Annual Public Lecture in Kitamaat Village, 2024
This conference is inspired by and shared in memory of Sarah Robinson, Action Canada Fellow 2014/15, whose mission was to foster dialogue among policymakers on Indigenous histories, reconciliation, and action. To honor Sarah’s legacy, Action Canada launched an annual lecture series on Reconciliation and Public Policy. In September 2024, we held our fourth lecture during the study tour to Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
This year’s topic focused on Reconciliation and the Future of the Resource Sector, aligned with the 2024 Fellowship theme, with Chief Councillor Crystal Smith of the Haisla Nation as the keynote speaker. We were honored to host the event at the Haisla Nation Council’s Large Boardroom, joined by members of the Haisla community.
Crystal Smith delivered this year’s keynote focusing on Indigenous-led resource development. Chief Smith shared her pride in the Haisla Nation’s journey toward economic self-determination, highlighting Indigenous ownership in projects like the Haisla’s Cedar LNG initiative. She reflected on the resilience of Indigenous communities, their complex relationships with government and industry, and the need to balance traditional values with forward-looking, sustainable development. She called for true reconciliation—one that recognizes Indigenous nations as equal partners and decision-makers in shaping Canada’s future.
This lecture was delivered by Action Canada and the Public Policy Forum, in partnership with Indspire: Rivers to Success, Haisla Nation, Johnson & Johnson, and Heritage Canada.
To watch the lecture, please see the video below.
