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

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