It looks like Chief Reginald Louis and members of the Stellat’en First Nation are out of luck. They sought judicial review and a number of orders on the basis that the provincial Crown (B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources) failed to adequately and meaningfully consult them. Their concern was in relation to a mine located on land over which they have asserted Aboriginal title and rights. Here’s the decision.
Land Claim Negotiations
Sun Peaks Resort Added as Respondent In Forthcoming “Duty to Consult” Appeal
Gitxsan Nation v. Gitxsan Treaty Society: No Reasonable Cause of Action
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge recently dismissed an action by the Gitxsan Nation against the Gitxsan Treaty Society (“GTS”) (oppression); Canada and British Columbia (breach of fiduciary duty and of duty of honour) and; the British Columbia Treaty Commission (negligence).
The plaintiffs’ complaint is that over the years the GTS has unduly restricted the involvement of the plaintiff hereditary chiefs and Indian bands in treaty negotiations. They complain that, amongst other things, GTS has declined to take direction or input from the Gitxsan chiefs, restricted debate on matters of concern to all Gitxsan, and conducted its affairs in a secretive and “oppressive” manner that was unfairly prejudicial to the plaintiffs.
Labrador: The Government Of Canada Reaches Financial Agreement With The Innu Of Labrador
Source: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Joseph Riche and George Rich, Grand Chief and Deputy Grand Chief of the Innu Nation of Labrador, announced today the signing of a financial agreement. The Government of Canada is currently in land claim negotiations with the Innu of Labrador and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Turtle Talk 