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AGREEMENT SUPPORTS TREATY CERTAINTY FOR CLAYOQUOT SOUND
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UCLUELET – The Province and the Hawiih (Hereditary Chiefs) from five Nuu-chah-nulth Central Region First Nations have signed an interim measures extension agreement, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Tom Christensen announced today.
“The interim measures extension agreement supports our work as we advance towards final treaties, which will provide a clear picture for the management of the lands and resources for First Nations and other British Columbians,” said Christensen. “First Nations’ involvement is key to effectively managing such an important area on Vancouver Island.”
The Province provided $600,000 for the Central Region Chiefs’ Administration and the Central Region Board, a joint B.C./First Nations body, to manage the lands and resources of Clayoquot Sound. The board reviews resource development plans, applications, permits, decisions, reports or recommendations made by ministries, agencies or panels. The Hawiih of the Tla-o-qui-aht, Ahousaht, Hesquiaht, Toquaht and Ucluelet First Nations and the Province signed the first interim measures agreement in 1994.
“Clayoquot Sound is an internationally recognized biosphere reserve,” said Pat Bell, Minister of Agriculture and Lands. “The interim measures extension agreement demonstrates the longstanding commitment we have made to the First Nations and British Columbians to build certainty over lands and resources for Clayoquot Sound.”
“The Nuu-chah-nulth Central Region Chiefs welcome the New Relationship document and the Premier’s commitment to respect, recognition and reconciliation,” said A-in-chut (Shawn Atleo), Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations and Ahousaht Hereditary Chief. “This extension represents an acknowledgement of the title and rights that the Hawiih hold and demonstrates the willingness of the Central Region Chiefs to work with the government to pursue the bold vision as set out by the New Relationship.”
The Province is building a New Relationship with First Nations founded on the principles of mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation of Aboriginal rights. The goal is to ensure Aboriginal people share in the economic and social development of British Columbia, in line with government’s five great goals for a golden decade.
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Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation 250 387-1253 250 360-7538 (cell) |
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