Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver – First Nations leaders who were gathered in North Vancouver this week for a regular meeting of the First Nations Summit, elected Celeste Haldane of the Musqueam Nation and Robert Phillips of the Northern Shuswap First Nation of Canim Lake as Commissioners of the British Columbia Treaty Commission. Following the election, the First Nations Summit appointed Ms. Haldane and Mr. Phillips to their positions as Commissioners by resolution.
“First Nations engaged in the BC treaty negotiations process look forward to a positive working relationship with both Ms. Haldane and Mr. Phillips in their roles as Commissioners of the BCTC”, said Chief Doug White, a member of the Summit’s political executive. “First Nations in BC have dedicated nearly two decades of effort to treaty negotiations with only a few agreements to date. Strong and vocal leadership by the BCTC is required now more than ever to assist in steering us towards the negotiation of fair, just, equitable and timely treaties”.
The re-appointment of Mr. Phillips and the appointment Ms. Haldane came following a 3 ballot election for the Summit’s two positions to the BC Treaty Commission. Ms. Haldane was elected on the first ballot and Mr. Phillips on the third ballot as five candidates vied for the two Commissioner positions. Both appointments are for two year terms and will expire in March 2013.