West Moberly First Nations to Receive Crown Land Transfer

A proposal has emerged for the transfer of Crown land parcels to the **West Moberly First Nations** within the **Regional District of Fraser-Fort George**. This development was discussed during the district’s board meeting on **August 21, 2023**. A letter from **Naomi Saukila**, a senior resources coordination officer with British Columbia’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve historic land shortfalls for five Treaty 8 First Nations.

The letter, dated **May 16, 2023**, noted that the province and the federal government are working on land transfers to address a significant historical issue. The Treaty 8 First Nations, which include **Blueberry River, Doig River, Halfway River, Saulteau**, and **West Moberly**, did not receive the complete allotment of reserve land they were entitled to between **1900 and 1914** when the treaty was first signed in British Columbia. The treaty land entitlement (TLE) settlements aim to rectify these longstanding inequities.

In addition to the proposed land transfers, negotiations are ongoing between the First Nations and the province regarding compensation for the impacts of the **Site C hydroelectric dam**.

The parcels of land proposed for transfer to West Moberly include areas around **Kerry Lake**, situated north of **Prince George** on **Highway 97**, and the **Tacheeda Lakes** area, approximately **25 kilometres** east of Kerry Lake. Currently, West Moberly has a single reserve located at the western end of **Moberly Lake**, roughly halfway between **Hudson’s Hope** and **Chetwynd**.

During the meeting, the regional district’s chief administrative officer, **Chris Calder**, responded to Saukila’s letter on **August 8, 2023**. He confirmed that the **Fraser-Fort George** regional district and West Moberly First Nations have signed a memorandum of understanding. This agreement facilitates regular meetings between representatives of both parties to exchange information and build a mutual understanding of their respective needs and interests.

Calder mentioned that the lands in question fall under **Electoral Area G (Crooked River-Parsnip)**, but it is important to note that the regional district currently does not provide fire protection, sewer, or potable water services to these areas. He emphasized the necessity for discussions regarding the establishment of service agreements between West Moberly First Nations and the regional district, which would need to be ongoing and conducted early in the process.

This proposed transfer of land signifies a crucial step toward addressing historical grievances and fostering better relations between Indigenous peoples and local governance. The efforts to establish a service agreement will be essential in ensuring the effective management and provision of necessary services to the newly acquired lands.