χʷɛmaɬkʷu Laws Workshop

From July 14-16, our team had the privilege of co-facilitating a two-day in-person workshop with Homalco First Nation. The workshop offered an introduction to ILRU’s approaches to engaging with Indigenous laws, using storywork, and hands-on methods to support the re-articulation and implementation of χʷɛmaɬkʷu law.

Over the course of the two days, participants explored key questions such as: What is law? What are sources and resources of Indigenous law? How do we draw legal principles from stories and other resources of law? How do we work with the law in a structured way?

Participants worked in small groups to engage with χʷɛmaɬkʷu stories, applying the Legal Narrative Analysis Method to draw out law. Then, participants came together in a larger group to share their findings and work together to build a legal framework. At the end of Day 2, we took time to reflect together on how the learnings could be upheld in the community and used in practice. The reflections were thoughtful, grounded, and forward-looking, a meaningful way to close the workshop portion of our time. Thank you to all who participated and shared so generously.

On the third day, we were deeply honoured to join community members on a full-day boat tour, travelling by ocean and learning on the land from leadership, elders, youth, & others. We visited places of great significance, heard stories & oral histories, and witnessed humpback whales, sea lions, and eagles along the way. These experiences deepened our understanding of χʷɛmaɬkʷu law and history, and allowed us to learn directly about community priorities, challenges, and aspirations.

This workshop marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership, walking together in support of revitalizing and standing up χʷɛmaɬkʷu law. We extend special recognition and thanks to Rachelle Loos for her leadership. Her dedication, hard work, & steady guidance made this gathering possible and ensured its success. And, finally, a heartfelt thank you to our hosts and guides. Your generosity, knowledge, & spirit grounded our learning and reminded us of the deep connections between the law, land, water, and people.