Governments sign memorandum with Wet'suwet'en chiefs recognizing legal rights and title

| May 14, 2020 in Provincial

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The federal and BC governments signed the long discussed Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, on Thursday, recognizing Wet'suwet'en rights and title in their territory located in the interior of BC, around Smithers, Burns Lake, Broman Lake and François Lake.

Hereditary Chiefs from the Wet’suwet’en Nation signed the MOU along with Carolyn Bennett, federal minister of Indigenous relations, and the BC minister of Indigenous relations, Scott Fraser, in a video conference.

"With this MOU, we will now begin to work toward a better understanding between Canada and British Columbia, we will be able to strengthen better relationships and establish strong economies,” said Wet'suwet'en Dinï'ze Woos, (Frank Alec), Cas Yihk, Gitdumt'en (Bear Clan), in a statement.

“Wet'suwet'en People, regardless of political views and opinions can now visualize certainty.”

The MOU commits the federal and provincial governments to negotiate a series of agreements, and recognizes the Wet’suwet’en rights and title under “their system of governance,” effective immediately. 

Photo Credit: The Canadian Press

The document says Canada and BC have recognized their title to the territory and their right to govern it. It means that governments will not be able to approve a project without direct consultation with the Indigenous nation.

It also paves the way for negotiations about land use, child and family wellness, wildlife, fish, water and Nation reunification among other topics that have been outstanding matters of rights and title since the 1997 Supreme Court of Canada Delgamuukw-Gisday'wa ruling.

Over the next year, negotiations will also discuss recognizing Wet’suwet’en rights in Section 35 of the 1982 edition of the Canadian Constitution.

"The signing of this MOU marks an important step in our work to rebuild our relationship with the Wet'suwet'en and towards affirming and implementing their rights and title,” said Bennett in a statement. 

“As negotiations begin, a comprehensive, inclusive and transparent engagement process will support the parties so they can work together towards a final agreement on the affirmation and implementation of Wet'suwet'en rights and title.” 

The MOU does not address the 670-kilometre Coastal Gaslink natural gas pipeline, which is being built through their territory and has led to protests in the province and nationwide since January 2019.

The elected chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation, five of whom signed off on the natural gas pipeline, have openly expressed their contention with the MOU because they have been excluded from discussions about the agreement.

With files from The Canadian Press

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