Ottawa has issued an apology to the Williams Lake First Nation while settling a land dispute more than a century in the making.
Both stem from Canada’s failure to prevent lands which had hosted the Nation’s traditional village from being made available to settlers in the late- 1800s.
As a result, the Nation was unable to claim the village site as reserve lands, damaging their ability to live sustainably on their homelands.
In addition, the move separated members from their cultures, traditions, and histories which are inherently connected to the village lands.
Under the settlement, Canada will provide the Nation with $135 million, as well as an option to seek to add up to 1,400 acres to their reserve.
Lands will be acquired under the agreement based on the willing participation of both the Nation and current property owners.
Last week also saw the Nation purchase the land which had once hosted the St Joseph’s Mission Residential School.
Since 2021, the Nation has been leading efforts to investigate deaths and disappearances of Indigenous children at the site.
It’s purchase ensures it will always be recognized as a place of historical, cultural, and spiritual importance to commemorate the tragedy.
Comments