Wei Wai Kum First Nation to get territorial land back in agreement with B.C. government

The Wei Wai Kum First Nation and B.C. authorities have signed an incremental treaty settlement that will give the nation greater than 22 sq. kilometres of its territorial land again.

Incremental treaty agreements give First Nations and the province shared advantages, corresponding to forestry tenures and financial advantages, upfront of a last settlement. They do not change treaty agreements.

Chief Chris Roberts mentioned this settlement has been within the works for 25 years, and hopes it will not be one other 20 years earlier than the land switch is full. 

“It is a vital chunk of land that we’re getting again,” he informed CBC’s On the Island. 

“This incremental settlement will assist to construct our inner capability and our confidence of what we are able to do so far as managing our lands and sources and dealing with different stakeholders in our territory.”

He described the settlement as an indication of fine religion from the federal government.

“Treaties are one of the crucial essential pathways to reconciliation,” Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Murray Rankin mentioned in a press launch. 

Roberts mentioned having this land, which is simply west of Campbell River, B.C., will give his First Nation management over land administration, significantly on the subject of forestry.

Forests Minister Katrine Conroy mentioned the settlement ensures Wei Wai Kum advantages from forestry on their territorial lands. 

“The province and First Nations each profit from a thriving, sustainable forestry sector,” she mentioned. 

In line with the province, the settlement represents an allowable annual timber harvest of greater than 17,000 cubic metres, valued at about $1.2 million per 12 months.

Roberts mentioned forestry will proceed, however they’re planning for extra “modest” harvests. 

The realm can be house to a couple small campsites, one thing Roberts says the Wei Wai Kum First Nation values and plans to reinforce for each their very own members and the general public. 

“I recreate with my household there. I’ve since I used to be a baby,” Roberts mentioned. 

“We acknowledge the values that it has to the group for recreation.”

Any financial advantages from the settlement will assist the nation construct up packages and companies for its members, and in the end drive it towards self-determination, Roberts mentioned.