Reserve creation processes carried out by colonial and Dominion officials in the 19th and 20th centuries had profound impacts on the political, economic, and social power of Indigenous women. 

Working with Dr. Sarah Hunt / Tłaliłila’ogwa, the BC Specific Claims Working Group is involved in a multi-stage research and community-building project to build knowledge and awareness regarding the historical losses faced by Indigenous women and gender-diverse peoples. This project also seeks to identify ways to recognize and enact the authority of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people, particularly in relation to understanding losses and processes of redress for historical wrongdoings. 

We are grateful to the Elders and knowledge holders who have participated in this ongoing work, which has so far included three main outputs:

• Discussion Paper: In 2018, Sarah Hunt wrote a discussion paper: The Impact of the Reserve Creation Process on Indigenous Women.

• Gatherings: So far, Dr. Hunt and the BCSCWG have hosted two gatherings: “Rematriating Indigenous Lands and Laws” (October 2023) and “Enacting the Authority of Our Great-Grandmothers: Envisioning Redress for Gendered Historical Losses through Indigenous Law” (November 2025). Additional in-community gatherings are currently being planned. 

• Dialogue Guides: We are working to create a series of “dialogue guides” – six short guides designed to support Indigenous women and gender diverse peoples in community in having conversations about the rights, roles, and authority of Indigenous women and gender diverse peoples.