BC Treaty Bills Ignite Firestorm Over Broken Promises and Land Claims

VICTORIA, BC – May 21, 2026 – British Columbia's path to reconciliation faces a critical stress test as a powerful alliance of First Nations makes a last-ditch call for Premier David Eby's government to pause two contentious treaty bills, warning of “irreparable damage” and severe economic consequences if their concerns are ignored. The Wei Wai Kum First Nation (WWK), the Nine Allied Tribes (NAT), and the Lax Kw'alaams Band (LKB) accuse the province of breaking promises and ramming through legislation that they say is built on flawed territorial claims, setting a dangerous precedent for all Indigenous peoples in BC.

The conflict escalated on the evening of May 19, when the provincial government, with no advance notice to the opposing nations, quietly moved Bill 20, the K'ómoks Treaty Act, to a second reading in the legislature. This move came despite what the allied nations describe as weeks of good-faith discussions and a formal proposal to resolve the deep-seated boundary disputes at the heart of the issue.

A Crisis of Trust

Leaders of the alliance have expressed shock and dismay at the government's actions, which they see as a profound betrayal of trust. The core of the dispute lies with Bill 20 and Bill 21 (the Kitselas Treaty Act), which the allied nations argue allow the K'ómoks and Kitselas First Nations to make “grossly over-claimed” territorial assertions at the expense of their neighbors. The bills also allegedly remove key protections for overlapping territories that have been standard in other modern treaties.

“It is very disturbing to see this Government breaking promises and flip-flopping on such serious issues,” stated Wei Wai Kum Elected Chief Chris Roberts. “Reconciliation and getting things right on Treaties is one of the most important issues for the future of our Province and Nations. These matters call for honour, transparency, predictability and commitment.”

According to the allied nations, they had presented the Premier and a government Minister with a detailed, constructive proposal for an all-party facilitated dispute resolution process rooted in Indigenous Law. They claim the Minister promised a response by May 19, but instead of receiving an answer, they witnessed the K'ómoks bill advance legislatively.

“We have gone above and beyond to help the Government fix problems that they have created,” Chief Roberts continued. “All we are asking for is a pause in the ratification process and a commitment from the Government to participate. It is mind-boggling that B.C. would ignore this opportunity, continually break its promises, and blindly plow ahead with ratification of these Bills.”

A 'Dangerous Precedent' for All Nations

The alliance insists that the implications of this conflict extend far beyond the specific boundaries of the K'ómoks and Kitselas treaties. They warn that the province's approach could destabilize inter-Nation relations and undermine the entire treaty process across British Columbia.

“We stand together because what is happening here goes beyond any one treaty bill,” said Mayor Garry Reece of the Lax Kw'alaams Band. “If governments move legislation forward while overlap and consultation concerns remain unresolved, it sets a dangerous precedent for Nations across British Columbia. Our consistent ask has been for processes that bring Nations together instead of driving them apart.”

The sentiment is echoed by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), which has thrown its support behind the allied nations. In a powerful statement, UBCIC called the government's actions “irresponsible,” warning that they will be challenged. “Advancing treaty legislation with unresolved boundary issues is irresponsible and will be challenged,” stated Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President. “This approach is not aligned with the Province's commitments to support Nation-led work to address territorial overlaps.” Other nations, including the Haisla and Gitxaala, have also voiced concerns about the process, highlighting a growing chorus of opposition.

Decades of Work and a Different View

From the perspective of the K'ómoks and Kitselas First Nations, the treaty bills represent a historic victory and the culmination of more than three decades of painstaking negotiations. Both nations held successful ratification votes in 2025, with K'ómoks members voting 81% in favour and Kitselas members voting over 85% in favour. For them, these treaties are “Living Agreements” that finally recognize their inherent rights to self-governance and provide a pathway to economic prosperity and cultural revitalization.

K'ómoks Chief Nicole Rempel has pushed back against the allegations, stating there are “several inaccuracies” in the opposition’s claims. She has argued that the treaty land package is small—less than one percent of the territory claimed by Wei Wai Kum—and that the agreement explicitly states it does not extinguish the rights of neighboring First Nations. Similarly, Kitselas leadership has opposed any pause, arguing it would not solve decades-old conflicts and would likely lead to litigation.

The provincial government, for its part, has framed the treaties as a landmark achievement for reconciliation. Premier David Eby has celebrated the bills as creating “opportunities, jobs, prosperity, and certainty.” While acknowledging that territorial overlaps are a difficult and slow part of the process, the government’s actions suggest a strategy of advancing the legislation while encouraging the nations to continue dialogue. Spencer Chandra Herbert, B.C.'s Minister of Indigenous Relations, has encouraged all sides to engage in further conversations, noting some are ongoing.

Economic Tremors and a Closing Window

Beyond the principles of reconciliation and Indigenous law, the allied nations are sounding the alarm over tangible economic risks. They warn that proceeding with the flawed treaties could disrupt major infrastructure and deter investment, creating widespread uncertainty. Potential impacts could affect the Island Highway, critical marine transportation corridors, and the Island's power grid—all essential economic drivers for the province.

Mayor Reece noted that major projects on the North Coast, including the expansion of the Port of Prince Rupert and proposed LNG developments, could be jeopardized if the government allows what they see as infringements on their territory. The allied nations affirm their support for the K'ómoks and Kitselas in their pursuit of self-determination, but not, they say, at the expense of other First Nations, regional economic stability, or the public interest.

As the bills continue their path through the legislature, the window for a mediated solution appears to be rapidly closing. The Wei Wai Kum, Nine Allied Tribes, and Lax Kw'alaams Band are calling on all MLAs to choose dialogue over division. Yet, they are also preparing for the alternative. “We have our legal actions ready if necessary,” Chief Roberts warned, adding that his ability to convince his hereditary chiefs and members to stick with diplomacy is at serious risk. The opportunity to get this right still exists, but the path forward remains fraught with division and uncertainty.