This Place Is Who We Are profiles Indigenous communities in central and northern coastal BC that are reconnecting to their lands and waters, thriving through this reconnection. Indigenous peoples and cultures are deeply tied to the land, with well-being—physical, social, environmental, economic, spiritual, and cultural—dependent on this relationship. The fundamental belief is that when the land is well, so are the people. In this vast region, home to over two dozen First Nations and one of the largest remaining coastal temperate rainforests, Indigenous peoples are actively restoring what has been lost to environmental degradation and healing from the impacts of colonization. This volume presents ten inspiring stories, including X̱aayda voices discussing Rediscovery camps that empower youth, Dzawada̱'enuxw Hereditary Chief Maxwiyalidizi K'odi Nelson sharing the journey of establishing a healing center and ecolodge, and Wei Wai Kum Chief Christopher Roberts addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by an urban First Nation in balancing prosperity with environmental protection and cultural values. Thoughtful and inspiring, this collection illustrates the achievements possible when conservation and stewardship align with community well-being.
