The people in BC appear not to want this agreement. There have been signs
posted in my neighbourhood to the effect that land claims should all be
stopped because "we" have already paid enough. It is therefore important
that everyone vocally supports this agreement because there is a lot of
adverse opinion to overcome. The BC Government is holding public meetings
and, if you are from BC, you can call 1-800-880-1022 to have your say.
Please do so.
There will be a BC election in the near future and to date the Liberal
leader is promising, as part of his campaign, to nix the deal. Legally,
this may not be possible. However, this will not stop the government from
ignoring the deal and forcing the Nisga'a back to the courts to have the
deal upheld. My understanding is that these negotiations were the result of
a Supreme Court of Canada 1977 decision. I foresee another Supreme Court of
Canada decision before the deal is actually effective.
Fiona Anderson (france@axionet.com)