Latest news with #Tsleil-WaututhNation
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Tsleil-Waututh Nation canoe festival returns to Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park
A canoe festival drawing in hundreds of people is returning to the North Shore. The səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) is holding their canoe festival at Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park July 4-6 in North Vancouver. Indigenous communities across B.C.'s southwest coast and Washington state compete in races and celebrating culture. Kevin O'Neill, who is part of the canoe festival committee, said he's feeling excited to have the festival for another year on home grounds, as the nation spends several months planning for the big event. 'What I like most is seeing all the community members come together to make sure the events go smoothly, but also connecting with all the neighbouring nations,' O'Neill said. 'Just to see how they're doing, to see what struggles they're going through, or why they choose to canoe race, because everyone can do this for a different reason.' Race categories include youth (10 and under, 13 and under and 16 and under), women's, men's and masters for 50 and older, according to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation's website. Rowers compete in traditional dugout style racing canoes, which are sleek, narrow and fast. The canoe festival can draw in as many as 600 people, O'Neill said. Because of the high turnout, O'Neill wants people to be cognizant of the limited parking at Whey-ah-Wichen, but there are locations nearby where people can park their vehicles. Canoe racing is deeply connected to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation community. Racing with canoes began in 1910 when former Chief George Sla-holt carved a canoe he named Earwigs, which shortly earned a reputation as a great racing vessel, according to the Nation's website . O'Neill has been attending the festival since he was a kid. He said the festival helps people connect with their culture. '[The festival] connects us to our culture more and it helps everyone heal in their own way,' he said. 'It's just like when you speak the language, that's when your ancestors can join you. Same thing when you're on the water in these canoes, that connects you with your ancestors.' Mekwalya (Zoe George) is one of the canoe paddlers participating in the festival through the Tsleil-Waututh Nation's Salish Serpent Canoe Club. She has been paddling with the canoe team for six years but has been doing the activity since she was 13 years old. For the festival, George said she has been training for about six months, practicing six days a week for an hour and a half. But there is a deeper element to paddling for George – helping her feel connected to the community. 'In our home community, Tsleil-Waututh, we're always taught to listen to our elders, and all of them have kept the traditions of canoeing alive and around us, and I understand why,' George said. 'So, when we're on the water and paddling together as a team, you just feel a part of something, and it's really special.' 'It's the one weekend of the whole year that we get really excited for,' she said. On top of watching the races, members of the public can check out food trucks during the weekend event. The festival will take place from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6. Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Sunrise ceremonies, cultural festivals, and community events across Canada mark the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day
Why is National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated? Live Events Prime Minister Mark Carney's statement Celebration across the country (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Songs and drumbeats echoed along the shoreline as the sun rose over the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday morning(June 22). About 40 people gathered near Louisbourg to take part in a Mi'kmaw sunrise ceremony, led by residential school survivor and Eskasoni First Nation Elder Lottie Johnson, marking the beginning of National Indigenous Peoples Day across Canada.'It's a very special time. It's quiet, and as the sun comes up, you see the creation of the creator,' Johnson said. 'Everything is so beautiful, and it's like almost-new again. That's where you get the hope and the will to go on.'The day, celebrated annually on June 21, the summer solstice, honors the history, cultures, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. First recognized in 1996, the national event now includes hundreds of community-led gatherings and Indigenous Peoples Day was first proclaimed by the former Governor General, Roméo LeBlanc, in 1996. It is a statutory holiday in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, and is increasingly recognized as a vital part of Canada's broader journey toward truth and reconciliation Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement reaffirming the federal government's commitment to reconciliation as he said, 'Supporting Indigenous communities, advancing self-determination, implementing treaties, and creating generational wealth and prosperity are central to our commitment. The government will work in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples advancing shared priorities such as health care, food security, housing, education, economic prosperity, conservation, climate action and emergency management.'In Winnipeg, the Forks hosted the opening of Many Nations, One Heartbeat, an 11-day cultural festival featuring Indigenous music, fashion, games, and crafts. Organizers said the festival also honors communities displaced by ongoing wildfires in Vancouver, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation unveiled a six-metre house post by artist Zac George outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The city also hosted its third annual Downtown Eastside block party, transforming East Hastings Street into a celebration of Indigenous art, food, and North Slave Métis Alliance in Yellowknife served freshly caught whitefish from Great Slave Lake at a community fish fry, while in Whitehorse, residents enjoyed a jigging contest and bannock bake-off at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. Governor General Mary Simon of Ottawa welcomed youth to Rideau Hall, where they planted heart-shaped messages in a memorial 'heart garden' to honor victims and survivors of residential schools. 'Each heart is a symbol of our collective responsibility,' her office were also held in Toronto, Montreal, Saskatoon, Regina, St. John's, Charlottetown, and beyond, often featuring powwows, music, dancing, and traditional ceremonies.
