Lheidli T’enneh Turn Down Treaty
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PRINCE GEORGE – After 25 years of negotiations and two votes, members of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation are still without a treaty. 57% of voting members have turned down the latest proposed treaty. The results of the latest vote were released Saturday night.
Chief Dominic Frederick says the result is disappointing but says he respects the membership’s decision. Negotiations for a treaty began in 1993. And it’s the second time the First Nation has voted against the treaty. A vote in 2007 also failed to gain acceptance from the members of the First Nation. “This decision is entirely Lheidli T’enneh’s choice. We must now try and move forward with the limited resources and opportunities available while we remain under the Indian Act. Regardless of this outcome, we are here to stay,” said Frederick.
The proposed Treaty would have provided Lheidli T’enneh with land and resource rights along with self-government. The First Nation would have received over $37 million in a capital transfer, $2.3 million annually for health, education, social development, and governance activities, and more than 4,300 hectares of land. Approximately 1,183 hectares would have been located within the City of Prince George.
“British Columbia respects the democratic choice of the people of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation,” said Scott Fraser, BC Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “This democratic process demonstrates the importance of members making their voices heard.”
