Indigenous Peoples of BC and Canada

At ULI, we recognize the importance of understanding and respecting the diverse Indigenous communities that have lived on this land for thousands of years. As an international student in BC, learning about the Indigenous peoples, their history, and their contributions will enrich your experience in Canada.

Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia

British Columbia is home to over 200 Indigenous communities. These Indigenous groups have unique languages, traditions, and cultures that are deeply connected to the land.

Some key aspects of Indigenous culture in BC include:

First Nations, Métis, and Inuit: The three groups of people who are Indigenous to Canada.
Indigenous Languages: BC has the greatest diversity of Indigenous languages in Canada, with over 30 different languages spoken.
Cultural Practices and Traditions: Indigenous peoples maintain vibrant traditions through storytelling, ceremonies, and artistic expressions such as totem poles, carvings, and beadwork.

To learn more about Indigenous communities in BC, visit the WelcomeBC Indigenous Peoples page.

Treaties and Indigenous Land Rights

In Canada, treaties are agreements between First Nations and the government that recognizes a First Nation’s rights and sets out clearly defined rights and responsibilities of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. It is also a comprehensive expression of reconciliation between First Nations and government. Some key points about treaties and land rights in BC include:

Unlike many other parts of Canada, BC has very few historic treaties, leading to ongoing negotiations through the BC Treaty Process.
Modern treaties aim to build relationships with First Nations based on the principles of mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation.
Treaties also lead to greater self-determination for First Nation communities and support the well-being of Indigenous people and economies.

For more information on treaties in BC and Canada, visit the BC Treaty Commission website.

History and Impact of Residential Schools

The residential school system was a dark chapter in Canadian history. From the 1800s to the late 1900s, Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in government-funded, church-run boarding schools.

The goal of residential schools was to assimilate Indigenous children into European-Canadian culture by erasing their languages, traditions, and identities.
Many survivors experienced abuse, neglect, and loss of cultural connection.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established to document the impacts of residential schools and recommend steps toward reconciliation.

The legacy of residential schools continues to affect Indigenous communities today. Canada is working towards reconciliation by recognizing past injustices, supporting Indigenous rights, and promoting cultural healing.

For more details, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.

Acknowledging Indigenous Land and Culture

As part of your journey in BC, we encourage you to:

Learn about the Indigenous Nation whose land you are on. Many institutions and organizations provide territorial acknowledgments.
Engage with Indigenous culture through local events, museums, and cultural centers.
Respect Indigenous traditions and support Indigenous businesses and initiatives.

Need More Information?

For further learning, we recommend visiting the WelcomeBC Indigenous Peoples page and exploring additional government and Indigenous-led resources. Understanding the history and culture of Indigenous peoples will help create a more inclusive and informed society.