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

Documents over one hundred and fifty years of struggle between Indigenous peoples and the government of British Columbia.

Unceded is a compelling history of the BC government’s relationship with Indigenous peoples, from early land claim disputes to current reconciliation efforts.

Former cabinet minister George Abbott combines archival research with his insider’s 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.

It was only after several Supreme Court decisions affirmed Indigenous land rights that the BC government sat 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.

George M. Abbott is a former BC Liberal MLA and cabinet minister. He served in several prominent roles, including as Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. He is adjunct professor of political science at the University of Victoria, director and chair of Technical Safety BC, and the author of Big Promises, Small Government: Doing Less with Less in the BC Liberal New Era. He also served for seventeen years in local government as the director and chair of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and as a council member in the District of Sicamous. He lives in Victoria, BC.