Sdahl K’awaas, Lucy Bell, recipient of the British Columbia Reconciliation Award, is a dedicated advocate for repatriation and the dismantling of systemic racism within cultural institutions. Four years after resigning from her position at the Royal B.C. Museum in protest over its deep-rooted discriminatory practices, Bell continues to address the same systemic issues that prompted her departure. Now pursuing a PhD focused on the racism she witnessed in the museum sector, Bell also remains committed to repatriating Haida ancestors and artifacts, recognizing that cultural healing is a central part of reconciliation.
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award, presented by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in partnership with the B.C. Achievement Foundation honours individuals and organizations who demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Bell’s work, both in her academic research and in the field of repatriation, serves as a reminder that true reconciliation requires more than symbolic gestures—it demands sustained action and responsibility. “I never knew my calling would be to work with the dead,” She said. “It’s important to do the work with yahguudang/respect.”
Bell, from Old Massett, was preparing to carry Tamara Davidson’s Copper for her swearing-in as a member of the provincial legislature when she spoke with Haida Gwaii News about her recent recognition. Bell was one of six award recipients, including Philis Webstad, who is known for her role in the Orange Shirt Day movement, which raises awareness about the legacy of residential schools.
Bell explained that the award is bittersweet for her, as it is tied to her public resignation from the Royal B.C. Museum. Her resignation sparked significant investigations and reforms within the museum sector, but Bell says that the same systemic issues persist. Although the museum plans to host a healing ceremony to make amends, Bell remains unconvinced that such an event will lead to real accountability or healing, given the ongoing racist behaviours within the institution.
Bell has transformed the pain of her experiences into an incredible journey of healing. She has re-focused her PhD studies on examining the systemic racism she witnessed while working in the museum sector. “In the early days, it didn’t seem like the museums wanted to see us at all. We went in there with the attitude that we were going to be friends no matter what.” While changes have been made in museums to address this attitude towards First Nations peoples it is far from perfect she explained. There are issues that have been highlighted from all around the world when it comes to museums and the behaviours and attitudes towards minority and oppressed populations.
Closer to home, Bell says she is very proud of the work the Haida Gwaii Museum does and how much it has accomplished under Nika Collison’s guidance.