The recent attempts in the U.S. to question the citizenship of Native Americans born on their own lands are deeply troubling. These actions not only disrespect centuries of Indigenous sovereignty but also set a dangerous precedent that could ripple into other countries, including Canada.
Here in British Columbia, most of the land is unceded territory—land that Indigenous peoples never surrendered through treaties. The foundations of Canada’s legal and political system rest on the acknowledgment of Indigenous rights and title, but these rights are already fragile and often ignored. If similar debates about citizenship or jurisdiction arose here, it could further undermine the sovereignty and dignity of Indigenous nations.
We cannot ignore the connections between what happens elsewhere and what could happen here. Efforts to limit Indigenous rights anywhere in the world reflect a larger issue: the ongoing refusal to honor treaties, respect Indigenous governance, and acknowledge the impacts of colonization.
This is a moment to stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples in both the U.S. and Canada. We must challenge these attempts to roll back progress and ensure that unceded territories and Indigenous sovereignty are respected and protected.
I encourage everyone to educate themselves about the history of these lands, the meaning of unceded territory, and the importance of upholding Indigenous rights. Together, we can push back against policies that harm Indigenous communities and work toward a future of justice and equality.
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