Rustad’s question, which he posted before getting any confirmation from NH, was met with a flood of comments both condemning, and supporting the post which he has since removed. Teegee noted he hoped NH had informed Rustad of the priorities of the vaccine and the fact nearly 36 per cent of people with COVID-19 in the NH region were First Nations, even though they make up less than 17 per cent of the region’s population. Teegee made the comment on Rustad’s original Facebook post before it was deleted. “Before you make divisive comments that would stir hateful comments between First Nations people and non-First Nations citizens, you should check your facts,” Teegee wrote.
Surrey councillor Jack Hundial produced a motion last month to “develop a meaningful, respectful acknowledgement before every Council and Committee meeting … in recognition that we are settlers here on this Coast Salish Land.” However, Safe Surrey Coalition (SSC) council members, including Mayor Doug McCallum, rejected the motion January 11 in a 5-4 vote. SSC councillor Allison Patton said Hundial was not being “authentic.” While Hundial expressed he was “shocked” after the rejection, McCallum explained, “we [City of Surrey] treat them [First Nations] better in Surrey than anywhere.” McCallum agreed with his fellow SSC councillors Laurie Guerra and Doug Elford that there is nothing wrong with a land acknowledgement; however, it ought not to be legislated, or mandatory, under city policy.
We are excited to embrace the opportunities offered by modern technology, BC Natural Resources Forum communications manager Claire Perusse said in an email last year. Our digital platform will enable participants to share knowledge, new research findings, innovative practices, and case studies. The virtual program will include live webinars, panel discussions, presentations, and interactive Q&A sessions. In addition, there will be daily, virtual breakout rooms to allow for online networking. Given that there will be no travel requirements for this year’s forum, there will be few limits on the number of participants we can welcome, Perusse said. Therefore, we are hoping to engage more participants and attract a wider range of high-profile speakers from across Canada in this discussion.