VICTORIA — A coalition of First Nations say they are prepared to block major projects and take legal actions if British Columbia does not pause two treaties to resolve overlapping territorial claims.

Politicians in Victoria are debating legislation to implement treaties with Kitselas First Nation in northwestern B.C., and the K’omoks First Nations on Vancouver Island, but both agreements face opposition from neighbouring First Nations.

Representatives from the Nine Allied Tribes, the Lax Kw’alaams Band near Terrace, and the Wei Wai Kum First Nation on Vancouver Island say government has not consulted with them about the agreements.

Don Wesley of the Nine Allied Tribes says affected First Nations will “shut down the corridors that feed the Port of Prince Rupert” and close Highway 16, if the government does not take action.

Garry Reece, elected mayor of the Lax Kw’alaams First Nation, says he does not oppose the treaty process, but he can’t agree with an agreement that reaches into their territory.

Spencer Chandra Herbert, B.C.’s minister of Indigenous relations, says the issue of overlapping claims is not new and he encourages all sides to have further conversations to resolve their issues.

Chris Roberts, elected chief councillor of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation, says the government should pause the K’omoks Treaty Act for at least six months to give his nation a chance to resolve its concerns.

Roberts says the treaty with the K’omoks creates the opposite of certainty and his people are “growing restless and concerned about the future.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 21, 2026.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press