Cash vs. Compensation
An important part of getting to 100% will be a cash settlement for lands not returned to Hul'qumi'num ownership. Cash will go toward rebuilding the cultural, social, and economic health of our communities.

It will help us to take control of our resources, establish viable livelihoods, revitalize our language and culture, and provide health care and other essential services to our people. Cash can also be used to acquire additional privately owned land, such as historically and spiritually significant sites.

Yet while cash for land is clearly on the table for negotiations, the federal government has to date refused to discuss the idea of compensation — or the inclusion of cash paid to First Nations people as reparation for losses suffered by the Hul'qumi'num Mustimuhw. Hul'qumi'num elders and our communities at large have clearly stated that compensation must be on the table. Innumerable economic losses have been suffered by our people due to land pre-emptions and the resulting lack of access to our resources and livelihoods. Further destruction was wrought on our culture and communities through the loss of our right to self govern, attempts at assimilation, and the residential school system.

Where we once enjoyed a vibrant and sustainable lifestyle, our communities continue to live largely in poverty. The median income for Hul'qumi'num people living on reserve is just $6,820 per year, barely a third of the 2001 provincial average. Clearly, the impacts on our lives due to the federal and provincial governments’ historic treatment of aboriginal people has resulted in significant monetary losses by our people. We are firm in our belief that compensation must be a part of the treaty process.

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