Indigenous community-driven stories that made an impact in 2023

Throughout the year, Global News has highlighted culture and community-driven stories from Indigenous people across the province, here are some of our favourites.

Throughout the year, Global News has highlighted culture and community-driven stories from Indigenous people across the province.

There were major headlines like Tseshaht First Nation announcing findings into its residential school investigation and λugʷaləs becoming the first baby in B.C. to have his Indigenous name on his birth certificate as well as stories that taught us about the importance of a community-built powwow arbour and an Indigenous comedy duo that formed out of a community’s need for laughter.

Community-driven stories are stories that are told with distinctive communities — in this case Indigenous — and are shaped by culture and history through the social process of storytelling. They often take more time, require consultation and relationship-building.

We’ve collected a few of our favourite community-driven stories here as we reflect on 2023 and look forward to sharing more of your stories in 2024.

In the era of reconciliation, more conversations are being had about what is — and isn’t — an acceptable way for non-Indigenous people to show support for Indigenous artists.

Indigenous art is increasingly being copied, reproduced or stolen and with questions around authenticity rising, many non-Indigenous folks have begun to tread carefully and question where to buy or whether they should be buying.

“My response is always ‘Absolutely, it’s OK,’” said Nicole Geary a registered member of Sahtu Dene and Métis of Norman Wells and the artist behind Beaded Legacy. “It (shows) Indigenous culture is alive, it is thriving and it is all around us; it’s a big statement to our survival and resiliency.”

Over the decades, Haisla Nation’s Sammy Robinson’s carving shop has been a draw for tourists, art collectors, school groups, and more.