Indigenous Relations
We're working with Indigenous communities to build long-term relationships by incorporating their interests into the Site C project and finding ways to mitigate impacts and advance reconciliation together.
Our engagement efforts include working with Indigenous Nations to find ways to mitigate impacts to culture and to advance reconciliation.
One way we're doing this is through the Culture and Heritage Resources Committee. It brings together members from B.C. and Alberta communities impacted by Site C to discuss mitigation measures for impacts to culture and heritage resources. Representatives oversee and participate in initiatives that showcase the unique culture of Indigenous Nations in the Peace River Valley.
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Travelling Exhibit
This interactive exhibit allows visitors to see and read about artifacts found through Site C archeological excavations, including trails and nearby sites such as Tse'k'wa, to learn how the artifacts connect to Indigenous peoples' history in the area. Community members also tell stories through recordings about their ancestors' use of the land, spiritual places, current cultural activities, and of their resourcefulness and resilience.
The self-guided tour allows visitors to explore four main components:
- The floor tiles representing the Peace River
- Replicas of artifacts recovered throughout the Peace River valley
- The central piece with the digital interfaces represents two drums linked together. An interactive map features key archaeological sites and important places. Video and audio recordings of community members are also featured. There is an opportunity for Indigenous guests to record their own stories about their culture, community, history, ancestors, or their feelings of loss or hope for the future.
- A bison skeleton replica at half scale that was discovered through a Site C palaeontological dig
The exhibit is available to view at Tse'k'wa National Historic Site at Charlie Lake and is also visiting First Nations communities in the Peace Region. A permanent location will be considered at a later date.
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Video project showcases history and rich culture of Indigenous Nations in the Peace Region
One of the Culture and Heritage Resources Committee's initiatives was the creation of a four-part video project where participating Nations share an intimate look at their history and ties to the land, as well as their perspective on the Site C project.
- Who we are (0:00 – 3:18) A summary of the "people of the Peace" explained in their own words
- Where we've been (3:19 – 7:28) Interviewees look back on their history and impacts of settlement and development in the area, including WAC Bennett dam construction
- Where we are today (7:29 – 11:41) Reflecting on the past and looking to the future, representatives share their unique perspectives and personal views on the Site C project
- Where we're going together (11:42 – 14:34) Indigenous representatives share their thoughts on how we should move forward together into a better shared future
Cultural Centre
The primary focus of the Culture and Heritage Resources Committee is working on the development of a cultural centre to commemorate and celebrate the culture and heritage of Indigenous Nations impacted by Site C. It is being co-developed with participating Indigenous communities through the Cultural Centre Working Group.
Contact information
Please reach out to members of the Culture and Heritage Resources Committee if you have questions.
Alicia Christie
250 271 0021
Michelle Macdonald
604 230 7855