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Vancouver, Coast Salish Territory - Chief Stewart Phillip reacted with great disappointment to today’s failure of the provincial government to listen to the legitimate concerns of the Treaty 8 communities. “The Treaty 8 communities are under immense pressure to protect their traditional lands from the eager appetites of oil and gas corporations and the revenue starved provincial government. Treaty 8 was signed as a treaty of peace and co-existence but it appears that the provincial government views the treaty as nothing more than an afterthought.”

The communities of Treaty 8, Blueberry River First Nation, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation and the Saulteau First Nation, have stated their willingness to enter into a bi-lateral process. The process would have served as a framework for timely consultations on potential infringements of the oil and gas sector activity on their treaty rights. After months of provincial government inaction, the communities appear resigned that this opportunity of a mutually beneficial process has passed.

Though the provincial government earns approximately 2 billion dollars in oil and gas revenue every year from the Peace River region, the communities of Treaty 8 receive absolutely nothing in the form of royalties and/or compensation. Chief Phillip expressed alarm that the provincial government is contemplating expanding oil and gas exploration in the region and stated “It is inexcusable for the provincial government to dismiss constitutionally protected treaty rights to fast-track an initiative that would see a five-fold increase in drilling while First Nations pay the social and environmental costs” Chief Phillip said.

Chief Phillip fully supports the efforts of the communities of Treaty 8 to ensure that their constitutionally protected rights are respected. Chief Phillip concluded “The provincial government must not only consider the effects of their decisions and policies on the health of the individual and on the environment but must reconcile Treaty Rights and Aboriginal Title of First Nations.”

For more information contact, Chief Stewart Phillip, President Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, cell phone: 250-490-5314.

Treaty 8 Tribal Association
10233-100th Avenue
Fort St. John, B.C. V1J 1Y8

January 16th, 2002

Dear Chief Logan:

I am writing to commend and support your recent public statement to the Cabinet of the Government of the Province of British Columbia. In addition, the Provincial Cabinet should have, as a common courtesy, provided an opportunity on their agenda to hear a formal presentation of the concerns of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association.

We were shocked and appalled by the Provincial Cabinet’s flagrant breach of protocol in relation to the recent Cabinet meeting, which was held in Fort St. John. Certainly, fundamental common sense should have directed the Cabinet to formally invite your Chiefs to make the appropriate arrangements to conduct the opening ceremonies for their meeting.

As First Nations of this country, we enjoy distinct aboriginal rights that are enshrined in the Constitution of Canada. Further, the Supreme Court of Canada, which represents the highest judicial authority, in this country, has consistently upheld and reaffirmed our rights. Consequently, our relationship with all other levels of government must be on a government-to-government basis. We are not stakeholders! Delgamuuk’w clearly states that within our proprietary interest there resides an undeniable economic component. In short, we have every right to expect to benefit from the natural resources within our territories.

Successful and productive development of the oil and gas resources in your territories shall depend on the Government of British Columbia’s active commitment to enter into “good faith” negotiations with the communities represented by your Treaty 8 Tribal Association. Disrespectful breaches of protocol and dismissive attitudes are not conducive to creating the political climate necessary to reconcile Aboriginal and Crown interests in the Province of British Columbia. In closing, we wish you well in your efforts to establish a bi-lateral process of reconciliation.

Yours truly,

[Original Signed by Chief Stewart Phillip]

Chief Stewart Phillip
President – Union of BC Indian Chiefs