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HomeNewsBC grappling with new reality after Supreme Court's Tsilhqot'in Decision.

BC grappling with new reality after Supreme Court's Tsilhqot'in Decision.

The Director of Vancouver Island University’s Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation says it’s going to some time for people to grapple with what he calls the “new reality” ushered in by the Supreme Court’s Tsilhqot’in decision.

Speaking to a group of VIU students on Tuesday, White said the Supreme Court decision means consultations with First Nations need to be replaced by a framework of consent. He says the decision will have an impact on projects currently underway in BC.

White says the Supreme Court was clear about the need for the Crown and industry to seek the consent of First Nations now, even in areas where Aboriginal title hasn’t yet been established. Otherwise, they could be on the hook for damages down the road once title is established. He says companies like Kinder Morgan, which is dealing with protests against its Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, should heed the court’s warning.

White will be working with the BC Assembly of First Nations as it meets Wednesday, facilitating a discussion about developing a provincial strategy in light of the Tsilquot’in decision.

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