Each week, the Indigenous Health department highlights good news stories from the North and from across the country.
Métis Nation British Columbia launches Métis in BC exhibit and video series
Offering opportunities to increase awareness and knowledge of Métis culture is a strategic goal for Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC). To accomplish this goal, MNBC has created a free virtual exhibit and video series that introduces Métis history, traditions, and dance. Métis history in BC dates to the eighteenth century and this video series is an excellent way to learn more about this history.
The exhibit is accessible online through MNBC’s website. The exhibit can also be viewed in-person at the Fort Langley National Historic site located on the unceded territory of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui and Semiahoo First Nations. MNBC offers education regarding Métis culture to bridge knowledge gaps regarding the Métis people as well as their culture and language.
View the virtual exhibit and video series on MNBC’s website.
Singing in the rain and bringing light through a dark pandemic
Nick Dangeli is a performer with the Git Hayetsk dance group. Dangeli has ties to the Nisga'a, Tsimshian, Tlingit, Haida, Gitxsan, Tsetsuate, and Colville peoples. Dangeli sees his culture as good medicine – singing and dancing has been healing for him and and his people.
Prior to the pandemic, Dangeli’s dance group performed up to five times a week. Now, because of the pandemic, Dangeli sings and dances on his own to keep his spirits up.
Dangeli shares the difficulties he has personally faced and the toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on his family. When the COVID-19 vaccine was first announced, Dangeli was unsure if he should get vaccinated. Dangeli says he understands the colonial impact of western medicine on all Indigenous Nations and the mistrust that has resulted. Ultimately, Dangeli decided to get vaccinated against COVID-19 because he viewed vaccines as a way “back to the culture”.
Read the full story about how Dangeli’s journey to maintain cultural connections through traditional music and dance on FNHA’s website.
Allaire honours Indigenous voices by championing Michelle Good's novel Five Little Indians
Michelle Good is a Cree writer and lawyer from Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan.
Good’s book, Five Little Indians, was published in April 2020 and went on to win several literary awards. The book tells the story of five young friends trying to start their adult lives after being released from the residential school system with no resources to support them.
Canada Reads is CBC’s annual “Battle of the Books” which is held in debate format and hosted by Ali Hassan of CBC. This year the Canada Reads challenge took place between March 28-31, 2022. Each year, Canadian celebrities choose one Canadian novel to champion with one book ultimately winning the completion.
This year, Ojibway fashion journalist Christian Allaire has chosen to champion Good’s novel. A writer and author himself, Allaire believes that Good’s book is something that everyone can connect with.
Visit CBC’s website to learn more about Five Little Indians.
Historic action plan guides UNDRIP implementation in BC
The Province is releasing the Declaration Act Action Plan, developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous peoples. The Action Plan outlines 89 specific actions every government Ministry will take to implement DRIPA (i.e., Bill 41).
BC is the first province to release an action plan dedicated to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) in Canada. The Declaration Act Action Plan was developed with Indigenous Peoples, First Nations, and organizations though intensive consultation. This significant engagement ensures the plan reflects the priorities of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit living in BC.
Learn more about the Declaration Act Action Plan on Government of BC’s website.