Canada, British Columbia and Metlakatla First Nation Move to the Final Stage of Treaty Negotiations
Press Release
February 28, 2019 Victoria, BC — Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada — British Columbia Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation — Metlakatla First Nation
The governments of Canada and British Columbia and the Metlakatla First Nation have signed a new agreement that will significantly advance reconciliation and treaty negotiations.
Harold Leighton, Chief Councillor of the Metlakatla First Nation, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Scott Fraser, British Columbia’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, signed the Metlakatla Transition to Stage Five and Treaty Revitalization Agreement. The Agreement will guide the three parties in the development of a rights recognition approach to a treaty and bring new momentum to treaty negotiations.
A rights recognition approach explicitly recognizes that Aboriginal rights are inherent and will not be extinguished or surrendered and seeks to build a collaborative government-to-government relationship that’s flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances over time.
Through this approach, the parties have agreed to move directly into the last stage of treaty negotiations and to explore a “core” approach to treaty.
Under this approach, key elements such as self-government, land ownership, resource rights and law-making authorities will be written into a constitutionally protected core treaty. Administrative and policy matters may be addressed through supplementary agreements that can be more easily amended, allowing for the government-to-government relationship to evolve as laws, policies and interests change. This approach makes room for a treaty relationship that is flexible and able to adapt over time.
Working as partners and developing new innovative approaches to government-to-government agreements is key to achieving reconciliation and supporting healthier and prosperous Indigenous communities in Canada.
Quotes
“This Transition Agreement and the strong foundation that it sets for our treaty is a positive step towards reconciliation. We look forward to working with both levels of government to realize their commitments to recognition and reconciliation. We will bring to our members a document that will allow our Nation to protect our rights, our territory and our culture for generations to come.”
Harold Leighton,
Chief Councillor of the Metlakatla First Nation
“This Agreement is an excellent example of how Canada, First Nations and British Columbia are working together to introduce a new flexibility into treaty negotiations. With this Agreement, Canada, British Columbia and the Metlakatla First Nation are able to move directly into the last stage of negotiations while respecting the right of Metlakatla First Nation to select their own pathway to self-determination.”
The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
“Treaties are one of the key paths to comprehensive reconciliation with First Nations, so I’m glad to see this collaborative work reach such an important milestone. Together with the Metlakatla Nation and federal government we’re designing a treaty that respects and recognizes Aboriginal title and rights and aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Like our relationships, this agreement is flexible and will grow and evolve over time, working for all parties into the future.”
The Honourable Scott Fraser
British Columbia Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Quick facts
- The territory of the Metlakatla First Nation encompasses the Skeena Watershed, Tsimshian Peninsula and offshore islands, Work Channel, Portland Inlet and the coastal area surrounding Prince Rupert.
- The Metlakatla First Nation is part of the wider Tsimshian group that speak the Sm’algyax language. Metlakatla means “saltwater pass” in Sm’algyax.
- The main Metlakatla community is located on the Tsimshian Peninsula, close to Prince Rupert.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Matthew Dillon-Leitch
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
819-934-2302
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@canada.ca
Sarah Plank
Media Relations
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
250-208-9621
Shaun Thomas
Communications Manager
Metlakatla First Nation
Office: 778-629-1004
Cell: 778-645-2500
sthomas@metlakatla.ca
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