Treaty negotiation in British Columbia, Canada: Oral history and its use as evidence in court

This study examines the legal claims to land by the Aboriginals in British Columbia, Canada. Presented is an overview of this land question based on selected historical documents, contemporary treaties, and current legal cases. Explored is the explanation as how First Nations People continue to be disadvantaged before the law. This analysis of the historical and contemporary status of First Nations People relies on legal historical analysis and postcolonial critiques of cultural exchanges and legal negotiations. A finding is that the current willingness to consider oral history, under certain stipulations, in the Canadian legal system may not result in legal satisfaction or legal compensation for First Nations People. In fact, many impediments exist in establishing oral history testimonies that may privilege Native peoples' legal rights to land. A compendium of oral historical data that would substantiate the Indian people's legal claims is not yet available.