BC’s Attorney General Wally Oppal says we have to correct the injustices that have occurred with the native people of the province over the past 100 years.

Oppal, (shown at left with Chief Judith Sayers) was speaking to the 5^Th annual BC Resources Forum.  He says  1^st Nations people could not vote until 1960, he added that it does little good to put people in jail and then put them back there time and time again.

BC is leading Canada in its land claims settlement according to Oppal. “Premier Gordon Campbell has made a new connection with the natives of the province to reduce the conflict that has existed.” Oppal cited as an example of the new cooperation, the new trust fund for First Nations in the province. Most recently the fund provided money for the bands displaced by the flooding of Williston Lake.

Oppal’s presentation was followed by Chief Judith Sayers.  She told the gathering there are three treaties near completion, but another 200 to go.  “If you want to avoid a conflict that will stop your project in its tracks, talk with First Nations.”  She says the moment there is an idea, First Nations need to be consulted. “First Nations are not against development, we are against anything that will impact the environment, that will impact our traditional way of life.”

Sayers heaped praise on the Premier, saying “We have come a long distance, there is a long distance to go.”  She added “The new relationship is actually the old relationship one of respect and recognition.”

“All of us have got to change our attitudes” says Chief Sayers who finished her presentation saying “I believe First Nations are going to become economic powerhouses in B.C.  We would love to have you as partners.”