shíshálh Nation's name officially recognized in provincial legislation

shíshálh Nation will now be more accurately represented in provincial legislation.

Following new legislative amendments that recognize the traditional and legal shíshálh names in existing provincial acts, said the April 26 provincial release.

Six acts and 14 regulations have been amended and will replace “Sechelt” with “shíshálh” and “Indian Band” with “Nation” to maintain consistency with federal legislation.

“We are pleased that provincial legislation is being updated to reflect our proper name,” said lhe hiwus yalxwemult (Chief Lenora Joe) in the release. “The name ‘Sechelt Indian Band’ is one that was imposed on us through colonization and removing that name is just one of many important steps on the path of reconciliation. We would like to thank the Province for working with us to make this important change to recognize who we have always been.”

Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation said these updates to provincial legislation were required to ensure the name of shíshálh Nation is properly reflected and consistent between federal and provincial legislation.

“The Province was pleased to collaborate with shíshálh Nation to remove past colonial language from provincial acts and to reflect and respect traditional shíshálh Indigenous names. While there is still much work to do together to support communities in their work to restore their languages, this is one of the many important steps in reconciliation that we are taking together.”

In 2022 the amendments to the self-governing agreement between the shíshálh Nation and Canada brought several changes including allowing the Nation to amend its own constitution without federal approval and updating the legal name of the Sechelt Indian Band to shíshálh Nation following years of work.

The Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act was introduced in the B.C. legislative assembly on March 11 and received royal assent on April 25.

The amended acts are the shíshálh Nation Government District Enabling Act, the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, the Environmental Management Act, the  Land Owner Transparency Act, the shíshálh Nation Government District Home Owner Grant Act and the Speculation and Vacancy Tax Act.

The release states that Section 7 of the shíshálh Nation Government District Enabling Act has also been repealed, ensuring the continuation of the Act. The previously prescribed expiration of June 30, 2026, is no longer in effect.

“The shíshálh language is one of the original languages of this land,” said Rankin in the release. He said that these changes, made in consultation with the shíshálh Nation, will ensure that legislation in B.C. reflects and respects shíshálh names.

“The Sunshine Coast Regional District welcomes the updates to provincial legislation that properly recognizes the shíshálh Nation name, said Leonard Lee, Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) chair. Lee said that the SCRD has been actively uptaking all documentation and references to the shíshálh Nation since the federal government amended the shíshálh Nation Self Government Act.

Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

Jordan Copp, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Coast Reporter

OTHER NEWS

10 minutes ago

Three takeaways as Bruins force Game 6 to keep season alive

10 minutes ago

These Hand-Built CT5-V Blackwings Are Cadillac's Best

10 minutes ago

95 crorepatis in fray for 2nd phase Odisha Assembly polls

10 minutes ago

Brittney and Cherelle Griner expecting a baby boy in July

10 minutes ago

Law & Order actor Angie Harmon sues Instacart and delivery driver she claims killed her dog

11 minutes ago

Slovak interior minister: Initial investigation shows political motivation in assassination attempt on prime minister

11 minutes ago

Canadians are hopeful shifting winds may push wildfire away from the oil sand hub of Fort McMurray

11 minutes ago

Yemeni security forces deploy in Aden as anger simmers over lengthy power outages

12 minutes ago

No, Chili’s is not closing all of its locations

13 minutes ago

How to stop feeling guilty about not being as productive as you hoped

14 minutes ago

Amazon MGM Studios Lands Hot Package ‘The Robots Go Crazy’ From Andy Samberg And Radio Silence

14 minutes ago

Midori Francis Leaving ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Next Season

14 minutes ago

Joe Biden’s Campaign Tells Donald Trump “No More Debate About Debates” After Ex-POTUS Says He’s Agreed To A Third Matchup Hosted By Fox News

16 minutes ago

Depop seller who sold Sabrina Carpenter her birthday dress is ROASTED for dramatically hiking up her prices - including listing 'vintage' Forever 21 shorts for a staggering $300

16 minutes ago

Victoria Justice breaks silence on 'complex' relationship with embattled children's TV producer Dan Schneider - reflects on Nickelodeon days calling them 'in poor taste'

16 minutes ago

Sour note! Subway musicians are scared to play because of violent crime underground

16 minutes ago

Sabalenka eases past Ostapenko to reach Italian Open semifinals. Tabilo extends his surprising run

16 minutes ago

Israel war cabinet split looms as defence minister demands plan for post-war Gaza

16 minutes ago

Rae Bareli pitch report: Decades of Gandhi Legacy vs Modi-Yogi double engine

17 minutes ago

All wound up: A clearer look at electric guitar pickups

17 minutes ago

‘Common sense minister’ says no mention of lanyard ban

17 minutes ago

Downton Abbey 3 is officially happening - and these are the characters who will (and won't) be returning

17 minutes ago

Black Business Council blames Labour Minister for George building collapse

17 minutes ago

Cannes kicks off with a Palme d'Or for Meryl Streep and a post-'Barbie' fête of Greta Gerwig

17 minutes ago

Brian Bethell obituary

17 minutes ago

Fact Check: Warren Buffett Allegedly Said if Billionaires Paid Fair Share, No One Else Would Have to Pay Taxes Again. We Checked the Transcript

17 minutes ago

Asia shares hit 15-month high as traders wait for CPI

18 minutes ago

Banks brace for Post Office showdown over cash access fee

18 minutes ago

Ted Leonsis 'very interested' in purchasing NL East team

18 minutes ago

Look: Joel, Ellie appear in 'The Last of Us' Season 2 photos

18 minutes ago

Review of one-punch attacks expected after campaign by bereaved MP

18 minutes ago

Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR next season

18 minutes ago

Sophie Turner Says Taylor Swift Was ‘An Absolute Hero’ Following Joe Jonas Divorce

18 minutes ago

Defense Ministry employee succumbs to wounds from mortar fire in Gaza

18 minutes ago

GameStop, AMC tumble as two-day rally in meme stocks loses momentum

18 minutes ago

'Not What Anybody Signed Up For': A Legal Expert Weighs In on the Labor Rule That Could Destroy Franchising

18 minutes ago

Mortgage Interest Rates Today, May 15, 2024 | Rates Drop Following Cooler CPI Report

20 minutes ago

Man pleads guilty in theft of Arnold Palmer green jacket and other Masters memorabilia

23 minutes ago

Video: Tinashe's sheer ripped top flashes her black bra as she adds tiny silk shorts while leaving Craig's in West Hollywood

23 minutes ago

Video: Olly Murs celebrates his 40th birthday with sweet tribute to his newborn daughter Madison as he calls her 'the only gift' he's ever wanted