Treaty Negotiations Embody Reconciliation and the UN Declaration

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 13, 2016) - Today the Treaty Commission releases its 2016 annual report: Treaty Negotiations, Reconciliation, and the UN Declaration.

The federal government has made reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a priority for all of Canada, including the endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP or UN Declaration).

BCTC's 2016 annual report outlines how modern treaties and the BC negotiations process are consistent with key principles of the UNDRIP and lead to reconciliation. Self-determination is a core goal of treaty negotiations and reflects one of the core values of the UN Declaration.

In this year's report, seven First Nations leaders discuss how modern treaties strengthen their path to self-determination, while embodying the UNDRIP. Included in the report are interviews with Grand Chief Edward John, Tla'amin's Hegus Clint Williams, Tsawwassen's Chief Bryce Williams, Toquaht Nation's Chief Anne Mack, Huu-ay-aht First Nations' Councillor John Jack, and Nisga'a Nations' President Mitchell Stevens and Kevin McKay.

"BC treaty negotiations offer an established, successful framework leading to the highest expression of reconciliation: constitutionally entrenched modern treaties," said Acting Chief Commissioner Celeste Haldane. "As the leaders interviewed in this year's report describe, treaties embody self-determination and the principles of the UN Declaration. Treaty making in BC is an opportunity for the Governments of Canada, BC, and First Nations to lead the world in reconciliation."

Quick Facts

• BCTC's 2016 annual report will be available online at bctreaty.ca at 10:30am.

• Press conference video will be available on our website by early afternoon.

• Active or completed negotiations involve 40 First Nations, representing 78 Indian Act Bands, totalling 38% of all Indian Act Bands in BC.

• In 2016, Tla'amin Nation became the eighth First Nation to implement a modern treaty in BC.

About the BC Treaty Commission

The Treaty Commission is the independent body responsible for overseeing treaty negotiations among the governments of Canada, BC and First Nations in BC. It has three roles: facilitation, funding, and public information and education.

Visit www.bctreaty.ca to learn more about the Treaty Commission.