BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee pulled the pin on being part of a delegation during a 10-day trade mission to Asia that was being led by Premier David Eby.
Teegee made the decision to withdraw after controversial Bill’s 14 and 15 were force-fed through the legislature last week.
He told Vista Radio, Indigenous rights and title as well as the proper consultation with First Nations needs to be upheld on major projects, something that was not done by the NDP.
“Nothing short of amendments, major amendments or a full repeal of the legislation. Any discussion over the development of this legislation that will allow for First Nations to make decisions on their territories needs to occur.”
He added projects that have full Indigenous support won’t be a problem, it’s the ones that have opposition or a cause for pause that need be thought out a bit more.
“The expansion of Mount Polley, which the Xatśūll First Nation are very concerned about and I consider the disaster of 10 years ago of the breach of the tailings pond I think need to be better scrutinised.”
“This is one of those situations where really the relationship and the commitment to reconciliation is put into question. I am quite disappointed I cannot attend but I think its important to uphold our rights and title as First Nations.”
The trade mission will start in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, before continuing to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Seoul, South Korea.
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