(Vancouver, BC) The First Nations Summit considers the rulings of the Supreme Court of Canada today as two of the most significant cases since the 1991 decision in Sparrow and the 1997 decision in Delgamuukw, which confirmed that Aboriginal title exists in BC.
In Haida Nation v. BC Ministry of Forests, and Taku River Tlingit First Nation v. Ringstad et al, the Court has clearly rejected the BC Government’s argument that it has no duty to consult with First Nations on land and resource issues prior to proof of Aboriginal rights and title. The Court held that “the Province’s submissions present an impoverished vision of the honour of the Crown” and that its duty is “grounded in the honour of the Crown.”
“These historic decisions of the highest court confirm governments can no longer make unilateral decisions about lands and resources without the meaningful consultation and accommodation of First Nations”, said Grand Chief Edward John, a member of the First Nations Summit political executive. “The Court has stated that “the Crown, acting honourably, cannot cavalierly run roughshod over Aboriginal interests where claims affecting these interests are being seriously pursued in the process of treaty negotiation and proof.”