The Province is providing Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs with $7.22 million to support work to implement Wet’suwet’en title and rights. The funding will be used to support Wet’suwet’en governance, engage in unity-building activities and facilitate ongoing discussions related to the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The three-year funding commitment will support the Wet’suwet’en in their work on governance and the shared goal of reunification within Wet’suwet’en Nation. The Office of the Wet’suwet’en, Houses and Clans will undertake an internal engagement process to advance unity-building, which will be inclusive of all Wet’suwet’en House members.
The new provincial funding will also support more resources for Wet’suwet’en Nation to revitalize Wet’suwet’en governance structures for water stewardship, wildlife programs, eco-system monitoring and other initiatives to enhance collaborative stewardship and management of land and resources in the Yintah (Wet’suwet’en territory).
In support of meaningful reconciliation, the goal in reaching out to neighbouring communities, interested parties and stakeholders is to build understanding of the Wet’suwet’en distinct relations to the Yintah. This includes how implementation of Wet’suwet’en title and rights contributes to a vibrant economy and strong local relationships that will benefit the entire region. There is also ongoing work within the provincial government to support reconciliation and recognition of Wet’suwet’en title and rights.