On March 13 & 14, 2025, the IAMC-TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC) and Marine Shipping Subcommittee (MSSC) hosted a Wise Practices gathering in lək̓ʷəŋən territory (Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations). Wise Practices is an approach to change that understands the need to look back in order to move forward in a good way, recognizing the wisdom of Indigenous Nations and communities and their own stories of achieving success.
The recent Wise Practices gathering was an opportunity to focus much needed attention on the perspective of marine communities regarding the safety and security of Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender Diverse and Two-Spirit people in the context of TMX and other marine traffic. The event, attended by First Nation leaders, Elders and advocates, provided opportunities to learn about the work of the Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development, and to hear directly from communities regarding their concerns in the marine space. The event included a sharing circle and various cultural ceremonies, including to honour those who remain missing but are not forgotten.
The SESC and MSSC understand that more needs to be done to identify and address systemic race- and gender-based violence linked to resource development. At the forefront of the Wise Practices gathering in lək̓ʷəŋən territory is development and implementation of a plan related to Canada’s commitment to the five Calls for Justice focused on the resource sector (13.1-13.5), as identified in the United Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Action Plan (2023). This work will involve deepening an understanding of issues associated with human and sex trafficking in the marine space and strengthening collaboration with NRCan and relevant regulators.
We sincerely thank all participants who joined us earlier this month and look forward to continuing to advance this work together moving forward.
