Kitselas leaders criticize province on treaty commission decisions – Terrace Standard

Mar 27, 2015

The chief negotiator for Kitselas and Kitsumkalum, two First Nations deep in the treaty process, is criticizing the provincial government’s decision to withdraw its support for the appointment of George Abbott as the new chief commissioner for the BC Treaty Commission.

“It’s disappointing and disheartening that the province of British Columbia has taken such unilateral action that can impact so many First Nations including our local efforts,” said Tsimshian Treaty Society chief negotiator Gerald Wesley in a statement today. The Tsimshian Treaty Society represents Kitselas, Kitsumkalum, Metlakatla, Gitga’at and Kitasoo communities through the treaty process.

In a surprising move late last week, the government announced it would not be appointing former cabinet minister George Abbott, set to take over from outgoing commissioner Sophie Pierre, as the new commissioner. And yesterday in a press conference, premier Christy Clark called into question future of the commission, citing money spent and a process that isn’t fast enough.

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