Why should treaty settlements include land?
Unlike other parts of Canada, very few historical treaties were signed in British Columbia. In recent times, the Canadian Constitution and legal decisions have recognized and protected a broader concept of Aboriginal rights. British Columbia, Canada and First Nations are attempting to define these rights through negotiations. For Aboriginal groups, hereditary title is the source of rights within their traditional territories. The land, sea and resources form the basis of the Aboriginal spiritual, philosophical and cultural views of the world. Aboriginal people have consistently stated that the stewardship of the land, sea and resources is a sacred trust that must be recognized for the benefit of future generations. Because of this, First Nations view land, sea and resources as fundamental components of modern treaties.
