FNS congratulates Musqueam for community ratification of important agreement

(Coast Salish Traditional Territory/Vancouver, BC) — The First Nations Summit congratulates the Chief, Council and community members of the Musqueam First Nation for their overwhelming ratification (98%) of the Reconciliation, Settlement and Benefits agreement negotiated with the Province of BC.

“We commend and congratulate the Musqueam Chief Ernie Campbell, Council, staff and the community members for their perseverance in litigation and negotiations to ensure their community received a fair, just, honourable and agreeable settlement with the Province of BC for this outstanding issue”, said Grand Chief Edward John, a member of the First Nations Summit political executive.

“We hope the governments will finally recognize that the legal landscape has shifted through decisions such as the Haida, Taku River Tlingit and other cases. First Nations in BC should not be forced, as Musqueam was, to litigate as a means to prompt negotiations”, said Chief Judith Sayers, also a member of the First Nations Summit political executive. “The Musqueam agreement has clearly illustrated that when two parties come to the negotiations table with a full mandate, fair, timely and meaningful agreements can be reached”.