ADAM OLSEN -- It’s a reality that is in stark contrast to the dark history of Canadian governments and First Nations
As the First Nations Leadership Council and provincial government came together earlier this week for the annual First Nations Leaders Gathering (FNLG), they did so with a renewed commitment to shared values and collaborative decision-making. This is the third time I have had the opportunity to attend the FNLG as an elected member of the legislative assembly. Each year the progress and commitment of this government toward reconciliation has become stronger — not in words but in actions. Last year, the government committed to guaranteeing a percentage of gaming revenue is distributed to Indigenous communities across B.C. to use as they determine is best to improve the lives of families and strengthen their economies. A follow-through on this commitment came just last month when legislation passed directing seven per cent of the BC Lottery Corporations annual net income to First Nations. That works out to $100 million a year or $3 billion over 25 years. ...