FAQ

We believe that self-government is the next step. Self-government means self-reliance and self-determination. For the longest time, we have been governed by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and the Department of Indian Affairs (DIA).

Neither the Shuswap, nor any First Nation in British Columbia was conquered. Because of the Royal Proclamation signed by King George III in 1763, a treaty has to be signed with First Nations before our land or rights are conquered. Whereas we have not been conquered via a treaty, our rights and title have also not been extinguished with time as confirmed by the Delgamuukw decision handed down in 1997 by the Supreme Court of Canada.

Land negotiations deal exclusively with Crown Lands, unless there is a willing seller and a willing buyer.

Absolutely not. First Nations will have access to hunt and fish as they have always done.

Absolutely not. First Nations are approximately 4% of the provincial population and yet reserves are a lowly 0.36% of the whole of British Columbia. Much of the land, as well, is not nearly as valuable as the land that was given to European settlers throughout the 19th century.

Over 50% of Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw members live off reserve and pay the same taxes as anyone else. Most on-reserve members live below the poverty line and could not pay much tax anyway.

Currently, Canada's position is that we will not pay taxes for the first 10 or more years and then, after that, we would be paying taxes. However, we are after full tax jurisdiction. If we are not able to negotiate full taxation authority, then we will want all taxes that we pay, including GST/PST and income tax, to be returned to our Northern Shuswap government so we decide what to do with it. The Northern Shuswap want full jurisdiction on property tax since we will be taking Crown lands as opposed to private property.

Going to court takes just as much time and money and possibly more of each. It is also more adversarial and the fate of our judgment lies in the hands of a judge. In treaty, the community makes the decision and controls their own fate. Also, it is a good way of educating the community members on the potential of section 35 aboriginal rights.

Northern Secwepemc to Qelmucw members pay mortgage and rent like everyone else. However, even if members receive a certificate of ownership from the band, banks will not recognize them as collateral when applying for a loan.

Treaty Related Measures are interim agreements made in treaty to move the process forward.

Yes. The Northern Shuswap Treaty Society holds usually session per month in the communities, where community members can partake as working group members.

The NStQ is paying for its own negotiations through BCTC loan dollars, where 20% of it is grant dollars.

This site was developed by Cary Morin (NSTS Public Relations/Communications Coordinator) with the assistance of Emoda Design. Any use of any materials from this site must be done with the expressed approval of the Northern Shuswap Treaty Society.

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