Memorandum of Understanding

On October 12, 2018, the Sto:lo Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association (SXTA) moved into Stage 5 of the BC Treaty Process with a new, innovative approach to advance Treaty negotiations. The 6 SXTA chiefs signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal and Provincial government. The new approach recognizes that Indigenous rights are inherent and cannot be extinguished or surrendered, and shifts away from seeking a full and final settlement.

Memorandum of Understanding

Quotes:

Chief Terry Horne, Yakweakwioose First Nation 

Our goal has been to get out from under the Indian Act and to assert our lawmaking authority on S’ólh Téméxw, our land. We do this today for our children tomorrow. Our Stó:lō communities are pleased to be entering into final negotiations on this groundbreaking treaty.”

Carolyn Bennett, federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations 

“This memorandum of understanding is the result of years of hard work on the part of the Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association, with the governments of Canada and British Columbia. This is a key milestone towards a treaty that is consistent with Canada’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to the recognition and affirmation of Indigenous rights.”

Scott Fraser, B.C.’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation 

“This new partnership with the SXTA launches a fundamentally new approach to negotiating a treaty, one that better addresses inherent Aboriginal rights and self-determination. Our government is serious about creating real change and developing treaties that support lasting reconciliation and lead to healthy and prosperous First Nations communities, for the benefit of all British Columbians.”

Celeste Haldane, Chief Commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission 

“With the signing of this memorandum of understanding, Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association, Canada and B.C. are advancing their nation-to-nation relationship with innovative approaches to treaty negotiations. The B.C. treaty negotiations process is proving to be the best nation-building opportunity for Indigenous peoples in the country through Indigenous rights recognition.”

https://www.sxta.bc.ca/stolo-xwexwilmexw-b-c-canada-move-forward-on-major-treaty-innovations/