B.C. Treaty Team visits College of the Rockies

On March 3, 2020, students and faculty at the College of the Rockies and people from the Ktunaxa Nation gathered at the college’s Cranbrook campus to learn about the Columbia River Treaty and share their thoughts on some of the key issues.

Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair, Kathryn Teneese, opened the session by providing welcoming remarks. Kathy Eichenberger and Brooke McMurchy of the B.C. Treaty Team shared details about the history of the Treaty, B.C.’s engagement with Basin communities and Indigenous Nations, and the current Canada-U.S. negotiations.  Bill Green of the Ktunaxa Nation Council spoke about the work being led by Basin Indigenous Nations that is seeking to enhance ecosystems and explore reintroducing salmon to the upper Columbia River.  Sandra Luke, Councillor with Yaqan Nukiy (Lower Kootenay Band) closed the session by sharing the Ktunaxa Nation’s perspectives on the Treaty negotiation process.

Many audience members had some knowledge of the Treaty prior to this session and were eager to learn more.  They asked the presenters what the Indigenous Nations’ observer role looks like in practice (see the 'Treaty Fact' in this newsletter) and asked for information about the U.S. Tribes' involvement in negotiations.  They also echoed what has been heard at the Province’s public meetings throughout the Kootenays – that there is a need to acknowledge the losses experienced by ranchers and farmers in the Basin as a result of Treaty dams and their operations.  In response, Kathy and Brooke described the efforts the Province is making towards a way of achieving that acknowledgement for the entire Canadian Basin: the Columbia River Treaty Heritage Project (see the ‘Columbia River Treaty Heritage Project’ article in this newsletter).  People also wanted to know more about Canada's position on the Canadian Entitlement and Flood Control.  Kathy explained that the details of Canadian negotiating positions are confidential but confirmed that Canada and B.C. are committed to negotiating a modernized Treaty that is in the best interest of the Basin.

This event marked a great start to B.C.’s focus on enabling greater youth involvement in the Treaty.  Over the years, the Province of B.C. has heard a recurring theme from Columbia River Treaty local governments and stakeholders - that more young people need to be engaged in the Treaty discussions to ensure stewardship of the Columbia Basin for generations to come.  Although there has been a modest increase in youth participation at conferences and community meetings over the past year, there remains a lot to be done.  For that reason, the Province is increasing its efforts to connect with youth, both young adults and school-aged children.

However, like so much at the present time, some plans had to be put on hold due to COVID-19.  In fact, the week after the College of the Rockies event, schools were closed, and a much-anticipated keynote address at the Selkirk College end of semester conference was cancelled.   

B.C.’s Columbia River Treaty team will continue monitoring emerging guidelines around safe public engagement and keep exploring ways to connect with the Basin’s young people this fall and beyond.