Tag Archives: Ministry of Indigenous Relations

After generations of displacement, ‘Vancouver Island’ lands returned to Lyackson, Cowichan First Nations

By  Julie Chadwick, IndigiNews,, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Surrounded by sun-dappled trees and the gentle rushing sound of Skutz Falls, a historic agreement to return 312 hectares of land to Lyackson First Nation and Cowichan Tribes was signed last week as part of an Incremental Treaty Agreement.

Continue reading After generations of displacement, ‘Vancouver Island’ lands returned to Lyackson, Cowichan First Nations

‘It’s all Haida land’: Nation’s title to be officially recognized over the entirety of Haida Gwaii

By Julie Chadwick, IndigiNews, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

In a decision that has been more than 50 years in the making, “B.C.” has announced the completion of a draft agreement that formally recognizes the Haida Nation’s Aboriginal title throughout its entire territory of Haida Gwaii. 

Continue reading ‘It’s all Haida land’: Nation’s title to be officially recognized over the entirety of Haida Gwaii

First Nations members believe TLE settlements open path for future generations

By Manavpreet Singh, Energycity.ca, Local Journalism Initiative

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Some local First Nation members are calling the Treaty Land Entitlement settlements a positive step for future generations.

Five Treaty 8 First Nations recently settled TLE claims with provincial and federal governments. According to a provincial release, the settlements resolved decades-old claims by the First Nations, stating they did not receive all the lands owed them in Treaty 8 claims. These First Nations first signed the Treaty of Land Entitlements in 1899.

Continue reading First Nations members believe TLE settlements open path for future generations

Blueberry River First Nations beat B.C. in court. Now everything’s changing

By Matt Simmons, The Narwhal, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Apart from a little pocket of land on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, Blueberry River First Nations territory is an industrial wasteland. At a walking pace, it only takes about three minutes to stumble onto some kind of development. It’s a land of pipelines, clearcuts and gas rigs. But things are about to change.

After winning a hard-fought case before the B.C. Supreme Court in 2021, the Treaty 8 nation reached a final agreement with the province on Jan. 18. The agreement charts a path forward from a past where the province excluded the community from resource decisions and infringed on the nation’s constitutionally protected rights. Two days later, B.C. signed agreements with four neighbouring nations: Doig River, Halfway River, Saulteau and Fort Nelson. Collectively, the agreements represent a way out of conflict and a shared goal to heal the land. 

Continue reading Blueberry River First Nations beat B.C. in court. Now everything’s changing

Klahoose Treaty Negotiations: Finalizing the offer

The Klahoose First Nation may be close to signing a treaty with the governments of British Columbia and Canada. 

In an email to the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) dated April 26, Jessica Jamieson, from BC’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, stated the Klahoose were to be provided with an offer of treaty land and cash this Spring.  This has been put on hold while the provincial government works with the Klahoose to secure one or more private parcels for the benefit of the Klahoose community.

Continue reading Klahoose Treaty Negotiations: Finalizing the offer