Dates set for Lheidli T’enneh treaty vote

The Lheidli T’enneh First Nation have set a series of dates to vote on treaty ratification.

Votes will take place in Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Prince George;

Oct 15th, 2016 — Vancouver Native Friendship Centre –1607 E Hastings St. Vancouver
Oct 18th, 2016 — Crest Hotel –221 1st Ave W. Prince Rupert
Oct 21st, 2016 — Lheidli Tenneh Administration Office –1041 Whenun Rd Prince George
Oct 22nd, 2016 — Coast Inn of the North –770 Brunswick St. Prince George

A posting on the Lheidli T’enneh website says mail in ballots will also be accepted, and that mobile polls “will be conducted on an as needed basis.” The final count of the votes will take place following the final day of voting on October 22nd.

The Tla’amin Nation near Powell River will be enacting their treaty on April 5th, and Minister of Aboriginal Relations John Rustad is hoping for a similar outcome for the Lheidli.

“They will now be able to enter into self governance, have the ability to create their owns laws governing their land and people, raising taxes and developing various entrepreneurial and economic activities they want to do.”

This will be the First Nation’s second attempt at treaty ratification, the first was rejected in 2007.