Two Votes – Two Endorsements

posted July 30, 2007

Since 1993, most First Nations in B.C. have been pursuing the first treaty agreement under the BC Treaty Commission process. Now there are two who have stated with large majority votes “We will have our Treaty!”

On July 25, the Tsawwassen First Nation approved their treaty agreement by a 70% margin. The Tsawwassen Final Agreement was initialled by the federal, provincial and First Nation Chief Negotiators on December 8, 2006.

On July 28, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations on the West Coast of Vancouver Island voted and approved their treaty agreement by 72% overall!

Gerald Wesley, Chief Negotiator for the Tsimshian First Nations states “This has been a good week with two First Nations voting and approving their treaty. We’ve had a pretty rough road over the past few years with many people feeling there would never be a deal in this province. These two have shown with conviction that it can be done.

On behalf of the Tsimshian First Nations I congratulate the Tsawwassen First Nation and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations for their leadership and dedication to achieving a new relationship with Canada and B.C. one that will provide a great level of certainty and opportunity for their members into the future.”

Wesley further states that success in other areas of the province will help the negotiation process at the TFN table.