Snuneymuxw First Nation

So for 15 years, um, I've been knee-deep in, um, trying to wade through the myriad of complexities, um, of the law.

And one of the main reasons I have stepped forward, um, as a single mother living on unceded Snuneymuxw territory, um, is not only the rise of the cost of living, um, uh, concerns about the environment and federal legislation, um, that is, uh, um, putting projects, um, in the national interest.

I'm running, um, to very forcefully protect DRIPA.

Um, I personally don't see the complexity in applying a basic human rights framework, specifically in the child welfare system, um, to ensure that our citizens are Brit- in British Columbia, um, have that protective lens that is a bare minimum human rights framework that people across British Columbia and Canada fought decades for, um, to have recognized.

Well, I see a lot of alignment between the Green Party's plan and my teachings as an Opaskwayak Cree woman.

Uh, my dad and family are from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Treaty 5 territory.

I also live and work on unceded Snuneymuxw territory, and I have three children that are members of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Um, and I am just really concerned by the future that we're leaving for them.

It, it helps with our, um, whole, um, the feelings of isolation.

Um, and so looking at how we can provide better services with our public transit.

There's a, there's a community here in, in, in our, um, um, city, um, the Snuneymuxw First Nations, and they have been here for millennia.

And it's only this year that they have the right to vote after 152 years in our c- city election.

And there-

City officials unveiled Strength and Perseverance on Wednesday, marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The artwork, created by Snuneymuxw master artist Noel Brown, transforms the basketball court into a vibrant canvas featuring an eagle, bear, and salmon, each symbolizing important values like strength, wisdom, courage, and resilience.

Brown worked closely with elders to develop the design, which aims to inspire young people using the courts to persevere and work together.

Mayor Leonard Krog highlighted the city's dedication to supporting local Indigenous artists and celebrating Snuneymuxw culture through public art.

A community event continues at the park until this afternoon.

Nanaimo City Council is looking at whether to continue a program that helps local businesses cover costs from vandalism.