Five First Nations in British Columbia have reached a historic settlement with the provincial and federal governments. The settlement involves $800 million and 44,266 hectares of land to resolve long-standing claims that the First Nations did not receive all the lands owed to them under Treaty 8, which they signed in 1899. The resolution is the result of the dedicated effort by the Chiefs, Councils, communities, and negotiators since 2004.
The monetary sum of $800 million was stated by Canada’s Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Marc Miller in the question period.
“This was withheld for proactive reasons,” Miller said. “There is extreme reticence in communities about the effect of a cash influx and the stigma that occurs with the perceived windfall this could be.”
He emphasized that this is not a windfall or free money but a bill that has gone unpaid for more than 100 years by the government of Canada. Miller argued that if there is any stigma and prejudice to be levelled on anyone, it should be on the government of Canada and not on the treaty partners, whose obligations they’ve disrespected for 100 years.
The settlements were announced on Saturday by the Chiefs of Blueberry River First Nations, Doig River First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, Saulteau First Nations, and West Moberly First Nations, along with federal and provincial officials. Blueberry River First Nations Chief Judy Desjarlais expressed that the settlement is part of an ongoing process of recognition and healing from Blueberry’s long and difficult history of displacement and marginalization within their traditional territory. She described it as a monumental day for the Blueberry River First Nations community, their elders, and ancestors.
According to the province, these First Nations were deprived of the use and benefit of these lands in British Columbia for over 100 years, which was owed to them under Treaty 8. Honouring Treaty 8 is a critical part of British Columbia’s work to advance reconciliation in the Peace River area and reconnect these Nations with their land. British Columbia Premier David Eby stated that settling the Treaty Land Entitlement claims rights a historic injustice and restores what was promised under Treaty. He added that this is an essential step that will provide greater predictability and economic opportunities for everyone in the region.
Under the settlement agreements, Canada will provide the First Nations with compensation for the losses and costs relating to the claims, according to provincial staff. This settlement marks a significant milestone in the efforts towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and a positive step towards addressing the historical injustices faced by First Nations in Canada.
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