Change is Achievable, but Parties to BC Treaty Negotiations Process Need to Refocus Efforts

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 7, 2013) - Is BC committed to long-term solutions? Is Canada committed to negotiating in good faith? Are First Nations committed to solving territorial disputes? The BC Treaty Commission has no choice but to ask these questions due to constant delays that affect the momentum of the treaty negotiations process.

"These delays have gone on long enough," said Chief Commissioner Sophie Pierre. "It's well past time for all the parties to show they are serious by engaging in meaningful negotiations. Let's just get it done."

The Treaty Commission will release their 2013 annual report, Pathways to Change, at a news conference this Tuesday, they emphasize that all Parties hold some degree of responsibility for this situation, and the Treaty Commission is calling on them to refocus their efforts.

As the independent facilitator for treaty negotiations in BC, the Treaty Commission has seen great strides made toward settling the land question. However, there remain significant challenges to moving that process forward. The federal government is causing delays by undertaking various studies and reviews, the province has made economic development instead of long-term treaties their priority, and many First Nations are engaged in prolonged disputes because of overlapping and shared territory.

Members of media invited to attend news Conference in Victoria BC:
Hotel Grand Pacific, East Vancouver Island Ballroom (first floor), 463 Belleville Street.
9:30 a.m.: Advance hard copies of the report will be available.
10:00 a.m.: News conference starts.

Live webcast of news conference:
Media unable to attend event can view the event at http://livestre.am/4DlTw. Interviews can be scheduled immediately following the conference by contacting Director of Communications, Brenna Latimer at 604 862 0442 or blatimer@bctreaty.ca.

Report available online at: http://www.bctreaty.ca at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct 8.

View Media Advisory: http://www.bctreaty.ca/files/pdf_documents/news-advisory_100313.pdf

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.