Leaders from Old Massett and the municipality of Masset joined forces at the ninth B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering on Jan. 21-22, marking a significant step in advancing collaboration and reconciliation on Haida Gwaii.
The event, co-hosted by the provincial government and the First Nations Leadership Council, brought together more than 1,000 participants, including representatives from over 200 First Nations, to discuss government-to-government relationships and shared priorities.
Premier David Eby, alongside Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Regional Chief Terry Teegee, Chief Cheryl Casimer, and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Christine Boyle, opened the gathering by emphasizing the importance of partnerships to uphold self-determination and create opportunities for all communities in B.C.
Old Massett extended an invitation to the municipality of Masset to join the discussions, reflecting a commitment to regional cooperation. Mayor Sheri Disney of Masset described the significance of the joint effort.
“Duffy and myself are now seeing these ministers every six months,” Disney said, referring to Old Massett Chief Councillor Duffy Edgars. “Our role there was to support Old Massett and their planning. It was impressive for the ministers to see us working together and definitely made us memorable.”
Disney also highlighted the critical role of staff in advancing community projects.
“A lot of this planning goes beyond the elected seats, and it really is the staff that keeps these projects and the life and blood going to them,” she said. “It was really positive for ministers to see them too.”
Discussions at the gathering focused on climate action, economic opportunities, repatriation, and the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. For Old Massett and Masset, the event provided a platform to address shared concerns, and update ministers on current projects and discuss the projects that they are working towards like the pool.
The gathering, which included over 1,300 one-on-one meetings, was described as the busiest to date. For Haida Gwaii, the event showcased the power of partnerships in advancing meaningful reconciliation and addressing shared challenges.
