Three communities of the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council and its NStQ Treaty Group

Three communities of the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council and its NStQ Treaty Group voted yes Feb. 11 to continue negotiations based on their Agreement in Principle.

Canim Lake, Soda Creek and Canoe Creek/Dog Creek voted in support of moving to Stage 5, the Final Agreement, in negotiations.

“The results of this important vote show that the BC treaty negotiation process is working, and supports First Nations governance and self-determination,” said Commissioner Jerry Lampert.

The Williams Lake’s vote, as part of the NStQ, was suspended, however, due to protests around the voting process and will hold another vote on March 15.

As part of British Columbia’s interim agreement with the NStQ, the nations will receive 3,760 hectares of provincial Crown land transfers. The agreement also includes funding for construction of fencing to address the interests of cattle ranchers affected by the agreements.

The transfers will occur in two phases. Phase one is initiated with the successful ratification of the AIP. Phase two would happen after British Columbia, Canada and NStQ conclude a Final Agreement.