Wet’suwet’en, governments sign understanding on rights and title

A video-conference ceremony, where everyone pointed freshly signed document at their cameras, marked the start of a new relationship between the hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation and the federal and B.C. governments.

Government representatives and the hereditary chiefs who oppose Coastal GasLink’s pipeline going across their traditional territories signed a memorandum of understanding that was negotiated amid countrywide blockades, marches and encampments this year.

“One by one we signed as it was being recorded and everyone could see it,” Scott Fraser, B.C.’s minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation, said in an interview on Thursday.

“Essentially, it was signed all today on the Zoom call,” said Fraser, who was in his ministerial office in Victoria during the event.

The traditional in-person signing ceremony was shelved to respect guidelines from public health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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, on B.C.’s northern coast. 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 landuse planning, resources, water, wildlife, fish, and child and family wellness, among other things.

Hereditary Chief Dini’ze Woos said in a statement the agreement starts work towards building better understanding and stronger relationships between the Wet’suwet’en, Canada and B.C.

“Wet’suwet’en people, regardless of political views and opinions can now visualize certainty,” said Woos.

Our priorities are to mobilize safety measures for all Wet’suwet’en people, promote the nation’s existence and protect its traditions, the chief said.