Draft treaty agreement reached for northwest BC first nation

After decades of negotiation, a draft treaty has been initialed by the province, federal government, and the Kitselas First Nation. 

“The Kitselas Treaty will grant us greater control over our future, including ownership of our lands, self-governance, and enhanced programs and services,” said Chief Glenn Bennett. 

Steps are still required before the document can pass through approval from all three parties. 

Once approved, it would constitutionally recognize Kitselas First Nation’s treaty rights to governance, harvesting, land ownership, resource management, and other rights and benefits. 

“Supporting the Kitselas Nation’s priorities for governance and community is a foundational step to renewing and strengthening our partnership, as we move forward,” said federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree. 

This would be the fifth treaty in BC to be recognized, on being the nearby Nisga’a Final Agreement.