For Immediate Release 2012ARR0014-000869 June 16, 2012

Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

 

 

Statement by Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
regarding Tla’amin treaty vote

 

VICTORIA – Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak released the following statement today in response to the postponement of the Tla’amin Nation treaty ratification vote:

 

“On Saturday, June 16, the democratic rights of several hundred First Nations people were trampled upon. A small group of individuals, without provocation, physically blocked a community polling station and prevented Canadian citizens from exercising their right to vote.

 

“After more than a decade of intense negotiations, the Tla’amin people were to vote on their treaty with Canada and British Columbia. But they did not get that opportunity.

 

“Tla’amin Nation members must be able to exercise their right to make their own choice on this important matter.

 

“This is not a First Nations issue. This is about democracy. Voting is a fundamental right of every Canadian. As the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, I am extremely disappointed the community was not allowed to express its wishes regarding this treaty. However, the far greater issue is that the basic right to vote, that all Canadians possess, was denied today.

 

“All Canadians should be concerned about this direct attack on one of our most fundamental rights.

 

“The British Columbia government has been working with the Tla’amin Nation since 1994 to negotiate this treaty. It is deeply regrettable that this theft of democratic rights happened in plain view of authorities, who took no conclusive actions.

 

“In Canada, self determination has and always will be obtained through the ballot box – not through intimidation.

 

“We remain steadfastly supportive of the process we have initiated with the Tla’amin Nation, Chief Clint Williams and his community. British Columbia will work with the Tla’amin Nation and Canada to reschedule the vote that was postponed today, and will work with the parties and the RCMP to prevent a repeat of today’s affront to Canadians’ democratic rights.”

 

For more information on treaties in B.C., visit: http://www.treaties.gov.bc.ca/

 

 

Contact:

Robin Platts Manager of Communications Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation 250 387-1204 250 213-6451 (cell)

 

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect