Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) has withdrawn from the upcoming Asia Trade Mission, slated for June 2nd-6th, in response to the provincial government’s passage of Bills 14 and 15. The bills—Bill 14 (Renewable Energy Projects Act) and Bill 15 (Infrastructure Projects Act)—passed on May 28th despite strong opposition from First Nations, environmental groups, and municipalities. Teegee argues that the legislation violates the Province’s own Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which is meant to uphold Indigenous rights and titles.
Tegee’s withdrawal highlights the growing tension between Premier David Eby’s government and First Nations, particularly over the government’s push to promote resource development in the Indo-Pacific. While Japan is a major trade partner for B.C., Teegee maintains that any economic development involving First Nations territories must include meaningful participation from the nations whose lands are being impacted. The Regional Chief emphasized that First Nations cannot stand by while legislation undermines their rights, and they will continue advocating for the full implementation of the Declaration Act.
Despite his withdrawal from the mission, Teegee remains committed to future engagement with Japan and other key trading partners, with a focus on ensuring that First Nations are central to trade and investment discussions involving natural resources.
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