The Guide Outfitters Association of B.C. is expressing frustration with the provincial government 10 years after the Tsilhqot’in declared title area decision.
Guide outfitters whose businesses have been impacted by the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision to give the Tsilhqot’in National Government jurisdiction over a large area of the Chilcotin Plateau said they were disappointed when the province rejected a compensation package for the business owners on June 21, 2024.
“The NDP’s reconciliation process is broken. It has been 10 excruciating years,” said Doug McMann, owner of Skinner Creek Hunts in the Chilcotin. “Despite the province signalling several times that they were going to help me, they have left me hanging.”
Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship said the Supreme Court judgment resulted in the first declaration of Aboriginal title in Canadian history, and the anniversary this week highlights the Tsilhqot’in Nation’s ongoing journey of self-determination and self-governance.
“But, it must be acknowledged that the way title was decided — through the courts —left many complex legal and practical questions unresolved,” noted Cullen.
“That’s exactly what we’ve been working to move out of the courts and sit-down together as neighbours, to address shared needs and come out stronger together. This work is challenging, but it’s so important to people, First Nations and businesses.”
While he said he could not comment on the specifics of the concerns around the Guide Territory Certificates while it is before the courts, he did say the province is continuing to work on supporting Tsilhqot’in acquisition of lands or businesses.
McMann said he does not have issue with the First Nations, but considers the problem a failure of the provincial government to address the situation being faced by the four guide outfitters and a rancher who lost access to land within the title area.
“I lose money every year,” he said, noting he has been trying to stay afloat until the issue gets settled.
McMann said he would like to prevent this from happening to other business owners as reconciliation and title decisions move forward across the country.
This week the Tsilhqot’in Nation has been hosting a celebration at Xeni Gwet’in with leaders and members to celebrate the landmark decision on Indigenous title.
