National

B.C. To Address Supreme Court Ruling, Chiefs' Hangings: Premier Christy Clark

The Canadian Press Darpan, 05 Sep, 2014 10:53 AM

VANCOUVER - British Columbia's government says it is addressing a recent high court decision and a historic wrong dating back 150 years with the Tsilhqot'in (sill-KOH'-teen) First Nation in the province's Interior.

Premier Christy Clark and other provincial officials met this week with Tsilhqot'in national chiefs to address the Supreme Court of Canada decision granting title to 1,750 square kilometres of its territory.

The government also says plans are being made to redress the unjust hanging of six Tsilhqot'in chiefs during the Chilcotin (chill-COAT'-in) War in 1864.

The chiefs thought they were meeting for peace talks, but were instead arrested, tried for murder and then hanged, an action that tribal chairman Joe Alphonse says lead to a 150-year-old tumultuous relationship with government.

Alphonse says the meeting with the premier demonstrated that a different path is possible and he hopes it will set an example for the federal governments over First Nations' rights and interests.

Clark calls the discussions a good first step towards a stronger relationship with the nation, and the Supreme Court of Canada ruling shows the path forward must be taken in partnership, respect and recognition.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Canadian Soldier Grilled By Defence At Quebec Sex-Assault Court Martial

QUEBEC - A Canadian soldier has been accused of using a female subordinate as an "open bar" for his sexual gratification.

Canadian Soldier Grilled By Defence At Quebec Sex-Assault Court Martial

Speed up land claims disputes in the courts, aboriginal leader tells legal group

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The leader of an organization representing Labrador Inuit is challenging the legal community to speed up the process in which aboriginal land claims wind through the courts so that generations aren't left waiting for answers.

Speed up land claims disputes in the courts, aboriginal leader tells legal group

Canada Commits Cargo Planes To Ship Arms For Kurdish Fighters In Iraq

OTTAWA - Two of Canada's military cargo planes will soon be ferrying weapons to Kurdish forces in northern Iraq — and the Harper government sounds prepared to do even more to counter the "barbarous attacks" of hard-line Islamic militants.

Canada Commits Cargo Planes To Ship Arms For Kurdish Fighters In Iraq

Fourteen-year-old Cali Bruce aims for record in long-distance charity swim to P.E.I.

HALIFAX - Cali Bruce will use memories of a cousin who battled cancer to motivate her as she swims across the normally choppy waters of the Northumberland Strait on Sunday in what could be a record-breaking effort for the 14-year-old girl.

Fourteen-year-old Cali Bruce aims for record in long-distance charity swim to P.E.I.

Tests OK, But First Nation Wants Long-Term Studies Before Consuming Fish

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. - Tests on water and trout in the waterways around a tailings pond breach in B.C.'s Interior remain within guidelines, but local First Nations aren't convinced the disaster won't have lasting repercussions.

Tests OK, But First Nation Wants Long-Term Studies Before Consuming Fish

Protesters Interrupt John Baird's Speech In London, Ontario

LONDON, Ont. - Protesters who oppose Canada's position in the Israel-Palestinian conflict interrupted a speech Friday by Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird in London, Ont.