Eligible voters in the Kitselas First Nation are casting their ballots on whether to ratify the Kitselas Treaty and self-government Constitution. While voting has already been underway online and via mail-in ballots, in-person voting will take place on April 10, 2025.
This treaty, initialed in June 2024 by the Kitselas First Nation, the Government of Canada, and the Government of British Columbia, marks a major milestone after years of negotiation. The treaty’s legal and technical review concluded in January 2025, leading to the ratification version of the agreement. For the treaty and constitution to be ratified, more than 50% of eligible voters must vote, with over 50% of those voters in favor.
Should the vote pass, the treaty will undergo additional approval processes in both B.C. and Canada, with legislation expected to pass by 2028. The treaty would recognize and protect Aboriginal rights for Kitselas, formalize self-governance, and outline land and resource management responsibilities. If ratified, the treaty would also respect the rights of neighboring First Nations and establish co-management opportunities.
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