The Supreme Court of Canada’s declaration of Aboriginal title to the Tsilhqot’in Nation – the first time ever in Canada – is the first of many to come across British Columbia.
That was a primary message Alexis Creek First Nation Chief Percy Guichon and others passed to a packed room of local government politicians at a Sept. 23 Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention forum.
Canim Lake Band Chief Mike Archie says the province has also made more of a commitment to working partnerships and taking action to transform Crown and First Nations relations in B.C.
Archie notes he heard this reflected in Premier Christy Clark’s comments about “working partnerships being the way forward” at a Sept. 11 meeting between cabinet ministers and First Nations he attended.
“In the past, I think we always pushed for the title and the resources of the territories, and we need to know that we will work together in those areas.”
A second key point stressed at the forum was that this should be viewed as a step forward for relations with the province and local governments, Archie explains.
“I think it is very important for these relationships.”
Another crucial right for First Nations is that consultation and consent takes place prior to harvesting in their traditional territories, he adds.
The Canim Lake Band chief says he expects recognition of Aboriginal rights will go forward in stages, but what is “most important” is that this land title has been granted to the Tsilhqot’in.
It assigns formal boundaries around 1,700 square kilometres in the Nemiah Valley near Williams Lake, which is now no longer considered Crown land.
“To me, it’s most important that it recognizes the Aboriginals have the right to, and benefit of, these resources. A lot of the resources are leaving traditional territories, but there is no benefit going to the First Nations. I think those things need to be clearly outlined.”
He explains the “minimal” Forest and Range agreements in place leave a disparity in the revenues that do go to First Nations people.
Having resource revenues provides communities the means to rebuild infrastructure, Archie says, adding they are only asking for what could be considered a normal, equitable business arrangement.
“I think that Supreme Court decision was a good decision.”
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett says she agrees it was the right decision.
The “proof” of that will be revealed in the future collaboration of the provincial and federal governments and the Aboriginals, she adds.
“I think the First Nations are just like everyone else – they want to improve the quality of life for their citizens and protect the environment.”
