Rez Dog Walkers

In this special remote episode of Rez Dog Walkers, Dallas Smith has the opportunity to engage in a critical discussion about the ongoing challenges and opportunities surrounding salmon aquaculture and its transition towards sustainability. Joined by Isaiah Robinson, the CEO of the Kitasoo Development Corporation and Tim Kennedy, President and CEO of the Canadian Agriculture Industry Alliance, the conversation delves into the complexities of managing Indigenous territories and the impact of external pressures from activist groups. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this mini episode of Rez Dog Walkers, Dallas Smith reflects on the upcoming British Columbia election happening on October 19th, which also marks his 50th birthday. He discusses the recent shifts in the political landscape and highlights the crucial role of First Nations communities in this context. Dallas emphasizes the importance of looking beyond political rhetoric and focusing on the individuals who represent our communities. He advocates for collaboration and meaningful relationships between First Nations and government, stressing that agreements are made with the Crown, not individual parties. As election day approaches, he encourages listeners to educate themselves about candidates and their positions, and to participate in the voting process. Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes of Rez Dog Walkers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of Season 2 of "Rez Dog Walkers," host Dallas Smith welcomes John Allen Jack, Chief Councillor of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. They discuss the vital collaboration between First Nations resource developers and government entities in Canada, emphasizing the benefits of thriving Indigenous communities. Dallas and John reflect on their journeys as young leaders, tackling the challenges of family life and professional responsibilities while sharing insights on modern parenting and mentorship. John highlights the importance of unlocking the value of Indigenous lands and advocates for balanced resource management. The episode wraps up with a call for continued dialogue to foster a brighter future for Indigenous peoples.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join host, Dallas Smith and his guest, Mike McDonald as they have an insightful discussion about the growing participation of Indigenous peoples in mainstream politics across Canada. Hear their perspectives on notable First Nations leaders like Frank Calder and Jody Wilson-Raybould who paved the way. Learn about the experiences of Indigenous candidates running for office in British Columbia, including Dallas' own 2017 campaign. Discover the complex dynamics around forming a First Nations political party within BC's political system. And gain insights into the future of Indigenous representation, as more young people are inspired to get involved in leadership. Tune in for a thought-provoking view into the changing landscape of Indigenous participation in the political process.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join host Dallas Smith as he sits down with the remarkable Miles Richardson, the youngest president ever to lead the Haida Nation. In this captivating episode, Miles shares his inspiring journey from his roots in Haida Gwaii to being encouraged to enter Haida politics in his 20s and eventually becoming a pivotal figure in Indigenous politics and advocacy.  Discover how Miles spearheaded the establishment of crucial governing structures and proudly issued Haida passports, symbolizing citizenship and sovereignty. Get ready for a riveting tale as he recounts his journey to Paris with Bill Reid's iconic canoe. Then, Miles opens up about the difficult decision to renounce Canadian citizenship in response to government demands on Indigenous peoples. Even after losing a close federal election in 2004, Richardson remains dedicated to advancing Indigenous leadership and economic development. Tune in to hear this insightful leader's perspective on advocating for his people throughout a remarkable career path.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join host Dallas Smith and his esteemed guest, Wade Grant on a reflective journey through the intricate landscape of Indigenous affairs and government relations. In this episode, Wade Grant, deeply embedded in Indigenous affairs, shares insights into his current roles and responsibilities. Together, they explore the evolving dynamics of reconciliation between First Nations and the BC government over recent decades, highlighting positive strides and symbolic gestures marking a new era. From the swearing-in of David Eby at Musqueam to the importance of consensus-building among nations, Wade and Dallas delve into the critical need for inclusive decision-making processes that honor the voices of all communities. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, they underscore the profound inter-generational and familial connections that weave through the fabric of BC's First Nations. Tune in for a captivating dialogue that navigates the complexities of Indigenous governance, reconciliation, and the enduring bonds that unite communities across time and space.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith sits down with Kitasoo Nation Deputy Chief Counselor Isaiah Robinson and Cermaq Canada Managing Director David Kimiele for an in-depth discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing the aquaculture industry in British Columbia. With wild salmon stocks in decline, First Nations like Kitasu Hei see aquaculture as a path to economic development and self-determination. Isaiah shares how salmon farming has benefited his community since the 1990s, while also allowing them to protect lands and waters. Dave explains how Cermaq is working to rebuild trust with First Nations and incorporate traditional knowledge into operations. This candid conversation covers the science around fish farms, the need for nation-to-nation talks, building relationships between industry and Indigenous peoples, and finding balanced approaches to resource development that consider economic, environmental and social factors. Join us as we dive into the complex dynamics shaping the future of sustainable aquaculture in BC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the annual BC Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference gears up for another impactful gathering from April 24th to 26th, host Dallas Smith engages in a reflective conversation with Sarah Weber, CEO of C3 Alliance, the esteemed host of the event. Join them as they delve into the conference's transformative journey since its inception in 2009. From humble beginnings with a regional focus, the BC IROC has blossomed into a province-wide forum, amplifying indigenous voices and fostering crucial dialogues on resource development and management.  Tune in as Dallas and Sarah share their pride in the conference's pivotal role in building bridges and facilitating constructive conversations. Looking to the future, they outline their commitment to fostering partnerships, driving pragmatic solutions, and continuing to provide a platform for meaningful relationship building. Don't miss this insightful episode on the evolution and impact of the BC Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of the Rez Dog Walkers podcast, Dallas Smith sits down with Chief Ronnie Chickite of the We Wai Kai Nation and Katherine Gordon, author of This Place is Who We Are, featuring stories of Indigenous leadership, resilience, and connection to homelands in the Great Bear Rainforest. Dallas and his guests delve into discussions about indigenous economic development, traditional governance, land management, as well as experiences with efforts towards reconciliation. They talk about Chief Ronnie's work creating businesses in his community and how the first Indigenous owned Starbucks came to be. Then, Katherine's shares some insights into her new book, and the process and challenges of bringing those stories to life, as well as collaborative projects like the Great Bear Sea initiative to protect marine environments. Tune in as this week’s guests provide compelling perspectives and updates on progress in their indigenous communities.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Dallas Smith and guests, Alexandra Thomas and Dr. Melanie Clapham, on the inaugural episode of the Rez Dog Walkers podcast. Alexandra, Forestry Stewardship project coordinator for the Nanwakolas Council, shares her efforts in safeguarding ancient cedar trees through cultural surveys and a guardian program. She discusses the intersection of indigenous wisdom and modern science in sustainable resource management, reflecting on her personal connection to the land and aspirations for future stewardship. Later, Dr. Melanie Clapham delves into her groundbreaking research on grizzly bears at Knight Inlet Lodge, using remote cameras and genetics to unveil their social behaviors. She highlights the potential of facial recognition technology to enhance population estimates and understanding of bear movements, emphasizing its implications for sustainable wildlife viewing and cultural land use planning. Tune in for captivating discussions bridging science and indigenous knowledge for conservation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.