Aboriginal Treaty-Negotiations Expert Calls for Action

In his new book, politician-come-mediator Tony Penikett outlines historical context of Aboriginal treaty making in North America and entreats government policy makers to change tactics.

Vancouver, British Columbia (PRWEB) September 6, 2006 -- Tony Penikett has been involved in aboriginal rights negotiations for more than twenty years. As a legislator, he was the Yukon Territory’s minister responsible for land-claims and self-government negotiations. He later led British Columbia’s Negotiations Project Team to establish a new model for treaties. In his new book, Reconciliation: First Nations Treaty Making in British Columbia (Douglas & McIntyre, $26.95 CND, paperback, ISBN 1-55365-179-0), Penikett shares his vast knowledge and experience, expresses his frustration toward government filibustering, reveals his compassion and ultimately suggests pathways to reconciling centuries-old injustices. Penikett says, “This book is a plea to both governments (federal and provincial) to look at what they have done, consider the human and financial costs, and change direction.”

Penikett outlines the history of treaty making in North America then focuses on negotiations in British Columbia, including the landmark Nisga’a Treaty, which was ratified in 1999. The close examination of negotiations in British Columbia gives the reader an understanding of the global implications of treaties established today. Penikett writes, “…the treaty challenge is not unique to Canada; throughout the world, tribal groups are fighting to defend their lands and ways of life. Given their political resolve and court precedents, Aboriginal people at treaty tables in B.C. may well shape the international debate about Aboriginal self-government in years to come.”

The final section of the book presents an argument for mediation and fast-track treaties. Once again, Penikett presents a passionate argument, “It’s not much of a stretch to connect the dots from the horrors of Haiti’s Port au Prince to the misery of Canada’s poorest community, Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where thousands of Aboriginal people reside. The issue of colonial deprivation is a deep wound in New World societies…. The sins of our forebears against indigenous nations demand a moral reckoning. The rule of law requires that the treaty makers address ancient grievances as current events.”

Tony Penikett, currently a Vancouver-based mediator, was deputy minister of negotiations for the British Columbia government and, later, deputy labour minister. A former Yukon premier, Penikett has been involved in Aboriginal rights negotiations for over twenty years. He also teaches courses in negotiations in Simon Fraser University’s Dialogue and Master of Public Policy programs.

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