Unceded : Understanding British Columbia's Colonial Past and Why It Matters Now

Unceded is a compelling history of the BC government's relationship with Indigenous peoples, from early "land question" disputes to current reconciliation efforts. Treaty commissioner George M. Abbott combines archival research with a former cabinet minister's insider perspective on government to chronicle over 150 years of BC-Indigenous relations. He details how early government officials refused to negotiate treaties, instead coercing First Nations onto small reserves. Despite sustained Indigenous resistance, the situation only worsened in the decades that followed--until several Supreme Court decisions compelled the province to sit down at the negotiating table. More recently, the province has taken steps toward reconciliation, including passing legislation recognizing Indigenous rights. As Abbott shows, overcoming the legacy of colonialism is no small task, but achieving justice is worth the effort. Unceded will help all British Columbians understand historical wrongs and the obstacles to righting them.