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.
The plan calls for an amalgamation of different communities, which could dramatically reduce the number of First Nations overall, and could change how they relate to each other and to the provincial government.
The state of Canada's aboriginals is often called Canada's silent shame
"[We're] trying to rectify a problem that started some 150 years ago," said Grand Chief Ed John of the First Nations Summit.
He's at the centre of the proposed legislation.
"This piece of legislation will turn this around to a point of respect and reconciliation. It will prove aboriginal right and title without having to go to court to prove it," he said.
The plan is to amalgamate more than 200 first nations into what could end up being as few as 25. Hot button issues like rights and title will be addressed as well.
This is about recognizing some obvious facts about the existence of people and indigenous nations, but it's also about crown title, private tenure and ensuring those are protected and recognized so we can both share in the benefits, says John.
B.C,'s Minister for Aboriginal Reconciliation says acknowledging past wrongs are at the centre of the government's approach to First Nations.
"The plight of aboriginals have been widely condemned, but this legislation aims to change all that by giving aboriginals more power over themselves," said Mike de Jong. "And with a provincial election looming there's a greater sense of urgency to get that legislation passed."
John agrees with the timeline.
"Legislative drafting. That's the next big step we have to take fairly quickly in this next sitting before this government's out," he said.
The government says it is working to finalize a document before the current legislative session ends -- and the election campaign begins.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Rob McKee.
