“We’ve been in this process trying to resolve this matter with both Canada and British Columbia but in doing so we’ve been put in this situation having to borrow money from the ve…
VICTORIA — After accumulating hundreds of millions of dollars in debt to the federal government to finance treaty negotiations, B.C. First Nations learned this week that Ottawa is forgiving all of it.
The money will free “more than 200 Indigenous communities to reinvest in their priorities like governance, infrastructure and economic development,” according to the budget papers. “We are excited to get that money back, to use it for the benefit of our people,” said Nisga’a Nation president Eva Clayton in a statement. “It will allow us to address some high priority projects.”
In the ensuing 25 years, the commission allocated about $730 million in negotiation support to some 60 B.C. First Nations, $163 million was in outright grants, the rest in loans repayable to the federal government. Joining her in hailing the move was Grand Chief Ed John, head of the First Nations summit, which represents those taking part in treaty negotiations.
“Negotiation debts are an unjust financial burden, at odds with the spirit and intent of our modern treaties,” said Chief Bryce Williams of the Tsawwassen First Nation, which attained self-government 10 years ago.
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