Declaration of BC Treaty 8 First Nations
Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, Prophet River First Nation, Saulteau First Nation, and West Moberly First Nations
The leadership of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations acknowledge this Accord as a landmark agreement that outlines the commitment to work together to protect, preserve and prosper on behalf of Treaty 8 First Nations and their membership.
WE, the Chiefs of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations, shall continue to honour and implement the true spirit and intent of Treaty No. 8 signed by our forefathers in 1899.
WE, the Chiefs of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations, continue to recognize that we have the inherent right to maintain the land and its resources through self governance which is based on our own sacred laws.
WE, the Chiefs of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations, affirm that our lands and resources were not surrendered or ceded to the Government of Canada.
WE, the Chiefs of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations, shall no longer allow the infringement of our Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. We recognize the need for and shall develop treaty conservation practices to manage, protect and defend our mode of life.
WE, the Chiefs of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations, will no longer allow resources to be extracted from our lands without meaningful consultation, revenue sharing or co-management practices. We will work together to create ‘economic certainty’ for all our communities, members and families.
WE, the Chiefs of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations, resolve to address the onslaught of development within Treaty 8 BC Lands by enhancing the Community Based Land Use Offices and developing a collective Land Use Support Office that will assist in the implementation regarding all aspects of T8 co-management opportunities.
WE, the Chiefs of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations, are determined to participate at the highest level of government, with both Canada and the Province, to create legislative changes that will promote true co-management that will enhance our way of life.
We, the Chiefs of BC Treaty 8 First Nations, shall exercise our inherent right to self-governance by becoming politically involved at the community, regional, provincial and national levels. We will strive to develop working relationships with all levels of Government and all stakeholders so that our voices can be heard and recognized.
WE, the Chiefs of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations, shall focus on developing solutions that will address cumulative impacts by designing a traditional model that will enhance land use planning and monitoring, supported by a T8 compliance and enforcement program.
WE, the Chiefs of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations, will commit to developing, preserving and promoting traditional and modern methods of education, which includes language, culture and traditional practices for our children, youth and Chiefs.
WE, the Chiefs of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations, will commit to setting aside all our cultural and personal conflicts and differences to stand united for the greater cause of securing a brighter future for all generations to come.
We, the Chiefs of BC Treaty 8 First Nations, acknowledge the original Accord that was drafted and agreed to in September 2003 is now being re-affirmed once again on June 21, 2006, the anniversary of our historical Treaty.
BY signature below, we, the Chiefs of the BC Treaty 8 First Nations, hereby declare to uphold and make oath to carry out these principles as directed by you, the Elders and People of Treaty No. 8.
ORIGINAL Signed on this day of June 21, 2006.
__________________________ __________________________
Chief Kelvin Davis Chief Sally Behn
Doig River First Nation Fort Nelson First Nation
__________________________ __________________________
Chief Gerry Hunter Chief Liza Wolf
Halfway River First Nation Prophet River First Nation
__________________________ __________________________
Chief Allan Apsassin Chief Roland Willson
Saulteau First Nation West Moberly First Nations
__________________________ __________________________
Elder Witness Elder Witness