Williams Lake Indian Band members will return to the polls Thursday, April 28, for a re-vote on a treaty agreement-in-principle.
The re-vote comes after voting was interrupted at Sugar Cane First Nation on Feb. 11 by protestors opposed to the treaty.
Voting held for membership of Soda Creek (Xat’sull), Canim Lake (Tsq’escen’) and Canoe Creek/Dog Creek (Stswecem’c/Xgat’tem) that same day was not interrupted and each community voted in favour of moving forward into Final Negotiations - Stage Five of the six-stage treaty process.
“NStQ treaty team staff and our four community councils have worked diligently for 20-plus years on treaty negotiations,” said WLIB Chief Ann Louie in a press release. “This has benefitted all of our NStQ communities in many ways, mainly in the natural resource departments.”
During the annual NStQ citizens’ assembly held for two days in Williams Lake last week, leadership heard about the impacts members continue to face under the “colonial” Indian Act, Louie said.
“I heard nothing positive about people continuing to be governed under this archaic Act,” Louie said, noting it is clear that the status-quo is no longer acceptable.
Eligible Williams Lake Indian band members 18 years of age and older will vote on whether they support the recommendation of the NStQ Leadership Council to proceed to final agreement negotiations.
Louie said the WLIB council is requesting the support of its membership to get out and vote to help move into Stage 5, joining the other three communities who have voted to continue in treaty negotiations.
The polling station will be in the Elizabeth Grouse Gymnasium at Sugar Cane, Thursday April 28, open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
“RCMP and security personnel will be in place to assure a safe, respectful voting environment for all membership to cast their ballots,” NStQ communications manager Brad McGuire said.
It is anticipated the results will be released the next day.