B.C. introduces bill for First Nations land acquisition [Video]

First Nations leaders are applauding the provincial government for introducing changes to the Property Law Act that will allow the buying, holding and selling of property like any other British Columbian.

For the past 150 years, the law required complex legal manoeuvres like the formation of societies or proxies in order for First Nations to be involved in real estate transactions, including owning lands in their own territories.

“Many people in Canada do not know that First Nations could not own land in the province of British Columbia, it will come as a shock to many people,” said First Nations Summit executive, Hugh Braker, at a press conference discussing the tabled legislation. “It’s a relief that this government has seen fit to finally change and right this terrible wrong.”

Indigenous Relations Minister Murray Rankin introduced Bill 13 for first reading on Tuesday, and there was no audible opposition in the …