Blueberry River First Nations launches campaign to educate public about provincial agreement

BUICK, B.C. — Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) is offering a chance for the general public to know more about its agreement with the provincial government back in 2023.

According to a press release, the campaign, entitled ‘Where Happiness Dwells,’ is designed to provide more information about the Implementation Agreement, which includes videos, a timeline and frequently asked questions.

In 2021, the province’s Supreme Court determined B.C.’s government had infringed on BRFN’s Treaty 8 rights by failing to account for the cumulative impacts of issuing permits for development on the Nations’ territory.

The court directed both parties to work on a path forward that would look at cumulative effects and respect BRFN’s rights. The Implementation Agreement was signed in January 2023.

BRFN councillor Shelley Gauthier said the campaign’s purpose is to “provide facts about what the Implementation Agreement means for everyone in northeast B.C. and beyond.”

“This joint approach to land and resource management addresses the cumulative impacts to the land, and ensures the protection of Blueberry’s treaty rights now and for future generations,” said Gauthier in a statement.

“Together, Blueberry, B.C. and industry are working together to build a positive future for everyone in the northeast.”

Full details about the ‘Where Happiness Dwells’ campaign can be found on its website.