rights and self-determination, you’re making a difference in the fight for justice and equality.
Remember, real reconciliation goes beyond words—it requires action. Donating is a way for everyone to take part in that action and help create a better future for Indigenous peoples in Canada.
source:
The Wet’suwet’en Pipeline & Canadian-Indigenous Legal Conflict | CANDLELIGHT
Wetʼsuwetʼen – Wikipedia
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf
Wet’suwet’en First Nation
written by : Yui