Congratulations to our Courtenay-Alberni MP @gordjohns.bsky.social on his Jim Carr Forest Community Champion Award for his tireless advocacy and engagement on forestry. Well deserved! #WeGrowToBuildCanada

Attending @fpac-apfc.bsky.social National Policy Conference in Ottawa this week. #WeGrowToBuildCanada

Happy to participate on a panel regarding inclusive, indigenous and international trade with the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) folks, today! Many thanks and greetings to all our indigenous cousins and international partners attending today (and tomorrow).

Proud to stand up and support indigenous self-determination in the face of outside interference. To the Pacheedaht First Nation, we send our wholehearted support. To everyone, please take the time to acknowledge and accept that the decision-making of each Nation is their *own* responsibility.

Mount Underwood Fire Update: Fire continues to burn. Road between Port Alberni and Anacla/Bamfield and beyond closed. Power will be out for *at least* 72 hours, if not more. Visitors asked to refrain from traveling to the territories to allow for priority traffic via Cowichan which remains open.

Not for nothing, but would it not make sense for First Nations and indigenous organizations to raid the lists of laid-off federal scientists, administrators and managers? We rely so heavily on federal resources, getting direct help from former employees seems to be logical. #cdnpoli #bcpoli #fnpoli

For what it's worth, I think the GTD bills passed by BC and Canada are more an opportunity than a threat. They are pieces of enabling legislation that, like the Declaration based laws, depend upon their implementation through subsidiary workplans and regulations. ..1/ #C5 #cdnpoli #bcpoli #fnpoli

I've been using NotebookLM by Google lately, and I'm finding it quite compelling and potentially a powerful tool. I will try it to keep abreast of all the different elements of my work in local and tribal government. Thanks to the Google employee who I met at a conference for the recommendation!

I remember getting Mortal Kombat 2 for the SNES in 1993 for like $90 Canadian. That's like $200 in today's money. I do not have sympathy for folks complaining about the cost of first party switch games being $80/90... Come on, you know Mario Kart World will be worth it, right?

I'm not Catholic, but in light of the recent habemus papum, I contemplate this quote and wish Leo XIV all the best.

Preorder came in! Upon seeing this book by @acoyne.bsky.social, she sighed and complained that she dislikes agreeing with its author so much. This is high praise, Andrew, high praise indeed. #cdnpoli

Happy to see friends and colleagues at #AVICC2025 in Nanaimo, BC this weekend. Many thanks to staff of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities for such a great event!

Timely and accurate reporting of indigenous/First Nations news in Nuu-chah-nulth territory has been of high benefit for years, we are lucky to have Ha-shilth-sa on the West Coast. More journalists helps create a landscape where citizens of our Nations could get good information to make good choices.

Even if this is true, and I admit that there's an outside bet that it might be, the anomalies are not the point. It was Brodie's quip about "my truth, your truth, my grandmother's truth" that revealed that she does not care about testimonials, even if they number in the thousands. #bcpoli

What folks aren't talking about with this whole Brodie thing is that it's not necessarily about the potential graves, but rather the implication that the thousands of testimonials can be dismissed because there is no hard evidence of death and abuse. When there are that many, it hardens up quick.

Attending the Land Claims Agreement Coalition Conference in Ottawa this week. This alliance of treaty, self-governing and land claim indigenous governments are gathering to celebrate 50 years of history together in various ways. #LCAC2025

Outside Bet: The Trump rhetoric is a worked shoot to put the Liberals over with the CUSMA Universe. Because I don't want to contemplate the alternative right now. #WrestlingLingo

Apropos of nothing, sardines and anchovies are surprisingly good with tomato-based pasta sauces. For me, at least, I reckon this is basic knowledge for old world cooks and their culinary their descendents.

So, a would a Canadian #FentanylCzar be a Parliamentary Secretary or a Minister of State then? Just work under Hon. David McGuinty, the Public Safety Minister. Or just give it to the Associate Minister, Hon. Bendayan? #SoWeird

What do I really think? I think this US President is a zero-sum thinker. I think he is not capable of thinking outside of zero-sum in a world where we're almost never at the edge of possibility graphs. I think he grabbed on to the idea of re-industrializing the continent, and that's a good idea.

Heartened by the almost-complete unity in Canada in response to perplexing tariffs from the US President, though perhaps still disappointed if not surprised in the reaction and lack of action in others. Now is not the time to knuckle under, folks. 🇨🇦

My YouTube feed is strange again, it all has to do with my interest in military history and some videos about doomsday preppers. So you probably know where this is going... Despite what the prepper influencers say, the best prep is still a strong community.

It's a testament to how old I am that I am very impressed that both my music and audiobook apps automatically transferred the downloaded content from the device to the SD card without my having to do it manually.

Headed to #Vancouver for #FNLG2024 tomorrow and Wednesday. The First Nations Leadership Gathering happens annually and it is the principal means for meeting between FN leaders and the Provincial government through many quick "speed date" style meetings. Huu-ay-aht has quite a few, plus extras.

The time between Xmas and NY is strange and liminal. Almost an Interannum, not quite one year or the other. Hope you're all well, folks. We're still digging out of the holiday clutter.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Years, folks! Taking time connect, eat too much food, and catch up on both reading and sleep.

