The New Brunswick government and the Wolastoqey Nations of New Brunswick have met and agreed to reinstate previous existing tax agreements while new ones are negotiated.
It also comes as both sides pause litigation in the Aboriginal title claim in favour of negotiation outside the courts.
“The Chiefs reiterated that negotiation is their preferred way to respect their Rights and account for other interests,” the release from WNNB said. “The first step to rebuilding a trusting and transformative Nation-to-Nation relationship is sitting down at the table in a respectful, equitable, and solutions-oriented way. Today’s meeting is a good first step down a long journey of reconciliation.”
Tax agreements between the former Progressive Conservative government and Wolastoqey Nations were terminated.
“The agreements had been cancelled by the previous government without consultation or consideration for the needs of First Nations communities,” the release said. “Wolastoqey communities rely on this funding for healthcare, including in-home support for Elders, addictions supports, and topping up dentistry benefits. Revenue from tax agreements also supports community infrastructure such as paving roads, garbage collection, fire protection, and water and sewage treatment.”
In a release, the Department of Justice said a recent decision issued by the Court of King’s Bench “was helpful in reminding us that Aboriginal title is primarily about reconciliation.”
“The decision also emphasized that title claims are best discussed at the negotiation table versus a courtroom, which our government agrees with,” said Attorney General and Justice Minister Rob McKee in the release.
An Aboriginal title claim is a legal process by which Indigenous peoples assert their land rights to a specific territory.
There are currently two Aboriginal title claims in New Brunswick, one with the WNNB and the other with Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Incorporated (MTI).
According to the release, the Office of the Attorney General has asked lawyers representing the provincial government in cases involving questions of Aboriginal title or treaty rights to engage with lawyers on the opposing side to seek consent to pause all litigation between the two sides.
It will pursue the settlement of all claims, it said.
“Our government is committed to rebuilding relationships with First Nations based on a nation-to-nation relationship that establishes trust and a shared understanding of treaty obligations,” said Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson.
The government also reinstated the ability for province employees to use land acknowledgements at formal meetings, events, publications, and other government venues and settings.
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