Why did Canada negotiate the Maa-nulth Final Agreement with the Maa-nulth First Nations?
The Canadian Constitution recognizes and affirms existing Aboriginal rights and title. However, in the absence of a treaty, there is uncertainty as to the nature, scope and content of those rights. Negotiations are a constructive way of addressing these issues and are preferable to litigation.A fundamental goal of the Maa-nulth Final Agreement is to achieve certainty. This means the ownership and use of lands and resources will be clear for all the parties, will create opportunities for the Maa-nulth First Nations and will result in predictability for continued development and growth in BC.The Maa-nulth Final Agreement will resolve long-standing issues regarding undefined Aboriginal rights and title, and bring certainty and economic benefits not only to Maa-nulth members, but also to BC and Canada as a whole.
