Summer 2019 marks the first anniversary of the Hubulhsooninats’Uhoot’alh: Foundation Framework Agreement between the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance (SDNA) and the Province of British Columbia.

Hubulhsooninats’Uhoot’alh – Dakelh for “together we will fix it” – lays out a plan for building comprehensive reconciliation.

“We are proud of the work we have completed this past year as government partners,” said Chief Stuart Alec of the Nazko First Nation, President of the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance. “Our Aboriginal title and the health of our people, lands and resources are the driving force behind this good work. We call on the Province to continue to work with us in year two of our Foundation Framework Agreement to turn words into action.”

Implementation of this three-year agreement has B.C. and the SDNA working together to address land and resource management, increase participation in the forest sector, economic development and culture and wellness priorities. A prime intention is to develop a framework for collaborative decision-making, prioritizing key areas in core Southern Dakelh traditional territory.

“Working together as government-to-government partners, we can make lasting change and the progress over the past year has proven that,” said Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “We are discussing priorities that will bring significant benefit to the SDNA communities, including economic development, culture and wellness needs, and joint decision-making. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of the important work that our partnership achieves in the years ahead.”

As part of these discussions, B.C. and the SDNA have made progress on key priorities, working toward a shared vision for long-term reconciliation, including recognition of Aboriginal title and rights in a negotiated context. This also involves progress on the apportionment of forest volume in the Quesnel Timber Supply Area, wildlife management and regulation of mushroom harvesting.

Both parties, along with the Government of Canada, are also working on a concept for a Nation centre in Quesnel and a wellness centre in Ulkatcho to promote governance, nation building, health and culture.

The continued collaboration between B.C. and the SDNA aligns with the Province’s commitment to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and reflects B.C.’s interests in building relationships with Indigenous peoples based on respect and recognition of rights.

Learn More:

Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance Hubulhsooninats’Uhoot’alh: Foundation Framework Agreement – 2018: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/first-nations-negotiations/first-nations-a-z-listing/southern-dakelh-nation-alliance

Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance: https://dakelh.ca/