As Indigenous Peoples Day approaches on June 21, 2024, the RELAW (Revitalizing Indigenous Law for Land, Air & Water) team wanted to take this moment to reflect on the significance of this day and the rich cultural heritage it celebrates. For many, it's a time to honour and learn from the diverse traditions and histories of Indigenous communities. Our RELAW Program provides opportunities to deepen our understanding and commitment to Indigenous laws and traditions through immersive co-learning experiences.
The RELAW Program: A Commitment to Indigenous Law
Our RELAW Program supports Indigenous nations in revitalizing and applying their own laws to contemporary environmental and land governance challenges. Over a year, through our Co-learning Program, co-learners attend three retreats. It is a journey of co-learning, mutual respect, and cultural exchange. We learn from each other’s stories and Indigenous law-based strategies.
Our recent RELAW retreat, held from May 27-30, 2024, in St'át'imc and Squamish territories at Brew Creek Centre, exemplifies our program's core values. The retreat was the third and final session for the 2023-24 Co-learning Program, and brought together community leaders, our RELAW team, and cultural educators to engage in a collaborative learning environment. Here’s a glimpse into the activities and sessions that took place during Retreat 3: ‘Indigenous Law in Action.’
Travel into Day 1: Settling in and Storytelling
The retreat began with a warm welcome from the RELAW Team. Everyone carpooled to get to Brew Creek Centre, nestled outside Whistler, BC. The Brew Creek Centre had everything to create the type of serene environment that encompasses the holistic nature of our methodologies. We dined together in a stone fireside hearth main lodge, with chatter buzzing the room.
Arriving in the late afternoon, we gathered and were welcomed in a good way by two representatives from the Squamish and Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Our first day was dedicated to settling into the community space, sitting around the bonfire, and acknowledging the beautiful lands we were gathering on.
Together Around the Fire Pit, The Main Lodge, Brew Creek Centre, Whistler BC, May 28 2024 / Photo: Michelle Carmichael
Day 2: Strategic Enforcement and Power Mapping
The morning session on Day 2 included an overview of the RELAW Co-learning Program, followed by a St’at’imc story called "Maggot Gets Fire," by Charlie Mack in Lillooet Stories, 1977. Co-learners were reminded of the power of storytelling.
The emphasis of storytelling underscored its importance in Indigenous law and cultural preservation. Co-learners shared insights into stories that highlighted the significance of oral traditions in maintaining and passing down laws and values from generation to generation.
Retreat 3 Co Learner Presenter Clyde Tallio Nuxalk Nation, The Gathering, Brew Creek Centre, Whistler BC, May 28 2024 / Photo: Rayanna Seymour-Hourie
The second half of the day focused on planning and strategizing pathways for the enforcement of Indigenous laws, discussions on power mapping and the theory of change. Co-learners engaged in active discussions about allyship and exploring the power of influence. That afternoon, presentations from Nuxalk Nation, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance provided stories of their Indigenous laws in action, fostering a rich dialogue on the practical applications of Indigenous law application in contemporary settings.
The afternoon finished with a land-based learning session led by cultural ambassador Kalkalilh - Deanna Lewis from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation. This session highlighted the deep connection between Indigenous laws and the land. The day concluded with wellness activities, fireside storytelling, a beading circle and self-organized activities like forest walks and quiet time for reflection.
Land-based learning session led by cultural ambassador Kalkalilh – Deanna Lewis from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation. Brew Creek Centre, Whistler BC, May 28 2024 / Photo: Rayanna Seymour-Hourie
Indigenous Plant and Tea Tour at the Squamish and Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler BC, May 29 2024 / Photo: Rayanna Seymour-Hourie
Day 3: Land-Based Learning and Cultural Exchange
On the third day, participants built upon group discussions in planning for strategic enforcement. The emphasis was on sharing back and applying strategy tools we learned on Day 1 and 2 to their own initiatives.
Activities of the day included an Indigenous Plant and Tea Tour at the Squamish and Lil’wat Cultural Centre, providing a hands-on learning experience about the traditional uses of native plants. After dinner, St'át'imc spiritual leader Robert Nahanee brought our co-learners through a Blanketing Ceremony. Profound. Connective. Centering. These are some of the words used to describe the ceremony by our co-learners.
Day 4: Reflection and Closing Circle
The final day of the retreat was dedicated to reflection and wrapping up. Co-learners gathered for a closing circle, where they reflected on their shared experiences and the knowledge gained over the past few days, and the entire year.
The RELAW Closing Circle was a powerful moment of connection and commitment to continue the work of revitalizing Indigenous laws in their communities.
The Impact of the RELAW Retreat
The RELAW retreat exemplifies the importance of immersive, culturally grounded learning experiences in the revitalization of Indigenous laws. By bringing together community leaders, our RELAW team, and cultural educators, the Co-learning Program 2023-24 fostered a collaborative environment where co-learners could learn from each other and add to their knowledge ‘toolkit’ of strategies for applying Indigenous laws to contemporary challenges.
As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, let us take inspiration from the RELAW retreats and commit to supporting Indigenous communities, listening to diverse voices, and engaging in meaningful ways. Programs like RELAW demonstrate the power of co-learning and cultural exchange in advancing the goals of respect for Indigenous laws and traditions.
Retreat 1 ‘Indigenous Law in Story’ in Osoyoos, Syilx territory, November 2023 / Photo: RELAW Team
Retreat 2 ‘Indigenous Law in Dialogue’ online – photo of the Weaving Basket methodology from Nlaka’pamux Sacred Matriarch facilitator Ecko Aleck/ Photo: Ecko Aleck
As RELAW’s Coordinator, I am proud to be a part of a team who contributes to the ongoing journey of understanding, respecting, and revitalizing Indigenous cultures and laws. Together, we can honour the rich heritage of Indigenous Peoples and work towards a future where our inherent rights, Indigenous laws and traditions are recognized and upheld.
What a journey our 2023-24 Cohort has been through!
Top photo: Retreat 3 Blanketing Ceremony,The Gathering, Brew Creek Centre, Whistler BC, May 29 2024 / Credit: Michelle Carmichael
To learn more about the RELAW Program, check out our recent short film: