When two BC MLAs dismissed Indigenous sovereignty as “unfounded” and described reconciliation as an “industry,” they weren’t just engaging in political rhetoric; they were defending colonialism. In this episode of Reconsidering Canada, host Chris Bolster unpacks the backlash, dissects the myths, and challenges the growing movement of settler denial dressed up as common sense. We examine the legal foundations of Indigenous sovereignty, revisit BC’s history of treaty refusal, and trace how colonial erasure is being reframed as inclusion. Reconciliation isn’t a scam; it’s a responsibility.

Referenced Sources & Further Reading:

Armstrong and Brodie’s May 12, 2025 Statement: Okanagan MLA doubles down on claims about ‘reconciliation industry’ – Castanet

BC’s Colonial Legacy & Treaty Refusal:

• Trutch’s Refusal to Acknowledge Aboriginal Title

• A History of Aboriginal Title – UBC
• Stolen Lands, Broken Promises – Union of BC Indian Chiefs

Indigenous Sovereignty in Law:

• Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982

• Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia – SCC Decision

• BC UNDRIP Legislation (DRIPA)

Health Disparities and the Toxic Drug Crisis:

• First Nations Health Authority – 2023 Vital Statistics Report

• First Nations and the Toxic Drug Poisoning Crisis in BC

• TRC Calls to Action

For Further Learning:

• Yellowhead Institute – Red Paper: Land Back

• First Nations Caring Society (Cindy Blackstock)

• Union of BC Indian Chiefs – Sovereignty Resources

Want to take action? Check out the resource links above for places to donate, learn, and support Indigenous-led movements. If you found this episode meaningful, share it, discuss it, and challenge the backlash when you hear it.