‘How they govern ... is up to them’
Wet’suwet’en chiefs, governments to sign memorandum
VICTORIA — A virtual signing ceremony on Thursday marks the start of a new relationship between the hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation and the federal and B.C. governments after gas pipeline protests earlier this year, say government leaders.
The hereditary chiefs who oppose Coastal GasLink’s pipeline across their traditional territories are to sign a memorandum of understanding with the governments that was negotiated after countrywide blockades, marches and encampments in February.
The memorandum does not address Wet’suwet’en opposition to the pipeline, which is part of a $40-billion liquefied natural gas export terminal project in Kitimat. But it states that the federal and B.C. governments recognize Wet’suwet’en rights and title are held under their system of governance.
It also places timelines over a 12-month period on negotiations affecting jurisdiction over land use planning, resources, water, wildlife, fish, and child and family wellness, among other things.
Scott Fraser, B.C.’s minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation, said the memorandum signals the start of negotiations with the hereditary chiefs that will include talks with elected Wet’suwet’en leaders.
The Wet’suwet’en are governed by both a traditional hereditary chief system and elected band councils.
B.C. Premier John Horgan said B.C. has not sided with the hereditary chiefs by agreeing to sign the agreement.
“What we do know is the Wet’suwet’en have to figure this out themselves,” he said Wednesday. “How they govern themselves is up to them.”
Indigenous law expert Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond said the signing should be postponed to allow the Wet’suwet’en to sort out their governance issues and give the entire process more time.
“I understand it was produced in this cauldron of pressure with the Coastal GasLink protests, but what was touted as being this massive shift and fantastic agreement, now that we all see it, it’s like, ‘What?’” said Turpel-Lafond, director of the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at the University of British Columbia’s law school.
“It’s possibly going to saddle people with more conflict and deeper conflict.”