MUSQUEAM, BC, SQUAMISH, BC, TSLEIL-WAUTUTH, BC
and VANCOUVER, BC, June 24,
2024 /CNW/ - The First Nations Summit congratulates
the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum First Nation leaders, negotiators
and community members on the signing of their modern-day treaty
agreements with Canada and
British Columbia which will be
taking place today and tomorrow.
"Following thirty years of hard-fought negotiations, the
Kitselas and Kitsumkalum people should be commended for their hard
work and determination to conclude a treaty agreement that is
appropriate for, and supported by, their people," said Robert Phillips, a member of the First Nations
Summit political executive. "The agreements signed this week mark
the start of a new path forward for both communities as they move
forward towards being self-governing nations."
"The signing of these treaty agreements marks a very significant
time for the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum leaders, elders and citizens.
It is a clear signal and a reminder to all other First Nations
sitting at negotiating tables that success is possible in their
efforts to reconcile their titles and jurisdictions with Crown
titles and jurisdictions and arrive at agreements that will meet
their nations' needs and desires. We encourage the federal and
provincial governments to continue to work with other First Nations
to find just, equitable and unique treaties," added Cheryl Casimer of the FNS political
executive.
"The BC treaty negotiations process has had substantive
improvements over the past four to five years, including
implementation of the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights
Policy for Treaty Negotiations in BC and treaty negotiation
loan forgiveness. The process has become much more flexible for
communities to establish a path that works for them. These two
final agreements are representative of that flexibility, and we
hope they are an indicator of more agreements in the next couple of
years," concluded Hugh Braker of the
FNS political executive.
The First Nations Summit wishes Kitselas and Kitsumkalum well as
they now proceed to the community ratification process.
The First Nations Summit speaks on behalf of First Nations
involved in treaty negotiations in British Columbia. The Summit is also an NGO in
Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of
the United Nations. Further background information on the Summit
may be found at www.fns.bc.ca.
SOURCE First Nations Summit