With the support of a flexible Made-in-BC negotiations process, four First Nations are forging new agreements and sharing their hopes for an equitable and prosperous future.
Reconciliation is a process. And a key part of that process is that each First Nation has their own path to recognition of their title, rights, and self-governance. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. With the support of a Made-in-BC negotiations framework that upholds the original intent and spirit of the BC Claims Task Force Report — while integrating the latest advancements, including the BC’s Rights Recognition Policy and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples — four British Columbia First Nations have embarked on historic new agreements with their partner provincial and federal governments. Each of these agreements — and the process through which they are reached — is unique to the needs, goals, and historic context of the First Nation involved.
“After a long history of rights denial and reluctance, we are undoubtedly in an era of rights recognition, grounded in self-determination and nation-to-nation relationships,” says Celeste Haldane, Chief Commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission. “These four unique agreements pave the way for reconciliation.”
Reconciliation is the essential foundation of a stronger Canada and a brighter future for all Canadians. When time and effort is committed to forging new agreements that respect the rights and sovereignty of First Nations, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities thrive, bringing social and economic prosperity to all, across British Columbia and across Canada.
Chief Glenn Bennett of Kitselas First Nation
We are Kitselas First Nation – Gitselasu ‘People of the Canyon’. Our vision is to be a self-sufficient self-governing Nation, upholding our culture and our people into the future. The Kitselas Treaty is the foundation and tool to recognize Kitselas self-governance and title, protect our inherent rights, and unlock sustainable economic opportunities. It is time to realize our Ancestors’ vision and solidify our nation-to-nation relationship with Canada and BC. Under treaty we are protecting our people and giving up nothing but the shackles of the Indian Act.
Chief Don T Roberts of Kitsumkalum First Nation
Kitsumkalum Treaty, with over 30 years of negotiations has been crafted to fulfill the memories of our Elders and Ancestors, but more importantly, to create opportunity and protect intrinsic rights as a tribe of the Tsimshian Nation and place for our children’s children to grow and prosper. Kitsumkalum will have land, access to vital natural resources, provisions for better social systems, law-making ability, economic opportunities and our own governance authority.
Chief Ken Price of K’ómoks First Nation
Modern-day treaties challenge the perseverance of any Nation. Understanding the challenges, this council took office to reach the milestone of treaty, for those before us and after. The process has been long, but we set forward on our own journey, our own way. Exercising our rights and title throughout our territory, honouring our people, lands, waters, cultures and languages – K’ómoks self-governance is our mandate. This is for our people!
President Gaagwiis Jason Alsop of the Haida Nation
The leadership of Indigenous Nations has created space for proper Crown recognition of our title and rights over our territories. By building relationships and constantly challenging the status quo, we have found innovative ways to take care of our lands and waters, ensuring that we lead in shaping our collective future. Each path is unique. For the Haida Nation, negotiations support the expression of our deeply rooted history, culture, and connections to our ancestors and homelands in responding to our modern challenges peacefully.
Find out more about the Made-in-BC negotiation process at bctreaty.ca