Hamilton Spectator
21-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Burnaby sign agreement to co-manage Barnet Marine Park
The səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) will now oversee management and stewardship of a Burnaby park as a step towards reconciliation. Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the City of Burnaby signed an agreement Wednesday to co-manage saltaɬ (Barnet Marine Park), formalizing a partnership between the two to preserve and protect the natural beauty of the area, but also the cultural significance of the park . 'I think it's huge in the way of putting our face back onto the land in a big gesture,' said Tsleil-Waututh elected councillor Charlene Aleck. The co-management agreement will create opportunities for Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Burnaby municipal staff to work together to develop recreational use of the park for the public and the nation. City of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley said municipal staff will manage the park daily and make sure it's looked after and will work with the nation on making decisions around the park and how it will be used. Barnet Marine Park is a culturally, environmentally and historically significant area in Tsleil-Waututh traditional territory, the nation said . During the agreement signing ceremony, Aleck shared a few stories she heard on ties to the land. '[My mom] swam back and forth from what we know now as our reserve to saltaɬ over here, and her little cousin would paddle in the canoe behind her. Many stories like that where they'd stop and eat fish and I remember them saying it was so clear you could see almost to the bottom of the inlet,' Aleck said. 'Having that rich memory of who we are and what we've done here, and having it portrayed in this way, gives us such good feelings,' she added. On top of the agreement, the City of Burnaby relocated a pair of wolf eco-sculptures from the municipal hall to Barnet Marine Park facing the water. The eco sculptures were designed by Tsleil-Waututh Nation elders with flowers surrounding the two wolves. Tsleil-Waututh Nation youth and Burnaby city councillors joined Hurley in planting the flowers together earlier this year. 'They are meant to symbolize our shared commitment to work and grow together towards a future based on understanding, mutual respect and collaboration,' Hurley said. 'This is an important accomplishment, but it's just the beginning, and I look forward to continuing down the pathway, arm in arm together to reconciliation, as we know that's our goal, but it's going to take a lot of work to get there,' he added. Aleck said the co-management agreement is a positive step forward, bringing Tsleil-Waututh Nation's culture and history to the park, but also opening the door for future generations to see representation. The councillor hopes now with the co-management agreement with Burnaby, it will be a starting point for other municipalities to follow suit. 'I feel like it's a door that was never open for us in my childhood, but now for this generation and looking forward, it's kicked open more opportunity, more self-belonging and more acknowledgement,' Aleck said. Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Cision Canada
06-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Tsleil-Waututh Nation Announces Historic Memorandum of Understanding to Purchase Casino Business at Hastings Racecourse & Casino
səlilwətaɬ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH NATION), BC, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) (" TWN") announced that it has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding for an agreement in principle to acquire the casino business and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino (" Hastings") in the City of Vancouver from Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (" Great Canadian Entertainment"). "We are thrilled to take another important step towards economic self-determination for our Nation in our traditional territory, and we are eager to work with the senior management team at Great Canadian Entertainment to finalize due diligence and execute a definitive agreement, as well as working with the City of Vancouver to ensure the best long-term use of this important asset within the City," stated Jen Thomas, Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. "We believe that this opportunity is historic for us in many ways, and we look forward to entering the gaming industry in due course," she concluded. "We are excited about working with TWN on their potential acquisition of the casino operations and related real property interests at Hastings Racecourse & Casino," stated Matt Anfinson, Chief Executive Officer of Great Canadian Entertainment. "Recognizing that Hastings is part of the TWN's traditional territory, we can think of no better entity to inherit this asset, and we look forward to supporting them in the transition after the anticipated close of the sale," he concluded. The agreement is subject to further due diligence, finalization of financial terms and the execution of a definitive purchase and sale agreement. Once a definitive agreement has been executed by the parties, it is anticipated that the transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions as well as customary approvals by gaming regulatory and other authorities, including certain approvals by the City of Vancouver given its ownership of the real property. It is expected that Great Canadian Entertainment will provide transition services to TWN for a period of time following