A historic new agreement with the province will ensure the Blueberry River First Nation can meaningfully exercise their Treaty 8 rights on their territory.
In 2021, the BC Supreme Court ruled that the Province had infringed on the Nation’s rights through the cumulative impacts of decades of industrial development.
A moratorium was put in place as a result, preventing BC from authorizing further activities until a collaborative approach to land management was developed.
Now, the pair have signed an Implementation Agreement which aims to address the Nation’s concerns, while ensuring stability and predictability for industry.
Under the agreement, an ecosystem-based approach to land-use planning will be established, with ambitious timelines to complete local plans.
It also promises a $200 million restoration fund by June of 2025 to support land restoration and healing efforts.
Protections will also be put in place covering 650,000 hectares of high-value land from new gas and forestry activities, as well as for old growth and traplines.
Other measures include: limits on gas development, wildlife co-management plans, and an $87.5 million financial package over 3 years.
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