June 17, 2012 - 3:30 PM
POWELL RIVER, B.C. - The chief of a First Nation on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast says protesters have blocked members from casting ballots during a treaty-ratification vote.
Clint Williams of the Tla-amin (Sly-ah-mon) First Nation says between 200 and 250 people were expected to vote on the deal Saturday.
The treaty is expected to give the band about 8,322 hectares of land, nearly $30 million over 10 years, as well as self-government, economic development funding and resource revenue.
But Williams says a small group of protesters blocked the doors of the polling place with vehicles near the community of Powell River, B.C.
A group calling itself the Concerned Members of the Sliammon First Nation says the treaty process has had a negative effect on band members and still has unanswered questions.
B.C. Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Mary Polak says the province will work with the band and federal government to reschedule the vote.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012