The West Moberly First Nation has reached a partial settlement with the provincial government, federal government, and BC Hydro.
In 2018, the nation filed a claim saying the Site C project infringed on Treaty 8 rights. The parties have now agreed on a partial settlement.
BC Hydro and the province will pay the nation financial benefits and transfer some provincial Crown lands. West Moberly First Nation will also be awarded contracting opportunities.
The settlement between Canada and West Moberly First Nations includes an agreement settling the litigation claims against Canada related to the Site C project.
The remainder of the nation’s claim states other dams on the Peace River and their impacts also infringe on Treaty rights. However, the parties have agreed to pause the claim and discuss a resolution with the government confidentially.
In a statement, Chief Roland Willson said, “The decision to settle this part of the court case was taken with a heavy heart and with serious considerations of the best interests of our community. Our focus now turns towards efforts to heal what remains of our land, to heal our people, and to protect our way of life in the face of all the resource development in Treaty No. 8 territory.”
According to BC’s Energy Minister Bruce Ralston: “The agreements provide a way forward, built on respectful dialogue, that recognizes and helps to mitigate the impacts of the Site C project on West Moberly First Nations, while ensuring benefits from the project will flow to the West Moberly community.”
