Shared responsibilities for a more just future

r1 Renewing commitments to reconciliation, climate justice & Indigenous law ... r19 June 2021 | Legal e-Brief FacebookTwitter YouTube Instagram WCEL logo

TW: Residential Schools, colonial violence

Dear Paov,

June is National Indigenous History Month.

We've been devastated by the recent confirmation of unmarked and undocumented burials of 215 children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School site, and we bear witness to the tragic reality that such graves exist at other residential school sites across the country. As we mourn these children, and stand with Survivors, we acknowledge the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools, displacement of Indigenous peoples from their lands and waters, and other genocidal Canadian policies.

As a non-profit environmental organization, we acknowledge our ongoing responsibility to align our work – and our words and actions as individuals – with our commitment to Indigenous self-determination and the redress of harms inflicted upon Indigenous peoples. A healthier collective future can only be built upon a just foundation.


In this month's Legal e-Brief, read on for updates on a range of issues – from Indigenous-led conservation, to forests and injunctions, to climate change and coastal protection.

From Consultation to Recognition and Respect: Creating Space for Indigenous Laws in Conservation The back of a person on a boat Indigenous Protected & Conserved Areas (IPCAs) create exciting opportunities for conservation grounded in both Indigenous law & Crown laws. The question is how?

In this new blog, Georgia Lloyd-Smith and Larry Innes look to leading examples like Thaidene Nëné and SGaan Kinghlas-Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area for lessons on how these laws can work alongside each other with mutual recognition and respect. You can read their full report here.
A Thin Blue Tarp: Exclusion Zones and Public Access During Civil Disobedience RCMP officers holding a tarp in a forest area Protests over old-growth forests in BC have escalated in the past few months, and over 230 people have now been arrested at the blockades at Fairy Creek.

Summer law students Jack Jones and Jenna Jeffrey explain how the RCMP’s use of legally-questionable “exclusion zones” restricts media and legal observers, and Indigenous peoples' movement within their territories – while fueling public confusion about the uncertain future of the last of these ancient forests.

To amend or not to amend – Why Bill C-12 should be passed even though it could be better A note over a senate room that says Bill c-12 in the Senate to amend or not to amend?Staff Lawyer Andrew Gage recently testified at the Senate Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee to speak about Bill C-12, the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act.

Read Andrew's take on why, even though Bill C-12 may fall short, it still needs to be passed swiftly and without delay.
Let’s honour the ocean with a BC Coastal Marine Strategy Shore and tree photo with TAKE ACTION TODAY in white text on blue A BC Coastal Marine Strategy can accomplish a number of important objectives for coastal and marine areas – and the communities that rely on them. This month for World Oceans Day, we and our partners at CPAWS-BC outlined what a provincial coastal strategy should look like to provide an effective blueprint for the coast.

You can let the provincial government know that you support the development of a BC Coastal Marine Strategy. Take action by sending a tweet or email to provincial decision-makers.
Why were climate funds for local governments abruptly cut, and where do we go from here? eraser over the word funding and a flooded bench The BC Government recently cancelled a unique funding program that incentivized local climate action and provided funding for adaptation.

West Coast's climate team looks at what losing the Climate Action Revenue Incentive Program (CARIP) could mean for BC communities.
More new faces at West Coast! New staff member photos This month, we’re so happy to welcome two incredible new staff lawyers who have recently joined our team:
  • Erin Gray has joined our marine law team as a staff lawyer after working in public interest environmental law and on self-governance matters for Indigenous nations.
  • Estella White - ḥin̓ačačišt joins West Coast as a lawyer focusing on Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and Indigenous law, having practiced Aboriginal law for a number of years.
We’re also excited to welcome Hanna Araza – our new Summer Community Outreach Coordinator, who is working with our communications team to engage volunteers and community members in efforts to strengthen environmental laws.

We're hiring!

Are you an experienced fundraiser keen on directly engaging with prospects and donors? We are looking for a Development Officer to join our team.
Deadline to apply: July 7th.

If you enjoyed this newsletter and would like to support West Coast's work to safeguard the environment through law, you may choose to make a tax-deductible donation to the West Coast Environmental Law Research Foundation. Thank you!

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