With the Kitselas First Nation set to vote on its proposed treaty on April 10, Lax Kw’alaams is calling on the federal and provincial governments to withdraw the agreement, citing a lack of meaningful consultation. In a letter to government negotiators, Lax Kw’alaams argues that the proposed treaty infringes on its rights and territory and that the Crown has failed to meet its constitutional duty to consult and accommodate.
Despite more than a decade of discussions, Lax Kw’alaams says its concerns remain unaddressed, and that promises to engage further—such as through a future protocol agreement—have been vague and non-committal. The community says these measures do not replace the need for real consultation before any treaty is finalized.
At a recent meeting, Kitselas acknowledged under Tsimshian law that it must seek Lax Kw’alaams’ consent for using shared territory. However, Lax Kw’alaams reports no follow-up from Kitselas or the Crown since that discussion.
The band warns that allowing Kitselas to ratify the treaty now would damage the integrity of the consultation process and misrepresent the extent of Kitselas’ treaty rights. Lax Kw’alaams is urging the Crown to pause ratification until proper consultation takes place.
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