Hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation have signed a memorandum of understanding with B.C. and Canada that sets the path for negotiations on legal recognition of their title to 22,000 square kilometres of traditional territory. Effective immediately, the MOU commits Canada and B.C. to recognize that rights and title are held by house groups within the Wet’suwet’en Nation, “under their system of governance.” The MOU signing comes 23 years after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on the Delgamuukw-Gisday’wa case brought forward by Gitxsan and Wet’suwe’ten hereditary chiefs who were seeking recognition of ownership and jurisdiction over their respective territories.
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