Treaty Process

The BC Treaty Process

This page is currently under construction. Eventually, it will contain background information on the BC treaty process, links to related sites, and so on.

For information on VARC's role in the treaty process, refer to the South Island Regional Advisory Committee page.

Does VARC support the treaty process?

Although many ARC members are wary of the treaty process and are concerned about the structure of the talks and the kinds of concessions being demanded by the Federal and Provincial governments, it is VARC's official position that, provided that the leaders and negotiators for the First Nation in question have the legitimate support of the people whom they represent, VARC supports that Nation's decision to enter into the treaty process and conclude a treaty.

(Note: This is an unofficial statement of VARC's position on the treaty process. This page will eventually include a detailed, official statement regarding VARC's position.)

The Nisga'a Treaty

ARC Opposes Referendum Call

Articles

In response to the completion of the Nisga'a agreement, Opposition Leader Gordon Campbell leaked the deal to the press and demanded that it be renegotiated.

Claiming that the proposed treaty changes the Constitution of Canada, Campbell has called for the government to hold a referendum on the issue, and intends to take the government to court if they don't. If the Liberals do initiate a court case, ARC has announced that it will apply to the court for intervenor status.

	MLA/MP Survey form and press release
	ARC to Campbell: "We'll see you in court"
	ARC's Principles Regarding the Treaty
	10 Reasons Why a Referendum is a Bad Idea
	Letter to Premier Clark
	Letter to Gordon Campbell
	Press Release
	Letter to the editor, Times Colonist

Get more information on the treaty

What's Next?

	Draft text of the final agreement
	Nisga'a web site
	BC Treaty Commission
	BC Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs
	Government of Canada Ministry of Indian Affairs

The initialing of the treaty on August 4th was largely ceremonial: before the treaty becomes finalized, it must be ratified by the Nisga'a people (probably in October sometime), the BC legislature (probably in December at the earliest), and in Parliament.

Between then and now, there will undoubtedly be a wide-range of debate on the issue, and we'll try to sort it our for you. How is the media covering the story? What is the validity of some of the arguments being made?

What do you think? Is a treaty a good idea or a bad idea? Or is it an issue shrouded in mystery for you? Let us know what you think - we'll be posting your letters, as well as responses to your questions.