In this episode of the Rez Dog Walkers Podcast, host Dallas Smith sits down with Doug Caul, former Deputy Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Government of B.C., for a thoughtful conversation on Indigenous economic development, leadership, and the evolving role of government-to-government partnerships and reconciliation in British Columbia’s resource sector.
Drawing on his experience working in various capacities as a negotiator and Deputy Minister in the B.C. government, Doug reflects on the importance of strong leadership and the need to create conditions for innovation. He emphasizes the commonalities between Indigenous communities and other levels of government as an essential starting point for understanding the needs of communities and stresses the importance of addressing the assumptions and biases that challenge economic development.
Dallas and Doug explore the changing landscape of reconciliation in B.C., highlighting the need for clear expectations between governments, and the risks of misinformation and fear-driven narratives. They reflect on some of the prominent mentors and role models that have helped shape relations between Indigenous communities and the provincial government, as well as some major developments in the history of reconciliation in B.C.
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