PRRD addresses B.C. Ministry’s lack of communication with First Nations

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Representatives of the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources gave an overdue presentation to the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), providing an overview of ongoing programs. 

At the Board’s June 20th meeting, director Dan Rose commented that their visit is long overdue, noting their absence from providing information to the board for years. 

“It has to be meaningful and not an afterthought, and right now, it feels like an afterthought,” said Rose. 

Mayor Allen Courtoreille of Chetwynd said the public consultation on the ministry’s most provincial park expansion has been non-existent.

Courtoreille also said Chetwynd will not benefit economically and will likely experience an economic downturn in the area. 

“Calling me a stakeholder, that’s BS,” said Courtoreille. 

“The last time they went through this, we really got put out on a limb, and we were chastised for it.”

The Land Use Planning and Cumulative Effects (LUPCE) Division is responsible for implementing commitment agreements with Blueberry River and Treaty 8 First Nations.

Kelly Cook, Director of Resource and Stewardship Management in the Northeast region, says they have two agreements of interest with the First Nations in the region: the Gundy Agreement and the Cumulative Effects Legal order.

The Gundy Plan is an agreement through the Blueberry River implementation agreement to work together with the province to find effective ways to balance the interests of the nations, provinces, and petroleum and natural gas tenure holders. It recognizes that a sustainable environment, robust cultural values, and a vibrant local economy are essential for individual and community well-being.

“The Gundy Plan is in place for three years and will protect over 68 per cent of the planned area from new disturbance from oil and gas activity,” said Cook.

The Cumulative effects legal order directs provincial decision-makers to prepare a written record identifying an activity’s impacts on treaty rights under Treaty 8 and the measures that might be taken to avoid or mitigate those impacts.

Director Danielle Veach says this is creating racism and hate towards the Indigenous people, and more consultation is needed. 

“It’s actually creating more anger, hate and racism within the area, you announce these things, and you go back to your offices,” said Veach

PRRD Chair Brad Sperling advised the representatives to conduct more consultations with stakeholders on the park project and provide more information on the Gundy Plan.