Metlakatla chief councillor Harold Leighton said his Nation has concerns about Prince Rupert’s plans to expand its municipal boundary.
Part of the City’s expansion plans include land on the Tsimshian Peninsula, just outside of Metlakatla’s borders. Leighton said the band just received the information and is reviewing it internally, but some of the plan set off flags right away.
“It falls within the core of our traditional lands. We’re in negotiations for a treaty with the Government of Canada and the province, and the land the City is trying to claim falls within the lands being discussed as part of a treaty,” he said.
“These lands are very important for Metlakatla in terms of archaeology and culture. They are also important as some have former village sites.”
Leighton said the band has talked to the provincial government about the expansion, but has yet to sit down with the City about it.
“We are hoping to meet with the City. I know the time frame they are looking at is short, but we definitely want to talk about this with the City,” he said, noting that Metlakatla and the City of Prince Rupert have a good working relationship.
“Those are just very important lands in terms of future lands for Metlakatla.”
