Lheidli T'enneh First Nation votes no to government treaty

Members of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation in north-centralB.C. have voted against a treaty that would have provided them withland, resource rights and the power to self-govern.

The proposed treaty with the federal and provincial governments was rejected Saturday. If ratified, the LheidliT'ennehFirst Nationwould have received 4,330 hectares of land, a lump payment of $37 million and resource revenue sharing.

It would have also taken the First Nation out of the Indian Act and established self-government.

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'The people have spoken'

"Of course it is disappointing, but the people have spoken and we must honour their wishes," said Chief Dominic Frederick in a statement.

Had the First Nation voted in favour of the treaty and self-government, it would have beenable to collecttaxes on itsland and set rules around citizenship.

"We must now try and move forward with the limited resources and opportunities available while we remain under the Indian Act," said Frederick.

'There is no going back'

David Luggi,former chief of the CarrierSekaniTribal Council, which represents several First Nations neighbouring theLheidliT'enneh,was against the treaty.

Luggi said the LheidliT'ennehare entitled to more than 15,000 square kilometres of territory, not just the4,330 hectares proposed in the treaty.

B.C.'s Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Minister Scott Fraser said he respects the democratic decision made by theLheidliT'enneh.

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"We will continue to work government to government withLheidliT'ennehon long-term reconciliation and self-determination in ways that work for their community," said Fraser in a statement.

There are approximately 600 members of theLheidliT'ennehNation, most of whom live in the Prince George area, but also scattered throughout western Canada and the U.S.

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