Chief Leah George-Wilson, Tsleil Waututh Nation Ep.11

Land Decolonized Podcast

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This week Richard speaks with Chief Leah George-Wilson from Tsleil-Waututh Nation on the Burrard Inlet of BC's West Coast. A lawyer, and Land Advisory Board Member says that the main reason for taking on a land code in her community was "to eliminate 25% of the Indian Act from her community."Richard learns about the balanced approach that the Tsleil Waututh community takes to implement the day-to-day land management responsibilities. For Tsleil- Waututh a land code has helped bring youth to the table, realize the importance of planning, new business ventures, and strengthening Tsleil-Waututh Nation's land protection priorities

SHOW NOTES:
00:50. 25th anniversary of Framework Agreement on First Nations Land Management is "amazing tool".
1:22. On the cusp of having 100 operational First Nations with their own land codes.
2:15. Her background in the community, education and law degree at UBC.
2:55. Why a land code? Development opportunities were taking far too long.
4:01. Value of having a local land code committee and involvement of youth in community engagement.
7:00. Being active in the BC treaty process also included the push to a land code.
8:00. Protection of lands is paramount, including opposition to the TMX pipeline project.
9:42. Addressing concerns about land code and need for community support.
11:40. Chief's main selling point in favour of Framework Agreement - eliminate 25% of the Indian Act.
13:16. Covid pandemic has affected Band exploration of cannabis opportunities.
14:20. Importance of continued land use planning, explaining zoning, etc.
16:40. Other ventures include eco-tourism, canoe and kayak tours, forestry.
18:50. Importance of setting anger aside and to find creative solutions to challenges.
19:58. Successfully building community capacity.
21:17. Contact information
LINKS:
Tsleil Waututh Nation website.
Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management