Image Credit: Facebook / NStQ Treaty Group

By Veronica Beltran / CKPG Today

Land Claims

Northern Shuswap Treaty Council and Tribal Council celebrate $32 million loan forgiveness

Jun 9, 2020 | 8:58 AM

SECWEPEMCULUCW, WILLIAMS LAKE – The Northern Shuswap Treaty Society (NSTS) and the Northern Shuswap Tribal Council (NSTC) are celebrating the forgiveness of over $32 million in accumulated negotiation debt.

The funds were part of a comprehensive land claim negotiation loan that the NSTC agreed to take on when they entered the BC Treaty process 26 years ago.

A release by the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ) Treaty Group says that the loan forgiveness removes a major economic hurdle for the four Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw nations.

“To finally see the day when real progress is being made would have meant a great deal to the elders who have worked toward self-government. This opens a new chapter for our members and places the NStQ one step closer to breaking free from the Indian Act,” said Stswecem’c Xgat’tem Kupki7 Patrick Harry, Spokesperson, NStQ.

The Northern Shuswap Treaty Society says that the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, says in a letter addressed to them that the government is committed to advancing reconciliation and recognizing Indigenous rights.

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Minister Bennett saying in that letter, “I hope that the forgiveness of this debt demonstrates this commitment in a concrete way and will enhance financial stability and enable your community to improve access to funding.”

The Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw is comprised of the four Secwepemc communities Tsq’escen’ (Canim Lake); T’exelc (Williams Lake); Stswecem’c – Xgat’tem (Dog Creek – Canoe Creek); and Xat’sull – Cmetem (Soda Creek – Deep Creek). The Nations of the NStQ are in the 5th stage of treaty negotiations with the Province of B.C. and the Government of Canada.