Amalgamation of B.C.'s native communities on hold

The B.C. government and native leaders have issued a statement saying the Recognition and Reconciliation Act will be put on hold until after the May 12th provincial election.

The proposed legislation is part of an effort by the province to redraw the aboriginal map of British Columbia through sweeping legislation.

It would amalgamate First Nations, reducing their official number from more than 200 to fewer than 25.

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  Grand Chief Ed John of the First Nations Summit. B.C,'s aboriginals are diverse -- as evidenced by the fact that more than 200 different First Nation communities exist in our province. But that number could soon change if a proposed agreement becomes reality. March 8, 2009.

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  B.C. Minister for Aboriginal Reconciliation Mike de Jong. B.C.'s aboriginals are diverse -- as evidenced by the fact that more than 200 different First Nation communities exist in our province. But that number could soon change if a proposed agreement becomes reality. March 8, 2009.