I had the honour to attend the late John Horgan's Memorial today at the Q Centre near Victoria. On behalf of Huu-ay-aht, we send out deepest condolences to a man who contributed greatly not only to Huu-y-aht, but to reconciliation writ large and the well-being of all British Columbians. #bcpoli

Curious how we are working with Sa̱nala Planning to meet with 53 First Nations across the region to discuss our strategic goal to transform the Trust into the first permanently financed, governed regional development organizations in Canada? Learn our approach: heyor.ca/Vy248O

Conclave was an amazing film. Worth watching in whatever way you can as long as you can pay attention to the sound design. Headphones or theatres, folks! I find the comments about Ralph Fiennes' supporters needing to campaign for an Oscar to be delicious and clever from from those who have said so.

Yikes. Good on Sturko, I suppose. We're watching, folks.

Today on APTN National News: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and two other party leaders attended the final day of the AFN meeting in Ottawa. They were pressed on various issues, ranging from deaths by police to residential school denialism. youtube.com/live/Tx2irKQ...

So are the usual suspects going all "Who is John Galt?" down south? /checks Yup. *sigh*

AFN, Ottawa: A Chief brings up water advisories in his community. @justintrudeaupm.bsky.social reminds folks of the progress made from ~200 to ~30 so far. Hajdu commits to working directly with the speaker to ensure contractors do their jobs right as some got ripped off. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

AFN, Ottawa: Another speaker asks that the government commit to a more-perfect arrangement for children and families. Same speaker calls Hajdu and Anandsangaree mere B-team players and calls for the PM and Mark Miller to attend personally. Seems a bit of an insult, honestly. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

AFN, Ottawa: In response to a youth with a question regarding children-in-care, the PM @justintrudeaupm.bsky.social calls the way that children in care were treated as a modern reiteration of residential schools and mentions the work done in co-development of Bill C92. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

AFN, Ottawa: PM @justintrudeaupm.bsky.social responds w/ communicating his sympathy & restates his commitment to doing what they can to address this very real issue. A bit of a general statement, but it was okay as a response. This is a tough room, and some will never come around. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

AFN, Ottawa: A lot of strong & emotional catharsis statements in these comments. The mother of Tla-o-qui-aht woman who was shot in New Brunswick gives a powerful speech, backed up by even more mothers whose names I didn't catch. Action on Police Reform is very, very important here. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

AFN, Ottawa: Minister Hajdu adds a defence of the work done on the water bill, restating that the federal governments of the past were glacial and reminds folks here that they've been much better. This is true, but the crowd is very much in a perfectionist / "you haven't gone far enough stance. 🤷🏽‍♂️

AFN, Ottawa: The PM answered that one fairly well, IMO. He has to respect the sentiment, but still hold on the sheer logistics and need for organized approaches to the very real challenges. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

AFN, Ottawa: A Nicola Valley chief cites frustration on fruitless invites to their territory. @justintrudeaupm.bsky.social answers by stating that they will respond to whichever way FNs want to organize. Reminds folks that they've been (much?) better than previous governments. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

AFN SCA 2024, Ottawa: A notable speaker goes full bore on a good speech, but she's taken up much more than her time w/ a big line. Good table pounding for back home, I guess. Not sure it had a point beyond a reiteration of historic grievances. It was very well received by the hall. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

AFN SCA 2024, Ottawa: Minister Anandsangaree continues with a mention of Bill C77 to establish the Commissioner of Modern Treaty Implementation to report to Parliament on progress. Huu-ay-aht worked on this with other self-governing Nations as part of the aforementioned LCAC. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

AFN SCA 2024, Ottawa: Minister Anandsangaree begins with a special thanks for youth, women, and LGBTQ2S+ folks for their contributions. Sends congrats to Haida Nation. Mentioned that three Modern Treaties have been initialed in BC. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

AFN SCA 2024, Ottawa: Minister Hajdu announces the intention to declare access to drinking water a human right after speaking to this government's tall commitment to ending drinking water advisories. Emphasizes budgeting for housing indigenous peoples as well. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

At the AFN SCA 2024 in Ottawa, Liberal Minister Virani mentions the passing of Bill S13, which Huu-ay-aht helped work on with other self-governing Nations across Canada as the Land Claims Agreement Coalition. Many props to this government and allies in getting it to Royal Assent. #fnpoli #cdnpoli

At the AFN SCA 2024, Liberal Prime Minister @justintrudeaupm.bsky.social takes the stage with Ministers Hajdu, Anandsangaree, Virani and Vandal. He intends to give a short statement and, principally, to take questions. Somewhat different approach, maybe foolhardy, maybe brave. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

The @blocquebecois.bsky.social leader stumbled a bit in response to a question from a Mohawk(?) Chief who stated that Québec people should start getting ready to discuss "packing up" and leaving, but to be fair, that wasn't a great statement. Ain't nobody goin' anywhere... #cdnpoli #fnpoli

Up next at the AFN SCA 2024 in Ottawa, @blocquebecois.bsky.social leader Yves Blanchet underscores the commonalities between indigenous peoples and the people of Québec re: the importance of preserving language & culture. He supports indigenous nationhood in response to a question. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

At the AFN Special Chiefs' Assembly in Ottawa today, @ndp.ca Leader @jagmeetsingh.ca reiterated that he believed that the carbon tax affects working people too much and the big polluters not enough. The NDP will have a different plan that will address this. #cdnpoli #fnpoli

Despite delays, the current Co-chair at the AFN SCA here in Ottawa has great patience and acumen in his comportment of his duty. It's slow going, but it's on us, not the staff and support. #AFN2024 #FNpoli