Vaughn Palmer: Negotiated deal with Blueberry First Nation was heralded as a milestone, but it's fallen apart and the chief was ousted

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VICTORIA — Premier David Eby earned accolades two years ago when he concluded a $350 million deal to settle litigation over treaty rights with the Blueberry River First Nations in northeastern B.C.

“I’ve always believed that negotiation, rather than litigation is the way forward for achieving reconciliation and strengthening vital government-to-government relationships,” said the premier by news release.

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The settlement package included $87.5 million in financial payments over three years to Blueberry River, on top of an earlier $65 million as a preliminary settlement.

The province provided a $200 million restoration fund to support “healing of the land” in Indigenous territory after “decades of industrial disturbance,” for forestry and natural gas development.

Plus, there were restrictions on future development, a joint approval process, commitments to wildlife co-management, and opportunities for Blueberry River to secure a share of future timber and natural gas revenues.

“I never dreamed of this moment,” said Chief Judy Desjarlais. “There is no longer business as usual when it comes to doing projected plans within our territory.”

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