FORT ST. JOHN -- The Blueberry River First Nation is seeking a general support letter from the PRRD for two parcels of land in Charlie Lake.

This crown land is in the process of being converted into reserve land.

The Blueberry River First Nation (BFRN) is requesting a General Letter of Support from the PRRD, which was discussed at a regional board meeting on August 15th.

The PRRD approving the request, a component of completing the land transfer from the federal government to the BFRN. 

“BRFN is currently near the end stage of this process for its Charlie Lake land selections, which has involved the completion of environmental assessments, legal surveys, consultation, and other requirements as per Federal policy,” read the request.

The two parcels of land, totaling 670 acres, are located approximately 16 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John.

“Once the lands of transitioned to BRFN reserve lands, BRFN will initiate a planning process to determine future land use and development opportunities that includes collaboration with the PRRD as part of the planning process.”

A settlement established in 2023 involves four other local First Nations groups and follows negotiations with the province and the Government of Canada that began in 2015.

A presentation of the BRFN’s Gundy Plan, which aims to protect their Treaty 8 rights by restoring high-value areas, managing wildlife, and setting land disturbance caps for oil and gas production, was also given at Thursday's meeting. 

Correction:

This story has been updated to reflect the most current information.

  • The word 'acquire' has been removed.
  • The word ‘general’ has also been added to 'letter of support' as the process is part of additions-to-reserve process required to complete the land transfer between the federal government and the BRFN.
  • An amount listed of $65-million  and 'land entitlement settlement' have also been removed as the context was deemed inaccurate.