Clark says Supreme Court of Canada ruling on aboriginal title can’t be ignored

VANCOUVER – Premier Christy says ignoring a recent landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada on aboriginal title would put the future of the province in peril.

Clark opened a gathering of First Nations leaders and the B.C. cabinet by saying she wants to use the ruling to work together with aboriginals.

The high court released a decision in June that ruled in favour of B.C.'s Tsilhqot'in Nation, awarding aboriginal title to 1,750 kilometres of land in the remote Nemiah Valley near Williams Lake.

Some observers have suggested the ruling gives aboriginals massive powers when it comes to land use issues, especially resource development.

Clark told the chiefs she views the decision as a fork in the road that requires governments and First Nations to work to make the ruling work for everybody.

Clark signed a letter of understanding this week with the Tsilhqot'in to work together to implement the court ruling.