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Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chiefs demand immediate halt to ratifying K’ómoks Treaty

Chiefs insist that Canada, British Columbia and K’ómoks First Nation engage in meaningful consultation before the treaty is ratified
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Gathering of Ligʷiłdaxʷ Hereditary Chiefs on March 4. They said they are standing united in opposition to the ratification of the K’ómoks Treaty. Back from left to right: Gigamae ƛakʷasǧəm, Fred Moon, Gigamae Yakawidi, Shawn Decaire, Gigamae Udzistalis, Johnathan Henderson, Gigamae Ha̱'tła las, Dean Drake, Gigamae P’aselath, Tony Roberts Jr., Gigamae Siwiti, Jake Smith, Gigamae Tsulxid, Max Chickite, Gigamae Munmunłie, Steven Dick, Gigamae P’asslath, Gary Johnson, Gigamae Weklakalas, Jim Henderson, Gigamae Qwumqwalath, Brody Naknakim, Josiah Naknakim, Wei Wai Kum Elected Chief Coun. Chris Roberts. Front left to right: Matriarchs: Dana Roberts, Nancy Henderson, and Dawn Duncan.

The Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chiefs are demanding an immediate halt to the K’ómoks Treaty ratification vote, calling it an "unlawful attempt to rewrite history and lay claim" to Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ lands and resources.

In a meeting held on March 4, the Chiefs said they requested an immediate suspension of the treaty's ratification vote, which was set for March 8. They called for Canada, British Columbia, and the K’ómoks First Nation to participate in meaningful consultations before proceeding with any additional actions.

READ MORE: Ratification vote of K'ómoks Treaty scheduled for March 8

“We’ve been increasingly frustrated with the lack of communication and adherence to protocol among K’ómoks hereditary and elected leadership,” said Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Hereditary Chief Gigamae ƛakʷasǧəm, Fred Moon, Walitsama in a March 5 media release. “If the signing of the K’ómoks Treaty moves forward without proper consultation, there will forever be a rift between our Nations – if you’re not with us, you’re against us.”

More to come ...

 



Robin Grant

About the Author: Robin Grant

I am deeply passionate about climate and environmental journalism, and I want to use my research skills to explore stories more thoroughly through public documents and access-to-information records.
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