British Columbia and the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance have signed a government-to-government agreement that establishes a new relationship based on respect and recognition of rights.

The Foundation Framework Agreement, or Hubulhsooninats’Uhoot’alh –  Dakelh for “together we will fix it” –  lays out a foundation for building comprehensive reconciliation and a positive government-to-government relationship between British Columbia and the First Nations of the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance, based in the Cariboo.

The agreement commits B.C. and the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance to work on collaborative decision-making over land and resource management, increasing First Nations economic development and participation in the forest economy, improving consultation on resource development, and developing culture and wellness priorities.

Both the provincial and federal governments are working toward building strong relationships and advancing reconciliation with the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance.

This agreement with the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance reflects B.C.’s interest in building relationships with Indigenous peoples based on respect and recognition of rights, as guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and case law.

Quotes:

Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

“Our partnership with the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance will promote trust-building and guide us in finding new ways of working, learning and collaborating together. British Columbia is committed to building an enduring partnership with the Southern Dakelh Nations, one that upholds their inherent rights and opens up new opportunities for their communities.”

Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development –

“This Foundation Framework Agreement provides an important venue for collaborative work on a number of topics of mutual interest, including wildfire prevention and response, timber supply review, and moose and caribou management.”

Chief Liliane Squinas, Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation –

“We are committed to working together as a Nation and as partners. We are also committed to working with our neighbours and relatives beyond our territories in a good and healthy way.”

Chief Clifford Lebrun, Lhtako Dené Nation –

“We know that the next step in this work will be harder than the work behind us, but we are responsible as leaders to bring about real change – we will not waver from this responsibility and will remain committed to ensuring that the good words from your government turn out to be more than just words.”

Chief Stuart Alec, Nazko First Nation –

“We are all in one canoe – we can either paddle together or sink together. This agreement commits us to working together, deepening our partnership and relationship for the benefit of our youth, our elders and our communities.”

Chief Betty Cahoose, Ulkatcho Nation –

“This agreement represents only the beginning. Tomorrow, our work as partners begins to bring tangible benefits to our communities.”

Quick Facts:

• Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance represents Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation, Lhtako Dené Nation, Nazko First Nation and Ulkatcho Nation, all based in the Cariboo.
• The agreement was signed by:
  • Ministers Scott Fraser and Doug Donaldson, on behalf of the Province
  • Chief Liliane Squinas, Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation
  • Chief Clifford Lebrun, Lhtako Dené Nation
  • Chief Stuart Alec, Nazko First Nation
  • Chief Betty Cahoose, Ulkatcho Nation

Learn More:

Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation: gov.bc.ca/irr

Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation: lhooskuz.com

Lhtako Dené Nation: carrierchilcotin.org/lhtako-dene-nation

Nazko First Nation: nazkoband.ca

Ulkatcho Nation: ulkatchoindianband.ca