The Salt Spring Island Public Library is hosting a virtual talk on May 20, 2026, aimed at helping residents explore new perspectives on reconciliation. Running from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., the online event will feature Dr. Aaron Mills, an Anishinaabe scholar who will discuss how law and community governance are deeply connected to the land.
Dr. Mills, who serves as an Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Indigenous Constitutionalism and Philosophy at the McGill University Faculty of Law, will introduce the concept of rooted constitutionalism. This framework suggests that political communities can be renewed by focusing on a reconciliation process that begins with the earth before moving to relationships between people. The presentation invites participants to view reconciliation as an ongoing practice rather than a final goal.
The session is part of the TRC57 Speaker Series, a province-wide initiative that connects British Columbians with Indigenous thought leaders. This series is presented by Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools in collaboration with UBC Press, in response to TRC Call to Action #57, which calls for increased education regarding Indigenous history and law.
Salt Spring Island is located on the traditional, unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the Cowichan, Tsawwassen, Tsawout, Malahat, and Tseycum nations. The upcoming talk aligns with the library’s recent efforts to prioritize Indigenous voices, such as the 2024 opening of its ITOTELNEW̱ HÁUTW̱ / Tatul’ utew’t-hw, or House of Learning. This space features a curated collection that emphasizes works by Indigenous authors.
Residents interested in attending the free virtual talk can find registration details at trc57speakerseries.ca.
