The Okanagan Nation Alliance has filed a legal challenge against British Columbia

The Okanagan Nation Alliance has filed a legal challenge
against British Columbia and the British Columbia Treaty Process. It was sparked by B.C.’s decision to sign an Incremental Treaty Agreement with the Ktunaxa Nation Council to transfer 240-plus hectares of land without consulting ONA. The proposed land contains village site, hunting grounds and heritage sites of ONA and their members. “We offered the province a chance to rectify the situation through a process of collaborative, respectful engagement, but the province rejected this path,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. “Overriding our title and rights to enter into an agreement with another First Nation is no way to achieve reconciliation.” The ONA is made up of seven First Nations, including the Osoyoos Indian Band, the Penticton Band, and the Westbank First Nation, as well as the Colville Confederated Tribes of the United States.