SMITHERS,B.C. – Agriculture must continue to have a strong voice during land settlement negotiations, say members of the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association.
“The principle we cement into these treaties will define B.C.’s future landscape so it is essential we get it right,” said Duncan Barnett, who works part time for the association on land claim concerns.
Ranchers are worried about tenure on crown lands since most of that territory is under negotiation. The ranching community supports cash payouts so native bands can buy land or businesses.
Read Also
Pork sector targets sustainability
Manitoba Pork has a new guiding document, entitled Building a Sustainable Future, outlining its sustainability goals for the years to come.
Land banking is one concept being floated.
The provincial or federal governments could buy a piece of property from a willing seller and put it in a land claim bank. The land might be next to a reserve and could be used to expand the property.
Sales may have to be limited to specific circumstances so the present level of ranching activity is maintained.
Ranchers also noted disputes often arise over fencing and water delivery for those who live beside native lands.
Sometimes ranchers are hesitant to speak up for fear of losing more. The association’s native land claims committee wants to provide assistance to association members who encounter difficulty due to land claims or related issues.
Open the lines
To improve communication between government and agriculture, the committee wants to revive the network of cattle producers participating in one of 15 regional land claims advisory committees operating in the province.
They will also provide government with advice on provincial treaty negotiations.
Each treaty negotiation is expected to be unique regarding the land, resources, cash and self government.
“Many believe the current B.C. treaty process leaves some room for improvement,” said Duncan Barnett.
B.C. is involved in treaty negotiations with 43 native groups representing 123 of B.C.’s 197 bands, as well as the aboriginal people registered with the federal government.
There are almost 140,000 people of aboriginal ancestry registered in B.C.
