Lheidli T'enneh Treaty Detailed

By 250 News

The land component, dollars and taxes are key components of the now initialed Lheidli T'enneh Treaty.  The three components are also contentious.

An all day forum at the Civic Centre in Prince George today brought together the Treaty Negotiators, Grand Chief Stewart Philip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs; Regional Chief Shawn Atleo of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations,  and Grand Chief Ed John member of the Summit Task Force, to sit on a panel to discuss the treaty process in general, the Lheidli T'enneh treaty in particular.

It is clear the ratification of the Lheidli T'enneh treaty is not a done deal.  There are some who attended who  told the panel the land base isn't enough, the dollar figure isn't sustainable and the tax status  should have been negotiated.   Under the treaty, Lheidli T'enneh will  give up their tax exempt status 12 years after the treaty is ratified. 

The City of Prince George is expected to  finalize its Comprehensive Master Agreement with the Lheidli T'enneh before the end of this year,  and the Regional District is likely to do the same early in the new year.  That Master agreement will harmonize  bylaws, land use planning and service delivery  on Lheidli T'enneh lands that fall within the borders of the City of Prince George or the Regional District.

The Lheidli T'enneh Treaty ratification vote is set for January.  If not ratified (the band  has set a 70% approval mark) the treaty dies on the table.

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