B.C. New Democrats twisted every arm, deployed every trick and burnt every bridge possible in order to get Bill 15 passed in the final hours of the spring session this week. But was it worth it?

It’s a question that may prove to haunt the NDP, once it finds itself on the receiving end of protests and legal challenges that could tie it up for years.

The First Nations Leadership Council on Thursday reiterated calls to fight the government at every step for ignoring consultation, setting up the prospect of a long, bitter fight that could spill over into any number of other issues in unexpected ways.

“Premier Eby and his government have chosen to ignore our voices, dismiss our rights and trample on the very reconciliation framework they helped create,” said BC Association of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee.

“The damage to our relationship will be profound and lasting. But First Nations do not have the luxury of walking away from this fight. Our ancestors demand that we continue to stand up for our rights and title, as our future generations depend on it.”

New Democrats showed no signs of worry about the consequences as they applauded themselves in the chamber late Wednesday night. They closed the session Thursday drunk on their own bathwater, unwilling or unable to see they had bungled the issue from start to finish.

The vote exposed how weak the governing party has become, after losing eight seats in the October election. It was essentially a........

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