Joint Statement on Transborder Consultation with US Tribes
David Eby and Chief Robert Louie
Syilx Okanagan Nation has inherent rights, Title, and Aboriginal Interests within their Territory.
We are committed to strengthening positive government-to-government relationships built on a foundation of respect, rights, and reconciliation.
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) provides a framework for how we can achieve stability and greater clarity for resource development within the Territory by setting out a process for consultation and engagement to assist Westbank First Nation, a Syilx Okanagan Nation community, in its pursuit of activities to enhance the well-being of its Members. We have seen how the success of Westbank First Nation has benefited the entire region. We all want this success to continue.
We agree working collaboratively, supporting the involvement of Syilx Okanagan Nation in decisions and matters that impact their rights in their territory will be the best way to advance reconciliation that benefits Syilx Okanagan Nation Members and local residents.
With this history of cooperation and mutual benefit in mind, we have supported deep consultation with the Syilx Okanagan Nation for the Big White expansion project and will continue to do so.
We recognize and respect the Syilx Okanagan Nation’s representative role in relation to Sinixt people in Canada in Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory.
The Supreme Court of Canada decision in Desautel could result in complications or challenges that must be addressed by the Syilx Okanagan Nation and the provincial and federal governments. We commit to a shared policy process to identify any risks presented by this decision related to Syilx Okanagan Territory in advance, and to address identified issues with Colville Confederated Tribes proactively and in partnership. We commit to that policy process in good faith.
While there is in some limited circumstances a legal obligation to provide notice to aboriginal groups located outside Canada about projects proceeding in British Columbia, First Nations located in BC must always be the priority and primary focus of all levels of government including the province of BC.