Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver – February 14, 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of the Proclamation (attached) by James Douglas, Governor of British Columbia that all lands in British Columbia and all mines and minerals thereunder belonged to the Crown in fee.
“Over the past year there have been many celebrations marking dates related to the 150th anniversary of the Province of British Columbia. However, it is critical that the public understand some of the anniversaries represent a dark time in BC First Nations History”, said Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit Political Executive.
“Unlike other parts of Canada, Crown authorities signed very few treaties with the First Nations in what is now known as British Columbia. Tomorrow is the 150th anniversary of the official date when the traditional territories of BC First Nations were officially taken by the Crown without consent or compensation. This Proclamation by James Douglas is the source of the unresolved land question in BC that remains today”, added Chief John.