Tsilhqot & Ottawa and will sign a financial agreement as part of a new relationship: the leader

WILLIAMS LAKE, BC – The leader of Canada's first Aboriginal group to win the title on his territory says an updated agreement he is negotiating with the federal government is part of a new model of relations between Ottawa and the First Nations. nations.

Chief Joe Alphonse, Chair of the Tsilhqot'in National Government Tribal Council, said the agreement was to be signed by the spring and would establish a financial relationship between Canada and the six First Nations that his council represents in the center. the interior of central British Columbia.

Alphonse said the previous funding models, which he described as "marginal", are no longer applicable now that Tsilhqot'in land claims have been officially recognized by the courts.

"We have proven rights and a proven track record, so the funding formula does not suit Tsilhqot'in. Canada needs to come up with a new formula. And everything we develop will be a new standard for First Nations across the country. It is therefore essential that this government establish it, show leadership and show good will, "he said.

Alphonse said that the negotiations were just beginning and that he could not put a price tag on the value of the agreement, but that it would be subject to the approval of the Council Federal Treasury.

The agreement will be the next step in defining the relationship between Canada and the Tsilhqot'in, he said.

The Supreme Court of Canada recognized Aboriginal property rights for the first time in its history in the Tsilhqot'in homeland in 2014. It covers more than 1,750 square kilometers of land in the Chilcotin region.

Although the Crown had previously acquired land from many First Nations in the country by signing treaties, only 14 treaties on Vancouver Island had already been signed during the British Columbia era. joined Confederation in 1871 and aboriginal title to the rest of the province has not been resolved.

The process of negotiating Aboriginal land rights was established in 1992 with the agreement of the province, the federal government and the First Nations Summit.

Some First Nations are in the process of negotiating modern treaties, but the Tsilhqot'in did not sign a treaty when they won the historic case.

The British Columbia Treaty Commission, an independent treaty facilitation body, has stated that Canadian courts have repeatedly recommended negotiation over a dispute, which did not imply a consensus.

"Disputes are expensive, usually time-consuming and focus on specific issues. The question of how Aboriginal rights and title apply applies unanswered, "says on its website.

The Tsilhqot'in case shows that while the process of negotiating a treaty takes time, the litigation process has not been a faster way to achieve reconciliation.

However, in January 2017, the six chiefs of the Tsilhqot'in Tribal Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the federal government outlining a common vision of the reconciliation agreement.

The priority areas of the agreement include the reduction of "deep gaps" in the areas of education, health and mental health care, housing, infrastructure and access to drinking water; establish new financial relationships based on stable, predictable and flexible funding; and recognize and implement Tsilhqot'in governance and law.

Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the nation's land in the Nemaiah Valley, about three hours west of Williams Lake, British Columbia, to apologize directly to members of the community for the hanging of six Tsilhqot'in leaders 150 years ago.

"I know it's only a beginning, we still have a lot of work left," he told the crowd gathered for the apology.

"Canada is fully committed to recognizing the Tsilhqot'in and their right to governance and self-determination. As I told your leaders, we are determined to develop a more comprehensive governance agreement by spring 2019 to help you on your journey to self – determination. "

During the ceremony, Trudeau signed a "Bridge Agreement" which, according to Alphonse, included short-term funding for some housing on title lands and a commitment to work for longer-term funding.

"One of the biggest problems in our community right now is the housing crisis. I have 140 homes in my community and about 60% of my population probably lives off reserve, and many of them want to go home, "said Alphonse.

Alphonse stated that it was important for Trudeau to browse the title lands and see the conditions in which some residents live. The Tsilhqot's have not fought in court to get the title so they can part with Canada, he said. could have with him a more formalized relationship that also recognizes the authority of the nation.

"The great fear that the signing of agreements and the strengthening of relations with aboriginal peoples will weaken our country, I think this is a delay. By developing partnerships with us on a national basis, we can pursue projects together in an honorable way and allow Canada to develop in an unprecedented way, "he said.