Latest news with #selfGovernance
RNZ News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Progress reported out of Bougainville independence talks near Christchurch
The PNG government agreed to a Bougainville request for a moderator to be brought in to solve an impasse over the tabling of the region's independence referendum. Photo: 123RF / RNZ Pacific Reports in Papua New Guinea say the governments of Bougainville and PNG have agreed to table the 2019 independence referendum results in parliament. While talks are ongoing some degree of consensus has been reached during the talks, being held at Burnham Military Camp , just outside of Christchurch in New Zealand's South Island. The talks are not open to the media. 97.7 percent of Bougainvillians voted for independence in 2019. Former Bougainville president, John Momis, told delegates in Burnham to "take the bull by the horn" and confront the independence issue without further delay. Both governments have agreed to present three highly pivotal documents to the PNG National Parliament. Apart from the referendum results, there will be the moderator's report, and the parliamentary bipartisan committee's findings. The commitment was formally conveyed by PNG's Minister of Bougainville Affairs, Manaseh Makiba. The launch of the Bougainville Digital Democracy Project is about empowering our citizens, said Bougainville President Ishamel Toroama. 25 March 2025 Photo: Autonomous Bougainville Government Meanwhile, the ABG President Ishmael Toroama said Bougainville would not accept a governance model that did not grant sovereignty. This comes amid talk of other options, such as self-government in free association. To achieve membership of the United Nations sovereignty is needed. Writing in the Post Courier , journalist Gorethy Kenneth said the Bougainville national leaders, for the "first time have come out in aligning with the Bougainville team in New Zealand". She reported Police Minister and Bougainville regional MP Peter Tsiamalili Jr saying he was in a peculiar position but he represented the 97.7 percent who voted for independence and he would go with the wishes of his people. The ICT Minister, and South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu also said his one vote in Parliament would be for independence as far as his people are concerned. The PNG Government has spoken previously of fears that independence for Bougainville would encourage other provinces to seek autonomy. Provinces, such as New Ireland, have made no secret of their dissatisfaction with Port Moresby and desire to control more of their own affairs. But the Bougainville Minister of Independence Implementation, Ezekiel Massat, said Bougainville's status is constitutionally "ring-fenced" and cannot set a precedent for other provinces. He said "under the Bougainville Peace Agreement, independence is a compulsory option".
CBC
11-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Nisga'a Nation celebrates 25 years of self-governance under 1st modern-day treaty in B.C.
It's been 25 years since the first modern-day treaty in B.C. came into effect, releasing the Nisga'a Nation from the bounds of the Indian Act and allowing it to make its own decisions for its land and people. Brought into force on May 11, 2000, the landmark Nisga'a Treaty has been seen by many as a major milestone on the path to reconciliation in B.C. It was also the first treaty in Canada to directly recognize a First Nation's inherent right to self-government. Andrew Robinson, CEO of the Nisga'a Lisims government, remembers that May day as one of joy and celebration. "Our nation gathered together and sang a song that the Nisga'a canoe has landed," he told On The Coast host Gloria Makarenko. "[It] was fitting for that moment in time to pay respect and homage to all of those that spent 113 years fighting for our right to self-governance — hence the number of the Nisga'a Highway that our treaty partners, British Columbia and Canada, had agreed to: Highway 113." WATCH | The day the Nisga'a Treaty came into effect: Nisga'a Nation makes history with treaty vote 7 years ago Duration 3:03 Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Gary Anandasangaree said in a news release Friday that "this milestone represents not only the strength and vision of Nisga'a leadership but also the lasting impact of treaty partnerships rooted in respect, recognition and self-determination." Impact of the treaty, 25 years later The treaty included land title to about 2,000 square kilometers of land in B.C.'s Nass Valley, northwest of Terrace, and almost $200 million in compensation. It also opened the door to joint economic initiatives and development between the nation and the province. Robinson says if the impact were calculated, it would probably amount to billions of dollars contributed to the local, national and global economies. The nation created Canada's first Indigenous-owned mining royalty company, which brings together various Indigenous communities and investors. They're also one of three partners on the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG project. Beyond control of their own land and resources, the treaty also allowed the nation to run their own schools and health services. And, it freed them from the rules of the Indian Act. Robinson says many young people in their community today have never experienced life under the Indian Act. "They only know what Nisga'a Lisims government is, the government for their people," he said. Self-governance provides certainty Robinson says the treaty has provided certainty and clarity for their nation, but also for others. "We're making the nation and making the region stronger," he said. "It doesn't only provide certainty to British Columbians and Canadians, it provides certainty to the global community that the relationship is actually healing through these self-government agreements." B.C. Premier David Eby said in a news release Friday that the treaty marked a turning point in B.C.'s history, calling it a foundational, future-forward document. "Reflecting on the past 25 years, we have achieved so much as treaty partners, and we will continue working collaboratively to realize our goals with the treaty as our guide — partnerships are the path to progress," he said. "I thank the Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government for their leadership and congratulate all Nisg̱a'a citizens on this anniversary." Robinson says the economic, social development and educational opportunities provided through self-governance have made space for a clear path forward, and helped maintain relationships between the Nisga'a Nation and the neighbouring communities of Terrace, Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Smithers.
