Provincial government to host open house regarding West Moberly First Nations Treaty Entitlement Lands

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — An open house is scheduled for the weekend regarding treaty entitlement lands as it pertains to one northeast B.C. First Nation.

On Saturday, June 13th, the provincial government will host an event at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre in order to share details about the newest Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) package of transfer sections involving West Moberly First Nations (WMFN).

A TLE has its roots in the signing of Treaty 8, in which the Canadian Government allocated reserve land to the Treaty 8 Nations in British Columbia, on the foundation of a population-based formula.

First Nations in Treaty 8 territory did not receive the proper lands according to the treaty, prompting several communities – including Doig River First Nation, Blueberry River First Nations, Halfway River First Nation, WMFN and Saulteau First Nations – to file TLE claims with the provincial and federal governments for the lands owed to them.

The five First Nations signed an agreement of TLE claims with the collective government in 2023.

A press release from the province on Tuesday, June 9th, says the event is about “continued public engagement” about the TLEs, which it considers “essential for building awareness, strengthening relationships in the region and advancing reconciliation.”

The first set of new land selection, identified in the statement as Outstanding Lands Package 1, was WMFN identifying new parcels as part of their TLE agreements.

WMFN has identified 13 new parcels of land as part of its TLE agreement, including one in the Tumbler Ridge area.

Display boards, maps, background documents and staff will be on hand to provide information to the free, no-registration drop-in open house. A presentation will be provided at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 13th.

The open house is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 13th, at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre at 340 Front Street in Tumbler Ridge. 

Further information about TLE settlements can be found on the government of B.C.’s website about land transfers.