Wet'suwet'en First Nation leaves BC Treaty Process

DATE: Dec. 18, 2009 

Wet’suwet’en  Treaty Update 

Smithers, BC: The Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs wish to inform their clan and house members, community partners, and all those living on Wet’suwet’en traditional territory about Treaty negotiations.  

Through 14 years of Treaty negotiations, the Wet’suwet’en Chiefs have worked diligently to develop a LIVING TREATY to ensure Wet’suwet’en title, rights and interests are recognized, respected and reconciled over the entirety of their traditional territories.   

Treaty negotiations have put Wet’suwet’en in debt to the Crown for almost $13 million over the course of these negotiations.  Throughout negotiations Crown agencies have continued to alienate lands, impact water quality, and permit the development of resources. In October 2009, Wet’suwet’en attending an All Clans meeting clearly stated their frustration with Treaty negotiations, and recommended the Chiefs step away from the Treaty process.   

 “We are seeking a distinctly Wet’suwet’en Treaty,” stated Debbie Pierre, Executive Director-Office of the Wet’suwet’en, “ It is time the Crown agrees to negotiate, in good faith, an agreement recognizing Wet’suwet’en title, and respects our right to determine land use and resource development within our territories.”  

Unfortunately, both the Federal and Provincial government have refused to engage in negotiations outside of their 5% land selection model.  In effect, this model promotes a settlement package of existing Indian reserves, Crown lands, and willing sellers of private lands.   

As a result of the inequities of the Treaty Process, the Wet’suwet’en have not signed any treaty related agreements with the Crown(s).       

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The Wet’suwet’en assert title, rights and authority as the original stewards of 22, 000

sq. kms of territory encompassing the head waters of the Wit’zin’kwa (Bulkley-Morice Rivers), and the upper reaches of the Nechako watershed.   

“Wet’suwet’en invite the Crown to broaden their mandate to negotiate a model of land and resource governance that includes Wet’suwet’en leaders in decision making, and ensures future generations benefit from the use of the land and resources.” said Don Ryan, Wet’suwet'en Chief Negotiator, “Wet’suwet’en values and stewardship principles must be included in land use and resource development decisions affecting the territory.”  

Wet’suwet’en are interested in reaching agreements with all levels of government, and the private sector on land use and resource development that will allow Wet’suwet’en to sustain cultural values, protect environmental integrity, support essential social services, provide economic opportunities, and realize benefits from the lands and resources.  

In 2010, Wet’suwet’en Chiefs will continue to assert clan and house title, rights and interests through the Office of Wet’suwet’en (OW).   The Crown will be expected to consult prior to any and all land use decisions, or permitting of any resource development.  Private sector land and resource project proponents are expected to present their project plans to the OW, Natural Resources department, and reach an agreement with the appropriate Wet’suwet’en House group before project plans can proceed.   

The Office of the Wet’suwet’en mandate, operations, current and future programs and activities will continue to be managed to support the values, principles, and priorities of all Wet’suwet’en under the direction of the Chiefs and membership.

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For further information contact:

Debbie Pierre, Executive Director (250) 847-3630 Email: Debbie Pierre <dpierre@wetsuweten.com>