PM vows Nisga'a treaty will go through

Prime Minister Jean Chretien visited the Nisga'a territory in British Columbia Saturday to show support for the Nisga'a treaty.

The treaty will be debated this fall in the House of Commons. Chretien pledged his support for the treaty, calling it "a fair and affordable settlement that reconciles the needs and interests of all parties."

The Nisga'a, original inhabitants of the Nass River Valley of northwestern B.C., have been petitioning for aboriginal title to their land for more than 100 years.

The treaty gives the Nisga'a rights to 2,000 square kilometres of land in the lower Nass Valley, as well as limited self-government and extensive fishing and logging rights.

The Nisga'a, who number about 6,000, will also receive about $340 million for surrendering all land claims.

Former B.C premier Glen Clark was instrumental in pushing for the treaty. Clark resigned Saturday after it was revealed he is at the centre of a criminal investigation.