Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs Supports Blueberry River First Nation’s Legal Action Against the Province of BC

Vancouver, Coast Salish Territory/October 2, 2002 - The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) applauds the announcement of the Blueberry River First Nation of its decision to challenge the Provincial regime on oil and gas development. The UBCIC has urged the Province on many occasions to respect the law and honour the Crown’s legal obligations to all First Nations in BC.

“We are proud of what the Taku River Tlingit and the Haida have achieved in court. We are confident that the Blueberry River First Nation will also win the desired legal victory,” said Chief Stewart Phillip. “We urge the Province to cease its foot dragging and its utter disregard for our Aboriginal Title and Rights. The provincial government will not have the certainty of collecting the billions of dollars in revenue, unless they reach an accomondation with First Nations through honest and honourable negotiations” Chief Phillip added.

The Blueberry River First Nation is proceeding to the BC Supreme Court to challenge the provincial legal framework for oil and gas development. The Blueberry River First Nation is signatory to Treaty 8, signed over a century ago. The First Nation is upset with the disregard by the Province of the rights and interests of the Nation as guaranteed by Treaty 8.

“All First Nations in BC are very anxious about the behaviour of the province. Provincial disregard of Treaty 8 teaches us on how Province and Canada intends to honour their commitments to modern-day treaties being negotiated in BC.”

Chief Phillip concluded “We call on the Federal Government to honour its duties to the Blueberry River First Nation by supporting the First Nation. The UBCIC will provide all the support it can to the Blueberry River First Nation towards achieving a just and equitable victory to their case.”