Representatives from Tla’amin Nation and the Province of British Columbia met in qathet Regional District on March 6 to discuss concerns about a rise in anti-Indigenous racism and residential school denialism in the region.
B.C. Attorney General and Deputy Premier Niki Sharma visited Tla’amin territory, where she met with Hegus John Hackett and members of Tla’amin’s elected legislature to talk openly about issues affecting the Nation and the wider community.
As part of the visit, Minister Sharma participated in a listening circle with women from Tla’amin Nation who shared their day-to-day experiences with racism and how it’s affecting their sense of safety.
The women spoke about how often racist incidents happen, in the places they go everyday as caregivers for children and Elders. Spaces that should feel safe, like schools and service centers, are instead where many are encountering hostility and discrimination.
Several women shared how they change their daily routines to avoid confrontation or harm. Some wait in their cars during children’s activities while others avoid certain stores or public places unless they’re with a spouse.
Participants also raised concerns that anti-Indigenous racism in the community has become more visible and emboldened. They’re seeing it in schoolyards, local businesses, and on social media, making it very hard to ignore.
Executive Councillor Losa Luaifoa said hearing directly from Tla’amin women about their experiences was an important part of the visit.
“Tla’amin women are often the ones moving between schools, health services, and community spaces as they care for their families. When racism is present in those places, they feel it first and most often. We appreciated the opportunity to speak openly with the Attorney General about what people are experiencing here in qathet and about the importance of addressing anti-Indigenous racism in our region.”
Attorney General and Deputy Premier Niki Sharma thanked the community for welcoming her and for sharing their experiences.
“I’m grateful to the women who spoke with honesty and courage about what they are experiencing in their daily lives. Listening to those voices is an essential part of our work to confront racism. Seeing the film təm kʷaθ nan (Namesake) after those conversations was powerful. It reminded me that there is still unfinished work on this land and across our country, and that stories like this can help people understand one another and move forward together.”
Local MLA Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, also attended the screening of the documentary and had the following to say:
“təm kʷaθ nan Namesake is a powerful snapshot of the issues our community – and many others – are grappling with today. It reminds us of the collective work we need to do to fight racism. It is our responsibility to get to know each other, build relationships and strengthen trust so we can move forward together.”
Both Tla’amin Nation and the Province reaffirmed their commitment to continuing conversations about anti-Indigenous racism and working toward safer and more respectful communities across British Columbia.