First Nations leaders are reacting favorably to proposed legislation that would recognize aboriginal title and rights in British Columbia.

Unlike other provinces, B.C. failed to signed treaties with First Nations. Some agreements have been negotiated but the process is slow moving.

The proposed legislation could help resolve the process because it wouldn't require First Nations to prove their aboriginal rights and title. Native leaders said the bill was a step in the right direction.

"Certainly it's a far cry from where we were, when the notion was to exchange all of our titles for treaties," Guujaaw, the president of the Council of Haida Nation, told CBC News.

The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs supports the bill and the Assembly of First Nations said it could lead to positive changes throughout Canada. Native leaders who are attending the First Nations Summit in B.C. are expected to vote today on their endorsement.

Mike de Jong, the minister of Aboriginal Relations in B.C., presented the legislation at the summit.

Get the Story:
B.C. proposes aboriginal title and rights legislation (CBC 3/5)
B.C. moves to recognize First Nations rights (CP 3/5)