First Nations, BC seek new framework for land titles, resource development – The Globe and Mail
Feb. 09 2015
British Columbia’s First Nations communities owe roughly half a billion dollars for treaty negotiations that have, in 23 years, produced just five settlements. There is one more statistic that puts that crushing debt load into context: Only two aboriginal governments are in a position to start repaying their treaty loans.
To cut through the logjam, the B.C. government formally shifted direction four years ago, giving priority to seeking one-off economic agreements with First Nations. The idea had political appeal – why wait decades for treaties if you could sign deals that would quickly deliver benefits to impoverished communities and allow development to proceed?
“Your government will focus attention on establishing agreements with First Nations that will create certainty over our respective responsibilities,” the 2011 Throne Speech stated. “And while treaties may be an option for some First Nations, there are many ways to reach agreements that can benefit all communities – aboriginal and non-aboriginal alike.”
