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The first urban reserve in northeastern B.C. is officially open.
Hundreds of people came out to celebrate Naache Commons, operated by the Doig River First Nation.
“I never, 60 years ago, never would expect anything like this,” said Elder Jack Askoty, who described a history of Indigenous people being set apart from others.
“How do I feel? It’s very hard to describe, so much emotion that’s sitting in here right now.”
Historically, reserves were established on less economically viable land in rural areas, as First Nations were displaced to make way for new cities.
That was the case for Doig River First Nation, whose primary reserve of about 320 members is located 70 kilometres outside of Fort St. John.
But urban reserves are created by converting municipal land into reserve land, as recognized by the federal Crown.
It allows First Nations to generate income by running businesses in the space, while paying the city for municipal services.
There are more than 120 urban reserves across Canada.
‘A dream come true for all of us’
Chief Justin Davis said Naache refers to dreamers in Dane-zaa Záágé
