In British Columbia, land acknowledgements often refer to “unceded
territory.” Yet many people remain uncertain about the history
behind these words or their implications for the future of the
province. Unceded reveals the BC government’s history of injustice
toward First Nations, providing the context for understanding the
province’s current reconciliation efforts, including modern treaty
negotiations. Treaty commissioner George M. Abbott combines archival
research with a former cabinet minister’s insider perspective on
government to chronicle over 150 years of BC-Indigenous relations.
Abbott’s account details how early government officials refused to
negotiate treaties and instead coerced First Nations onto small and
scattered reserves while granting settlers access to vast tracts of
land. Despite sustained Indigenous resistance, the situation only
worsened as non-Indigenous demands for land and natural resources
increased in the decades that followed. It was only after several
Supreme Court decisions affirmed Indigenous land rights that BC sat
down at the negotiating table. More recently, the province has taken
notable steps toward reconciliation, concluding modern treaties and
passing legislation that acknowledges Indigenous rights. As Abbott
shows, overcoming the legacy of colonialism is no small task, but
achieving justice is worth the effort it takes.
Les mer
Understanding British Columbia’s Colonial Past and Why It Matters Now
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9780774881173
Publisert
2025
Utgiver
University of British Columbia Press
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter