In 2003, the West Bank First Nation ratified a self-government agreement with Canada, one of the first indigenous communities in the country to do so.
But the decades of negotiations came at a price, and 16 years later the WFN is still in the debt it accumulated in negotiations with the federal government.
Now the WFN has been told that Ottawa will be making contract loans that were granted during the negotiations.
“We’ve been in contract discussions for well over 10 years,” said WFN Coun. Christopher Derickson. “We are happy to hear that we have the support of the Canadian government. We look forward to sharing this positive news with our membership. “
CONTINUE READING: West Bank First Nation reports an increase in construction activity
Derickson and other members of the WFN Council met with Federal Minister for Indigenous Relations, Caroline Bennett, earlier this week to discuss contract credit, federal policy on the recognition of rights, a collaborative fiscal process, and the development of a federal implementation department to increase the capacity to speak for government relations, particularly regarding land matters.
Bennett was informed of the need for a federal self-government department, as provided for in the WFN’s self-government agreement.
“I want to thank the West Bank,” Bennett said at the WFN reserve meeting on Wednesday. “Without communities like you, we would not be where we are in this country. I believe many of these problems can be fixed by developing an appropriate implementation branch. We work nation to nation and we have your back. Now we have to show that we have your back. “
Since the dissolution of Indigenous and Northern Affair Canada, Bennett has been tasked with building new relationships with indigenous peoples in Canada, with an emphasis on recognizing and implementing the rights of indigenous peoples.
There is still a great need to finalize the land swap policy, which will provide additional land to support much-needed communal housing, ”said Raf De Guevara, WFN Intergovernmental Affairs Manager and former WFN Councilor.
“Canada is a party to the Self-Government Agreement (WFN) and needs to play an active role in this conversation. We are working with the other three self-governing (indigenous) communities to determine our needs for the implementation branch in order for it to be effective. “
Bennett and WFN councilors also briefly discussed the issue of reconciliation and the importance of developing a framework for rights and recognition during their meeting.
The WFN believes that the federal government has come a long way in its approach and position and looks forward to continuing talks with Ottawa, with recognition of rights being the main focus of those talks.
To report a typo, send an email to:
newstips@kelownacapnews.com.
@ KelownaCapNews
newstips@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Get local stories you won’t find anywhere else straight to your inbox.
Sign in here
