What is the best way to achieve and sustain clarity of First Nations territorial jurisdiction in British Columbia (BC)? The question is critical to addressing the legal imperative of Indigenous-Crown reconciliation; that is, balancing the rights of Indigenous peoples with the interests of society as a whole through negotiation. Reconciliation requires dialog, and effective dialog is almost impossible amidst conflict concerning which Indigenous polities have legal authority to negotiate concerning specific territories. This dissertation argues that hybrid law - involving the harmonization of state and Indigenous legal systems - should be the basis of common understanding and legitimacy for determining which Indigenous polities have legal authority to negotiate concerning areas subject to "overlapping claims". Drawing upon the experiences of BC, New Zealand, and Australia, the study concludes that First Nations and the Crown in BC should work collaboratively to empower an independent Indigenous Territories Tribunal to oversee a program of regional inquiries across the province. Regional inquiries should involve: a) research, b) community hearings that empower Indigenous people to articulate their history and legal systems, c) assessments of the character and strength of claims, d) recommendations, and e) the development of Indigenous Jurisdiction Agreements that express complex Indigenous territorialities, hybrid law, and the Indigenous polities that have the legal authority to negotiate with the Crown concerning specific territories. Clarity of Indigenous territorial jurisdiction is a critical aspect of addressing the legal imperative of Indigenous-Crown reconciliation. This dissertation proposes a framework for achieving a geography of reconciliation: that is, an exhaustive map of BC that clearly communicates which First Nation polities have legal authority to negotiate where.

"The First Nations Communications Toolkit is a unique resource jointly developed by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, BC Region, and Tewanee Consulting Group. This Toolkit was designed explicitly for First Nations communicators and is based on input from First Nations communicators and administrators working for First Nations organizations. It offers information on many topics, including communications planning, publications, events and media relations, from a First Nations' perspective. The best practices and practical lessons learned that have been included in the toolkit are drawn from Tewanee Joseph's experience working on communications projects with over 30 First Nation communities."--Preface.

A framework for indigenous and settler reparations Honouring the Declaration provides academic resources to help The United Church of Canada and other Canadian denominations enact their commitment to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Featuring essays from scholars working from a range of disciplines, including religious studies, Indigenous legal studies, Christian theology and ethics, Biblical studies, Indigenous educational leadership within the United Church, and social activism, the collection includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices, all of whom respond meaningfully to the Truth and Reconciliation's Call to Actions. The texts explore some of the challenges that accepting the UN Declaration as a framework poses to the United Church and other Canadian denominations, and provides academic reflection on how these challenges can be met. These reflections include concrete proposals for steps that Canadian denominations and their seminaries need to take in light of their commitment to the Declaration, a study of a past attempt of the United Church to be in solidarity with Indigenous peoples, a survey of the pitfalls that need to be avoided on the way, and discussions of ethical concepts and theological doctrines that can empower and guide the church in living out this commitment.

The changing legal, political and economic landscape of Aboriginal Peoples represent some of the biggest change, challenges, risks and exciting opportunities for individuals and organizations today. Whether you're just starting out or want to increase your knowledge, this book is written to help individuals and organizations to work more effectively with Aboriginal peoples. The information in this book has been field tested with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples and will help readers get beyond background information and aboriginal awareness and into understanding and guidance that can be applied in innovative ways wherever you find Aboriginal peoples.

"Compact, Contract, Covenant" is renowned historian of Native-newcomer relations J.R. Miller's exploration and explanation of more than four centuries of treating-making.

What, other than numbers and power, justifies Canada’s assertion of sovereignty and jurisdiction over the country’s vast territory? Why should Canada’s original inhabitants have to ask for rights to what was their land when non-Aboriginal people first arrived? The question lurks behind every court judgment on Indigenous rights, every demand that treaty obligations be fulfilled, and every land-claims negotiation. Addressing these questions has occupied anthropologist Michael Asch for nearly thirty years. In On Being Here to Stay, Asch retells the story of Canada with a focus on the relationship between First Nations and settlers. Asch proposes a way forward based on respecting the “spirit and intent” of treaties negotiated at the time of Confederation, through which, he argues, First Nations and settlers can establish an ethical way for both communities to be here to stay.