First Nation’s hereditary chiefs to sign pact with feds, province
VICTORIA A virtual signing ceremony today 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 says 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 at a news conference.
“How they govern themselves is up to them.”