Over the past year, more than 1,000 First Nations members throughout the province have received skills training through programs supported by B.C.’s Aboriginal Skills Training Development Fund and delivered close to home.

British Columbia’s First Peoples’ Cultural Council is using innovative technology to make over 100 First Nations languages available on mobile devices.

Reconciliation is at the heart of National Aboriginal Day, and the Haisla Nation turned the word into action this year through a partnership with the B.C. government, North Growth Foundation, and Reconciliation Canada.

British Columbia is leading the way in creating conversations on reconciliation by partnering with Reconciliation Canada and the Academy of System Change to create a new program that will help leaders live, work and breathe values that promote respect and understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

History was made last month when a Talking Stick from the Songhees First Nation was presented to our Speaker of the Legislature, the Honourable Linda Reid. This was an important example of the B.C. government’s commitment to reconciliation and an embodiment of what reconciliation means.

The B.C. government is encouraging all British Columbians to participate in their local National Aboriginal Day celebrations on June 21 as a means of fostering reconciliation through awareness of Aboriginal culture and achievements.

The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit have developed a path forward to improve and expedite treaty negotiations with First Nations in British Columbia.

British Columbia is working in partnership with the Wuikinuxv, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xaixais, Gitga’at, and Metlakatla First Nations toward the goal of establishing the cleanest LNG industry in the world.