Indigenous Voices Highlighted in Constitution Express Talk

The Victoria Historical Society is set to commemorate the significant Indigenous initiative known as the Constitution Express, which aimed to ensure Indigenous voices were included in discussions surrounding the Constitution’s repatriation in 1980. This event will feature a talk by Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams, a prominent figure in those efforts, on October 23, 2023, at James Bay New Horizons in Victoria, British Columbia.

Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams played a vital role in the Constitution Express, which involved two passenger trains that transported Indigenous activists to Ottawa. During this period, Indigenous leaders were notably excluded from the constitutional discussions led by then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Williams will recount the journey and the activism that sought to secure meaningful participation for Indigenous peoples in a process that deeply affected their rights and representation.

The Constitution Express was more than just a transportation initiative; it represented a powerful assertion of Indigenous influence and advocacy. Williams is well-regarded for her contributions to Indigenous education and language revitalization, having been appointed to the Order of Canada in 2020. As a professor emeritus at the University of Victoria, she has been instrumental in developing various educational programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees focused on Indigenous language revitalization.

Her work also led to the establishment of a mandatory course in Indigenous education for all teacher education students in British Columbia, ensuring that future educators are equipped to address Indigenous perspectives and histories in their classrooms.

The event at James Bay New Horizons will open its doors at 19:15 for coffee and conversation, with Williams’ talk commencing at 19:30. This gathering offers a unique opportunity to engage with an important chapter in Canadian history and to reflect on the ongoing efforts to include Indigenous perspectives in the national narrative.

Through her presentation, Williams aims to inspire attendees to recognize the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping policies that directly affect their communities. As discussions about constitutional rights continue to evolve, events like this serve as crucial reminders of the need for inclusion and representation.