Ktunaxa Nation upset with Okanagan challenge of Incremental Treaty Agreement
By Contributor
In media release, the Ktunaxa Nation said it is disappointed with the recent filing of a lawsuit on behalf of the Okanagan Nation Alliance challenging an Incremental Treaty Agreement reached between the Ktunaxa Nation and the Province of British Columbia in March 2013.
Under the Incremental Treaty Agreement, approximately 242 hectares of land near Nakusp in the Arrow Lakes region will be transferred from the Province to the Ktunaxa Nation in advance of a final Treaty.
“The Ktunaxa Nation Council respects that the Okanagan do not wish to be part of the Treaty process,” said Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair.
“However, the Ktunaxa are making progress in Treaty negotiations and it is disappointing to have another Nation try to undermine our efforts.
“The Ktunaxa Nation will take appropriate steps to protect our rights and interests, but we would prefer to resolve these issues through discussion and dialogue.”
Teneese said this treaty is not about the Ktunaxa stepping outside our territory into Okanagan territory.
Teneese believes there is clear evidence of our people’s use and connection to the Arrow Lakes area, where these lands are located.
“We respect that Okanagan have a connection to this area as well. However, we cannot accept the viewpoint that Okanagan interests override Ktunaxa interests on this matter.”
The Ktunaxa Nation Council is currently reviewing the lawsuit to determine how its interests are affected.
