Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak released the following statement today regarding the B.C. Court of Appeal's decision in Roger William v. British Columbia (Attorney General):

"The B.C. Court of Appeal, in finding that Aboriginal title must be demonstrated on a site-specific rather than a territorial basis, accepted British Columbia's interpretation of earlier Supreme Court of Canada decisions. As a result, the Court of Appeal found Aboriginal title was not found in this case.

"The Court of Appeal said: 'Consultation and negotiation are, without a doubt, the preferred routes to reconciliation of Aboriginal rights with the needs of British Columbians as a whole.'

"Since the William trial began in 2002, British Columbia has made significant changes in the way it works with First Nations. B.C. remains committed to negotiations, rather than litigation, as the primary means of reconciling Crown-First Nations interests and building and maintaining positive working relationships.

"The B.C. government and the Tsilhqot'in Nation have been working together over the past few years under the Tsilhqot'in Framework Agreement. Our government remains committed to pursuing reconciliation with the Tsilhqot'in."

Contact:

Robin Platts
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 387-1204
250 213-6451 (cell)