Treaty making in B.C. hits a snag, again
The British Columbia government introduced legislation in April to implement treaties with the K’ómoks and Kitselas First Nations, marking rare progress in the province's slow treaty process. However, the treaties face opposition from neighbouring First Nations with overlapping land claims, raising concerns about legal and territorial conflicts. The provincial government's fragile majority and lack of support from opposition parties add uncertainty to the ratification process.
- ▪The treaties with the K’ómoks and Kitselas First Nations are the first proposed in B.C. in a decade and require ratification by both the provincial legislature and federal parliament.
- ▪Neighbouring First Nations, including the Wei Wai Kum, Lax Kw’alaams, and Haisla, are challenging the treaties due to overlapping land claims.
- ▪The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs has called for a delay in treaty legislation until territorial disputes are resolved, calling the current approach irresponsible.
- ▪B.C. Treaty Commissioner George Abbott acknowledged that overlapping claims have been present in every modern treaty but emphasized ongoing avenues for resolution.
- ▪The Eby government's inability to secure support for other reconciliation measures this year highlights the political challenges in passing the treaty legislation.
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Open this photo in gallery:Deputy Chief Councillor Cyril Bennett-Nabess speaks during a ceremony before the introduction of provincial legislation to advance the ratification of a treaty with the Kitselas First Nation, at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria on April 15 alongside Premier David Eby, left, and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Spencer Chandra Herbert.Wolfgang Depner/The Canadian PressShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountThe British Columbia government unveiled new treaties with two First Nations in April – rare events in a province where land claims are mostly unresolved.Proposed legislation is set to be passed by the end of May to implement treaties with the K’ómoks First Nation on Vancouver Island, and the Kitselas…
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