FNS Disappointed with lack of commitments in Federal Throne Speech

Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver – The First Nations Summit is disappointed in the lack
of commitments to achieve real, on the ground results for First Nations communities in
yesterday’s federal Speech from the Throne. In particular the Summit is highly dismayed by
Canada’s soft commitment to “continue (the) dialogue on the treaty relationship and
comprehensive land claims”.

“In BC we have been in a “dialogue” on treaty negotiations for more than twenty years with
few results to show for the substantial financial resources and time invested by our
communities”, said Cheryl Casimer of the First Nations Summit political executive.

“Last week’s Annual Report of the BC Treaty Commission clearly identified key barriers to
reaching progress in treaty negotiations in BC. What we need from Canada is a clear and
unequivocal commitment to overcome these barriers. As we have said in the past, the time
has come for all parties, in particular BC and Canada, to get on with the task at hand and
refrain from any further studies or simple “dialogue” and demonstrate the political will to
build relationships with First Nations based on mutual recognition and respect, aimed at
achieving reconciliation as well as fair and just treaty agreements”, added Ms. Casimer.