NStQ First Nations vote to approve Agreement-in-Principle

Press Release

April 29, 2016

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad released the following statement today, in response to members of Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ) voting in favour of ratifying their treaty Agreement-in-Principle:

“I would like to congratulate the members of the NStQ communities of Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake), Stswecem’c/ Xgat’tem (Canoe/Dog Creek), Xat’sūll (Soda Creek) and T’exelc (Williams Lake) for voting to support the treaty Agreement-in-Principle and making their voices heard.

“This is a key milestone in the treaty process, and a testament to the hard work of NStQ leadership to build support within their communities for the Agreement-in-Principle and moving to Final Agreement negotiations.

“The Agreement-in-Principle provides the basis for a final treaty and sets the stage for lasting reconciliation, self-governance and greater participation in the economy for NStQ First Nations.

“The next step in treaty negotiations is for the Agreement-in-Principle to be signed by Canada, British Columbia and NStQ First Nations and for Final Agreement negotiations to proceed.”

For more information on treaties in British Columbia, visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/first-nations-negotiations

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