One of Canada’s largest annual gatherings forestry The sector is developing in BC and perhaps, not surprisingly, Aboriginal title and the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, or DRIPA, are top of mind for many.
More than 600 industry, government and First Nations representatives are discussing issues facing BC’s struggling forest industry.
Terry Teegee, Regional Chief of the UN Assembly of First Nations, delivered the keynote address at the conference. He offered reassurance that while First Nations leaders reject any changes to DRIPA, it does not threaten private property.
“Private property is private property,” Teegee said.
“No First Nation wants anything to do with private property. Rather, there should be negotiations with this provincial government regarding title. At the core of that engagement is free, prior and informed consent.
“These are not barriers to development. They are the conditions that allow development to continue in a way that has value for generations to come. When the approach is sustainable, it supports stability across the sector.”
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Teegee told the conference that DRIPA must be fully implemented to allow predictability and sustainability of forestry, mining and other resource industries.
on thursday, said the First Nations Leadership Council BC Premier David Eby has “broken the trust” built between his late predecessor, John Horgan, and First Nations.
The sharp response comes after Eby sent a letter to indigenous leaders on Wednesday, saying he regretted not having more time in the legislative calendar to talk about the government’s plans to suspend sections of DRIPA, which has created political and legal friction.
In its statement, the governing council says the suspension is “falsely framed” by Eby as “a compromise and an accommodation,” saying its effect is the same as changing the legislation, which First Nations have previously opposed.
Also on Thursday, the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada said that The federal government must take a stand to protect private property rights.
Pierre Poilievre laid out a four-point plan that conservatives want to see implemented.
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