July 22, 2025 – Williams Lake, BC
Tŝilhqot’in Remain Opposed to Bill C-5
The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) remains concerned following the passage of Bill C-5 and the Summit convened by Prime Minister Carney for First Nations last week. The Tŝilhqot’in remain firm that Bill C-5 threatens to erode Indigenous rights and weaken environmental protections under the guise of “national interest.”
The Bill creates a fast-tracked federal approval process that undermines constitutionally protected rights and the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous peoples. It fails to live up to the commitments made by Canada in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, including the right to free, prior and informed consent for activities which effect First Nations Territories. The Tŝilhqot’in Leadership did not attend the Summit in Ottawa last week due to concerns that this Summit would be considered consultation with the Nation.
“The Tŝilhqot’in Nation has never been shy to fight for the protection of our lands and waters, as witnessed by the sacrifices made by our War Chiefs in 1864 and the legal fight which secured Canada’s first declaration of Aboriginal Title from the Supreme Court of Canada in 2014. While we are keen to support economic opportunities which align with our values, we will not allow projects to proceed unless they have our free, prior and informed consent. Bill C-5 is not nation building. We call on Canada to repeal or amend Bill C-5 and create a path to economic certainty that doesn’t bulldoze Indigenous rights and consent.”
— Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Tribal Chief, Tŝilhqot’in National Government
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Links:
Opposition to Bill C-5 Statement
Contact:
Myanna Desaulniers
myanna@tsilhqotin.ca
250 305 7885
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