Hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en Nation have signed a memorandum of understanding with BC and Canada that sets the path for negotiations on legal recognition of their title to 22,000 square kilometres of traditional territory. The elected Wet’suwet’en leaders were not involved in the development or ratification of the MOU and are contemplating a legal challenge. The MOU hopes to sets out steps for preventing conflict over future resource development by recognizing the traditional Wet’suwet’en governance system that includes the hereditary chiefs. Earlier this year cross-country protests and rail blockades in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs held commuters and the goods movement hostage across Canada.
