Four First Nations sign agreement-in-principle with B.C., federal governments
CANIM LAKE, British Columbia — A group of four First Nations in British Columbia’s Cariboo region have signed an agreement-in-principle with the provincial and federal governments, moving a step closer to establishing a formal treaty.
The agreement-in-principle outlines the elements of a treaty for the four communities, including land and resource ownership, harvesting rights, social services, and processes for transition from the Indian Act to self-governance.
Chief Ann Louie of the T’exelc First Nation of Williams Lake said in a statement that Sunday’s signing was a “great day,” representing the culmination of 25 years of discussions to end the control of the Indian Act on her band.
“We have heard from others who have achieved Final Agreement of the joy of being free of the Indian Act and making their own decisions for themselves, and the benefits they have been able to achieve for their communities and members,” Louie said.