With the passing of federal legislation yesterday, the Yale First Nation has become the third First Nation to reach a final agreement under the B.C. treaty process.
The treaty includes 2,000 hectares of land near Chilliwack, $14 million in a one-time payout and annual funding of $1.25 million to the 150-member First Nation.
The agreement was reached over the vociferous objections of the neighbouring Sto:lo Nation, who are concerned they will lose access to rich fishing grounds. The Sto:lo announced today they will start a lawsuit in BC Supreme Court over fishing rights.
The Nisga’a First and Tsawwassen First Nations have also reached final treaty agreements with the Canadian government, in 2000 and 2007 respectively.
