Speech to the British Columbia legislature, December 2, 1998

Abstract

Today marks a turning point in the history of British Columbia. Today, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people are coming together to decide the future of this province. I am talking about the Nisga'a treaty a triumph for all British Columbians and a beacon of hope for Aboriginal people around the world. A triumph, I believe, which proves to the world that reasonable people can sit down and settle historical wrongs. It proves that a modern society can correct the mistakes of the past. As British Columbians, as Canadians, we should all be very proud. A triumph because, under the treaty, the Nisga'a people will join Canada and British Columbia as free citizens full and equal participants in the social, economic, and political life of this province, of this country. A triumph because, under the treaty, we will no longer be wards of the state, no longer beggars in our own lands. A triumph because, under the treaty, we will collectively own