First Nation calls on B.C. to respect, follow court ruling on industrial developments – Toronto Star

July 8, 2021

VANCOUVER – The British Columbia government is being urged not to appeal a landmark court ruling halting new industrial development that doesn’t first have the approval of a First Nation whose territory has long been the focus of resource development.

Chief Marvin Yahey of the Blueberry River First Nation, located in northeastern B.C., said industrial development without regard for the nation’s treaty rights has been going on for decades.

“This confirmation from the court proves that our treaty has not been honoured,” he said at a news conference held outside the B.C. Supreme Court on Thursday. “There is a lot of work to do. We will not accept anything less than full enforcement of our rights as recognized by the courts.”