Five First Nations reach historic $800 million, 44,266 hectares settlement with B.C., federal government
BC’s five First Nations tribes have reached a historic agreement with both the provincial and federal governments for $800 million and 44,266 hectares of land.
Government officials said the settlement resolved longstanding claims that indigenous peoples had not received all the land they owed them under the 8th Convention they signed in 1899. rice field.
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The $800 million figure was stated by Mark Millar, Canada’s Minister for Royal and Indigenous Relations, during a question period.
“This was withheld for positive reasons,” Miller said. “There is extreme reticence in the community about the impact of cash inflows and the stigma created by this potential windfall.”
“This is not just money. and not to the treaty partners who for 100 years have downplayed their obligations.”
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The settlement was announced Saturday by Blueberry River First Nations chief Judy Dejalet. Trevor Makadahay, Chief of the Doig River First Nation. Darlene Hunter, Chief of the Halfway River First Nation. Justin Napoleon, Chief of the Soto First Nations. Roland Wilson, chief of the West Moberly First Nations, and federal and state officials.
“Today is a day to remember for the Blueberry River First Nations community, elders and ancestors. It is part of the ongoing process of recognition and healing.
For more than 100 years, according to the state, these First Nations were deprived of BC’s use and interest in these lands as mandated under Treaty 8.
“Respecting Article 8 of the Convention is an important part of the BC’s work to advance reconciliation in the Peace River region and reconnect these countries with their lands,” said BC Prime Minister David Eby. . “By resolving treaty land rights claims, we are righting historic injustices and restoring what was promised under the treaty. It is an important step in providing economic opportunity for all.”
Under the settlement agreement, Canada will provide compensation to Indigenous Peoples for those losses and costs associated with the claims, provincial staff said.
According to the state, the settlement of these treaty land claims is the result of dedicated efforts by mayors, councils, communities and negotiators since 2004.
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