The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has taken up its second Native rights from Canada this year.

The commission, which is part of the Organization of American States, heard from the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group of British Columbia. The group represents six First Nations in treaty negotiations with the Canadian government.

The Hul'qumi'num want to address ancestral land that is now in private hands. The First Nations don't want to evict anyone but they want the government to consider the value of the lost property, which is now worth millions of dollars.

Canada, who will present its side of the case next month, is asking for the case to be dismissed. The government says the dispute should be resolved in its court system.

The commission, which is based in Washington, D.C., rejected a Mohawk man's claim earlier this year.

Get the Story:
B.C. natives take complaint to international group (The Globe and Mail 10/29)