B.C. and Blueberry River First Nation Advance Gundy High Value Protection Plan

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The provincial government and Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) announced the advancement of the Gundy High Value 1 plan on May 30th in a news release.

The announcement is the next step of the implementation agreement BRFN and the province signed in 2023 to protect treaty rights and support restoration and land protection measures in relation to industry.

According to BRFN Chief Judy Desjarlais, finding balance to sustain the land for future generations is critical toward reconciliation.

She says that the government has maintained it shared the First Nations’ vision to honour the land of BRFN’s ancestors.

“Responsible resource development has always been the vision to sustain our Nations while we carry on the legacy of our ancestors of ensuring our cultural and traditional values, most importantly our Treaty Rights, are held at their highest regard,” said Desjarlais.

The plan commits both parties to work toward effective and efficient ways to balance the interests of First Nations, the Province, and oil and gas tenure holders.

Under the plan, 68 percent of the land in BRFN’s territory will be protected from new industry projects. 

New requirements for oil and gas projects will also be implemented, with more input from Treaty 8 First Nations.

Other details include better protection and management of industry values for Treaty rights and providing frameworks and limits for potential industrial developments.

These measures will be implemented over the next three years, with reviews and oversight going forward.