January
CPKG: Nechako First Nations calling for ‘immediate, consistent action’ on major projects
- January 25 2026
- Topics:
- British Columbia, Indigenous Peoples, Industry, Economy, Canada
- Location:
- Prince George
- Summary:
- First Nations/bands in Prince George claim they will allow economic projects of strategic interest to the nation if they are properly consulted by the federal government, and if “indigenous law” is followed.
- Actors:
- Nechako First Nations
- Stellat’en
- Nadleh Whut’en
- Saik’uz
- Lheidli T’enneh
“In a statement, the governments of Stellat’en, Nadleh Whut’en, Saik’uz, and Lheidli T’enneh First Nations say major projects can achieve First Nations consent when governments and proponents engage early, respect Indigenous laws, and enter into genuine and enforceable partnerships.
They note if these conditions are absent or delayed, “consent will not be attained.”
March
CBC: Court grants interim injunction pausing Rossland magnesium mine construction
- Updated March 21 2026
- Topics:
- British Columbia, Indigenous Peoples, Industry, Economy
- Location:
- Record Ridge Mine (Rossland, BC)
- Magnesium Mine
- Summary:
- Activists groups granted an interim injunction stopping mine development as the seek to get a court to mandate an environmental certificate.
- Actors:
- West High Yield (WHY) Resources (Calgary-based)
- Save Record Ridge Action Committee Society (SRRACS)
- Sinixt Confederacy
Castanet: First Nation leader Robert Phillips says proposed DRIPA changes would gut legislation
- Originally by Wolfgang Depner, Canadian Press
- March 31 2026
- Topics:
- British Columbia, Indigenous Peoples, Industry, Economy
- Summary:
- First Nations want courts to interpret DRIPA, Eby wants MLAs to hold that power instead.
- Actors
- Robert Philips (First Nations Summit)
- David Eby, Premier of BC
April
Castanet: ‘We got it all’: Nuchatlaht First Nation wins title over entire 210 sq. km claim
- Originally by the Canadian Press
- April 02 2026
- Topics:
- British Columbia, Indigenous Peoples, Industry, Economy
- Location:
- Nootka Island
- Summary:
- First Nation awarded land title in court of appeals. Use of archeological surveys, Culturally-Modified Trees (CMTs).
- Actors:
- Nuchatlaht First Nation
- B.C. Supreme Court
“Archaeologists had previously gathered evidence on Nootka Island showing the First Nation had harvested pieces of ancient cedar trees. The practice often involves stripping pieces of bark and wood from the tree without killing it.
The material was then used to make everything from canoes and paddles to houses and clothing. The living trees still bear scars from the process and are described by experts as “culturally modified.”
Castanet: Land Back Task Force in Squamish, B.C., sparks interest after landmark court ruling
- Originally by Wolfgang Depner, Canadian Press
- April 07 2026
- Topics:
- British Columbia, Indigenous Peoples, Industry, Economy
- Location:
- Squamish
- Summary:
- Task force for redistributing public land and giving it to First Nations. Actors continue to claim that this does not affect private title.
- Actors:
- Squamish First Nation
- Land Back Task Force
- Armand Hurford, district mayor of Squamish
Castanet: Nearby burn caused Merritt-area grass fire now at 808 hectares
- By Michael Potestio
- April 10 2026
- Topics:
- British Columbia, Indigenous Peoples, Emergency Management, Wildfire, FireSmart
- Location:
- Hamilton Creek Indian Reserve 7, Merritt
- Summary:
- Small wildfire was put under control by BCWS, only to merge into an unsanctioned “cultural burn” by a local Indian band and spread out of control.
- Actors
- British Columbia Wildfire Service
- Nicholas Peterson, Lower Nicola Band Chief (LNIB)
“Peterson said the band has no burning permit process in place, but it may be time to consider one.”