A Nelson author who has written extensively about the Sinixt First Nation is applauding a Regional District of Central Kootenay motion.
The resolution adopted last week by the board calls on Ottawa to admit that declaring the tribe extinct in the 1950s was a mistake.
Eileen Delehanty Pearkes says it’s the first time any local government has taken such a position.
She says it’s an important step in reconciliation for local indigenous people.
The motion was passed after the federal government asked the RDCK to support turning a 1.9-hectare property at Fauquier into a Westbank First Nation reserve.
The Westbank obtained the property in a land swap with the government and say they only plan to use it as a private campground.
However, Fauquier is within Sinixt traditional territory.