XENI GWET'IN (NEMIAH VALLEY), BC AND TŜILHQOT'IN NATION,
BC, June 26, 2024 /CNW/ - Today marks 10 years since the historic Supreme Court
of Canada judgment, known as the
Tŝilhqot'in Decision, which resulted in the first declaration of
Aboriginal title in Canadian history, recognizing the Tŝilhqot'in
Nation as the owners of a portion of their traditional territory in
the interior of British
Columbia.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
attended the celebration on title lands to witness the recognition
of Elders and other Tŝilhqot'in witnesses who courageously
testified at trial during the title and rights case. Also attending
the celebration were the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister
of Crown-Indigenous Relations; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services;
the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister
of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; the Honourable Murray Rankin, B.C.
Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; the Honourable
Josie Osborne, B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon
Innovation; the Honourable George Heyman, B.C. Minister of
Environment and Climate Change Strategy; and many other
dignitaries, Indigenous leaders and allies.
As a commitment to continued progress, the Tŝilhqot'in Nation,
the Government of Canada and
Province of British Columbia
signed a 5-year renewal of the Gwets'en Nilt'i Pathway Agreement
(GNPA).
The GNPA was initially signed in August
2019 between Canada, B.C.,
and the Tŝilhqot'in Nation. The first-of-its-kind Agreement
commits the Parties to bring "transformative change" to the lives
of the Tŝilhqot'in people and communities and to their relationship
with the government. Through the GNPA, the Tŝilhqot'in Nation has
taken significant strides in Nation building, continually working
to improve all aspects of life for Tŝilhqot'in communities,
including governance initiatives such as the Ts'iqi Dechen
Jedilhtan (Women's Council), Indigenous-led emergency management,
new homes and renovations in all communities, world-class fisheries
and ranger programs, community and family support programs and
steps to reclaim jurisdiction for Tŝilhqot'in children and
families.
Along with new funding that is being provided by Canada and British
Columbia to the Tŝilhqot'in Nation, the GNPA confirms the
Parties' commitment to advancing reconciliation and building a
prosperous future founded on mutual respect, recognition of rights
and true partnership. Together, we continue to forge a path towards
a more inclusive and equitable society for all people living in
Canada.
Quotes
"Today, we commemorate a decade since the landmark Tsilhqot'in
Decision, a pivotal moment in Canadian history that affirmed
Aboriginal title and recognized the Tsilhqot'in Nation as the
holder of title within their Traditional Territory. This
anniversary emphasizes our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and
partnership with all Indigenous Peoples. The renewal of the
Gwets'en Nilt'i Pathway Agreement reflects our collective
dedication to building a future based on mutual respect, rights,
recognition and prosperity for all Canadians. Together with the
Tŝilhqot'in Nation and the Province of British Columbia, we are forging a path of
shared success for all generations."
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
"A decade after the landmark Tŝilhqot'in Decision, we continue
to work with Elders and leaders to find a new way forward in
British Columbia based on
reconciliation, respect and recognition of rights. B.C. is
committed to a progressive and deepening government-to-government
relationship with the Tŝilhqot'in Nation because we see time and
time again that a rising tide lifts all boats."
The Honourable David Eby
Premier of British Columbia
"As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the historic Supreme
Court decision affirming the Tŝilhqot'in Nation's Aboriginal title,
we celebrate a decade of continued strength and progress. This
landmark ruling has had a real impact and heralded change for
Tŝilhqot'in people in exercising their rights and self-governance,
and has set a precedent for title recognition elsewhere. Through
the Gwets'en Nilt'i Pathway Agreement and ongoing collaboration
between the Tŝilhqot'in Nation, British
Columbia and Canada, we
have achieved meaningful milestones in Nation-to-Nation governance,
land management, cultural preservation, and community development.
Congratulations on the 10-year anniversary."
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
"The Tŝilhqot'in Decision paved the way for the Nation to
reclaim ownership, jurisdiction and governance, including over
children and family services. It allowed for transformative change
and for the community to take back their future into their own
hands. I also look forward to reaching a contribution agreement so
that children can grow in their community, be immersed in their
culture, and be surrounded by loved ones. This is essential for
every child to have a fair chance to succeed."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services Canada and Minister responsible for
FedNor
"Today, on the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court of
Canada decision, the Tŝilhqot'in
Nation, British Columbia and
Canada are continuing to take
strides to implement the decision by renewing the Gwets'en Nilt'i
Pathway Agreement. When children are safe and cared for in the
community, when parents have access to meaningful employment
training, when the Tsilqot'in language is being spoken, and when we
have strong government-to-government relationships, everyone
benefits."
The Honourable Murray Rankin
B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
"The landmark Tŝilhqot'in Decision set a precedent that has
changed our government's consultative and engagement processes and
shaped many of our initiatives and policies. While we celebrate a
milestone today, we know there is much more to do in this
generational work. Our government remains committed to continued
partnership with Tŝilhqot'in leadership to address long-standing
grievances over mining operations and ensure that First Nations'
interests are protected for the benefit of all British
Columbians."
The Honourable Josie Osborne
B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
"Since 2014, Tŝilhqot'in communities have been at the table
informing and shaping the decisions that impact them and their
ancestral territories. This includes working on land use plans for
the Tsilhqot'in Nen (lands, waters and resources), which is
protecting the declared title lands. The Pathway Agreement includes
a commitment by the Parties to work collaboratively to support
strong stewardship collaborations. Our provincial government values
and applauds this transformative work."
The Honourable George Heyman
B.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
"Today is a day to acknowledge the shift in Indian country. We
are the original peoples of this land with this being the first
case to fully recognize that on the ground in the form of title.
Our case gives hope to Indigenous peoples nationally and
internationally. The Nation has been working with Canada and B.C. to secure respect and
recognition for our role within this country in determining the
future for our people."
Nits'ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse,
O.B.C., LL.D. (hon.)
Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot'in National Government
"We are here today to continue the fight of our War Chiefs that
were wrongfully hanged after the Chilcotin War of 1864. Our people,
way of life and language unite us as a Nation. Our work is not
done. Every day we are building strength as a Nation to overcome
the impacts of colonization in our communities and stand up the
power of our culture and way of life. The Tsilhqot'in Decision and
the Gwets'en Nilt'i Pathway Agreement have empowered our people to
focus on healing and improving the lives of our families and
communities."
Nits'ilʔin Otis Guichon
Vice-chair, Tŝilhqot'in National Government
"June 26, 2014, was the day that
title to our land as Indigenous Peoples was finally recognized. Ten
years later we are reflecting on the struggle and sacrifice of our
journey to title. Our Elders testified in a foreign court system
and a foreign language. Their stories were cross-examined over and
over, but in the end, the strength of the Elders' knowledge — of
our truth — was unbreakable. This strength carries on with us today
as we celebrate as a Nation and a country the impact that the
Tsilhqot'in Decision has made on Indigenous rights and title."
Nits'ilʔin Roger William
Xeni Gwet'in Nits'ilʔin
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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
Canada