BR BC Treaties – CP

Source: The Canadian Press – Broadcast wire
Sep 21, 2017

VANCOUVER – The B-C Treaty Commission says political conditions are ripe federally and provincially for pushing ahead with stalled treaty talks between First Nations and governments.

Commissioner Jerry Lampert says Ottawa is indicating an interest in reconciliation and B-C’s new government in Victoria is encouraging.

The commission released its annual report yesterday, saying 14 negotiations with 32 B-C First Nations are currently in the advanced stage and the goal is to get those treaties signed in the next two years.

Chief Commissioner Celeste Haldane says the process now has momentum and communities are breaking free from the shackles of the Indian Act.

Scott Fraser, B-C’s minister for indigenous relations and reconciliation, says the negotiation process still needs work and treaties should be reached sooner, in a manner that doesn’t leave First Nations burdened with debt.

Eight modern treaties have been signed in B-C so far.

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(The Canadian Press)

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