Simpcw First Nation speak out on eve of key treaty vote

BARRIERE, B.C. — Members of the Simpcw First Nation are anxiously awaiting the results of a vote that could have major implications on their rights.

The Lheidli T’enneh First Nation near Prince George is voting this weekend on whether to approve a treaty that would create significant and on-going boundary disputes between themselves and the Secwepemc and other First Nations, including McLeod Lake, Nak’adzli and Sai’kuz.

“The Lheidli T’enneh have never really provided any evidence of their own traditional use or occupancy in the Robson Valley and in the Valemount area, and yet they’ve included that area in a map they’d have treaty rights over,” says Nathan Matthew, former chief and band council advisor to the Simpcw First Nation.

“And we’re insisting that they provide evidence of their traditional use or occupancy or we will contest any aspect of the treaty process that has that map involved.”