HEILTSUK LAND CLAIM NEGOTIATIONS

On April 12, 2001 the Heiltsuk Tribal Council officially withdrew from Land Claims Negotiations with the Federal and Provincial Governments.

This withdrawal by the Heiltsuk follows years of negotiations, which have cost the Heiltsuk three million, two hundred thousand dollars.

The funding approval for negotiations ended on April 2, 2001. The Heiltsuk Tribal Council will now consult with its tribal membership of 2000 for further instructions regarding participation in the Treaty process. However, the recent Corblere court decision requires nearly three months notification for referenda and therefore the Heiltsuk Tribal Council will delay a formal referendum until the fall of this year in order to comply with the legal requirements of Corblere and to allow off reserve Heiltsuk to vote at the same time as Heiltsuk residents in Waglisla, on the issue of Heiltsuk Title and Heiltsuk Ownership of its lands.

After analyzing previous land settlement offers to other First Nations, the Heiltsuk Tribal Council has serious concerns about the treaty process.

For additional information please contact the following: Heiltsuk Chief Councilor, Robert Germyn as (250) 957-2381, Heiltsuk Tribal Councilor William Gladstone as (255550) 957-2376 or Heiltsuk Tribal Councilor Cecil Reid as (250) 957-2600.