the anticipated closing. KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor and McCarthy Tétrault LLP is acting as legal counsel to TWN. McMillan LLP is acting as legal counsel to Great Canadian Entertainment. About səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) are known as People of the Inlet. səlilwətaɬ is a Coast Salish Nation whose territory centres around Burrard Inlet in the Greater Vancouver region. Tsleil-Waututh people carry a Sacred Trust, a responsibility, to care for and restore traditional territory to its former state. Today, Tsleil-Waututh is more than 600 people strong and growing. The community draws on knowledge from ancestors to remedy past wrongs, reclaim territory and traditions, and advance into a bright future. For more information on Tsleil-Waututh Nation, visit About Great Canadian Entertainment Founded in 1982, Great Canadian Entertainment is Canada's premier gaming and hospitality company with gaming, entertainment, hospitality and resort facilities in Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Committed to investing in and offering opportunity to those in the communities in which it operates, Great Canadian Entertainment supports hundreds of charitable and non-profit organizations across Canada under its PROUD program; "PROUD of our people, our business, our community". A significant portion of gross gaming revenue from Great Canadian Entertainment's gaming facilities is retained by Crown partners on behalf of their provincial governments for the purpose of supporting programs that benefit healthcare, education, and social services in Canada. To learn more, please visit or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Planning to dredge the Burrard Inlet to maximize oil shipments is underway
An ocean pollution researcher and at least one First Nation are raising concerns about the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's (VFPA) plan to dredge the Burrard Inlet. Dredging is when the bed of a body of water is dug out to make way for ships or for construction or cleaning purposes. Ocean researcher Juan José Alava told CBC's On The Coast that periodic dredging is common for navigation maintenance in the Inlet. However, he says he was surprised to hear that the port is planning to dredge for the purpose of maximizing oil tanker capacity. The VFPA plan is to maximize oil shipments from the port. Currently, Aframax tankers, a specific size of oil tanker, with a deadweight ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 metric tonnes, can carry loads up to 80 per cent, with the goal of increasing capacity to 100 per cent. However, doing so carries the risk of hitting the sea bottom. According to Alava, another risk is environmental harm. LISTEN | Burrard Inlet could be dredged to maximize oil shipments: Alava is the principal investigator for the Ocean Pollution Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, and says that this development is deeply concerning because of the potential effect on water quality, aquatic life, and First Nations culture in the area that is dependent on the Inlet and the Second Narrows channel. "At what environmental cost, for a single tanker, do you want to dredge the Burrard Inlet? What about the First Nation communities that are living there?" He says that as a scientist who studies marine toxicology, the risk of dredging to increase oil tanker capacity can have a drastic impact on the environment if there is an oil spill, citing lessons learned from the Exxon Valdez southern Alaska spill 36 years ago. Alava says that you can still find oil remnants in B.C. from that spill today, so environmental impact assessments and Indigenous consultation are necessary. Tsleil-Waututh Nation's Chief, Jen Thomas, said in a written statement on May 8, that no formal engagement has happened about dredging the Burrard Inlet that runs past the nation. Thomas says that the nation firmly opposed the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, adding that the Government of Canada built it despite the nation's informed decision not to consent to the project. "Tsleil-Waututh has a sacred, legal obligation to protect, defend and steward our Inlet. We hold inherent and Constitutionally-protected Indigenous title and rights to this area." Under UNDRIP, the B.C. government has a duty to obtain free, prior and informed consent from First Nations when pursuing projects in their territories. Thomas says that the nation will have more to say about the matter once it reviews the proposal and says that it looks forward to meeting with agencies in the future about any projects that may affect Tsleil-Waututh Nation rights and title. Despite concerns from environmentalists and First Nations, B.C. Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix is supportive of the project, pending it meeting environmental assessment and consultation requirements with First Nations. In a report from the Canadian Press released on May 11, Dix says that the province spoke with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation before expressing views about the project to the federal government. The plan, floated by Prime Minister Mark Carney in early May, comes at a time when Canada is looking to diversify energy exports away from the United States. Dix stressed that the dredging would be a federal project, not provincial and that the project "would allow for less traffic at the port and better utilization" because ships could fully load. The dredging project's preliminary stages of environmental assessment and First Nation consultation began on May 20.
