Cheslatta Carrier First Nation sign reconciliation agreement with province

The Cheslatta Carrier First Nation signed a reconciliation and settlement framework with the B.C. government on Monday afternoon.

CheslattaCarrier was removed from their traditional territory over 60 years ago to make way for the Kenney Dam, a dam that powers Rio Tinto Alcan's Kitimat smelter operations.

The flooding of their traditional territory by the dam has resulted in the destruction of sites of cultural significance, including graves.

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According to the province, the agreement will serve as a framework for further negotiations on specific benefits for the First Nation.

"The recognition and willingness of the provincial government to resolve this ongoing issue between the Cheslatta t'en and B.C. gives me confidence that, as a community leader, I can move my people forward with dignity toward a long term resolution," Chief Corrina Leween was quoted as saying in a press release.

"I'm excited, emotional and pleased and I believe this agreement will be positive for the Cheslatta community, as well as, for neighbouring First Nations, our local community and the Region as a whole."

In 2015, flooding which was blamed on dam operations caused human remains to be pulled out of graveyards and wash up along the Cheslatta River.

The province estimates that over the past 63 years, over 60 graves of the First Nation have been destroyed by the dam.

According to the province, the deal could lead to:

• Cultural, heritage and training initiatives for First Nation members
• A land package that may include Crown land, resource-use tenures, land designations (such as nature preserves) and funding to purchase private land
• "Discussion and development of collaborative management arrangements for protected areas"
• Power for a Cheslatta industrial area and a role for Cheslatta in managing the Nechako Reservoir
• Financial payments to the First Nation