Jerry Garcia for Victoria City Council and CRD
Reconciliation with First Nations matters to Victoria. But meaningful reconciliation must be more than words, ceremonies and statements. It should be built on respect, relationships, practical cooperation and results that strengthen Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike.
Victoria is located on the traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, represented today by the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations. I support continuing to build a respectful government-to-government relationship with these Nations and listening directly to their priorities.
A Practical Path Forward
I support reconciliation because building a stronger relationship with the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations is both the right thing to do and good for the future of our region.
My approach would be based on respect rather than symbolism alone, partnership rather than prescription, and practical progress rather than political division.
I would listen first. I would respect the distinct rights, history and priorities of the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations. I would look for areas where we can accomplish more by working together. And I would support reconciliation initiatives that produce meaningful, lasting results.
Reconciliation should ultimately bring people together and help us build a stronger Victoria for generations to come.
My approach would focus on five practical areas.
The City should maintain regular, respectful dialogue with the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations, not only when a controversy or major project arises. Good relationships are built over time.
I support working together on issues where our interests intersect, including economic development, housing, homelessness, infrastructure, transportation, environmental stewardship, public spaces and regional services.
One of the most practical ways to advance reconciliation is through economic opportunity.
Victoria should look for reasonable opportunities to increase Indigenous participation in procurement, business development, employment, training and major projects. The objective should be to help create lasting economic capacity rather than simply create new programs.
That could include making it easier for Indigenous businesses to compete for City contracts, supporting partnerships with Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs, and working collaboratively on appropriate economic-development opportunities.
Victoria should continue helping residents understand the history and continuing presence of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples.
The City should also respect constitutionally recognized Indigenous rights and operate within the legal framework established by Canada and British Columbia. Reconciliation should be approached seriously and respectfully rather than as a partisan political issue.
Some of Victoria’s most difficult problems cross municipal and jurisdictional boundaries.
Housing, homelessness, addiction, healthcare, transportation, environmental protection and economic development all require cooperation among governments. Where appropriate, the City should invite the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations to participate as partners in developing practical solutions.
The relationship should work both ways: identify shared objectives, establish responsibilities and pursue opportunities that produce benefits for Indigenous communities and Victoria as a whole.
My approach to reconciliation would follow the same principle I would bring to the rest of City Hall: move from intentions to measurable actions.
The City should periodically report what reconciliation initiatives it has undertaken, what they cost, what objectives were established and what progress has been made.
Not every benefit can or should be reduced to a number. Relationships, trust and cultural understanding matter. But taxpayers and Indigenous partners should still be able to understand what the City committed to doing and whether it followed through.