Description
George M. Abbott is a BC treaty commissioner, appointed in 2025 to help guide treaty negotiations between First Nations, the province, and Canada. Foreword by The Honourable Steven Point, a provincial court judge and former BC lieutenant-governor, was recognized for his dedication to public service and his leadership in the Indigenous community. Between 2007 and 2012, Justice Point served as British Columbia’s 28th lieutenant-governor and was the first Indigenous person appointed to represent the Queen in the province. Prior to that, he served as Chief of the Skowkale First Nation and as Tribal Chair of the Stó:lō Nation and Grand Chief of Stó:lō Tribal Council.
Unceded is a compelling history of the BC government’s relationship with Indigenous peoples, from early "land question" disputes to current reconciliation efforts. Treaty commissioner George M. Abbott combines archival research with a former cabinet minister’s insider 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 -- until several Supreme Court decisions compelled the province to sit 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.