This project is designed to support new Indigenous drivers from across North Island to move from their L phase of licence to the class 7N.  We expect 25 drivers from 'Namgis, Whe-La-La-U, Kwaklutl, Gwasah Nakwaxda and Quatsino First Nation to participate in this initiative.   

The goal of the program is to reduce unlicensed driving and improve driver behaviour and therefore support all road users in our remote Indigenous communities.  When drivers are properly trained and more aware of the rules of the road, this can have a positive impact on how pedestrians and cyclists interact with vehicles especially in areas where sidewalks and bike lanes do not exist due to poor road infrastructure. 

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We believe that the remote Indigenous communities of North Island would benefit from this support as evidenced by existing research found in the Road to Reconciliation Discussion paper published by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.  

Given our close proximity to the former residential school of St. Michaels and Port Alberni, many of our Indigenous peoples have faced multi-generational barriers to having access to drivers licensing opportunities and historically our people were not allowed to leave reserves or hold a valid driver’s licence.  

Working to solve this problem has left many in a situation where they do not have co-pilots or licensed drivers in their families to support them through the driver licensing process. These impacts have resulted in a disproportionate amount of our people driving unlicensed and this has, in turn, led to more motor vehicle accidents and fatalities as well as ongoing and unnecessary incarceration for driving while prohibited offences.  

We are grateful to take the lead as the Namgis First Nation to address impacts of colonization and to make sure that our people and our neighbours are licensed and compliant drivers. In addition to the immediate and positive impacts on road safety – driver licensing can also have many positive impacts on Indigenous Health. This is in part because more licensed drivers allow us to provide our own travel when there is a medical emergency or for regular primary care doctor appointments. This will also ease pressure on ambulance services and support the overall health of our communities. 

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Photo source: Unsplash. Photo is shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an accurate representation of the project.