For Immediate Release

2006FOR0057-000705

May 31, 2006
Ministry of Forests and Range

KWANTLEN SIGN FIRST NEW FOREST AND RANGE AGREEMENT

LANGLEY - The Kwantlen First Nation will receive $433,000 and access to 26,000 cubic metres of timber under the province's first Forest and Range Opportunities Agreement, Minister of Forests and Range Rich Coleman announced today.

"This is another step forward in government's New Relationship with First Nations," said Coleman. "By working together, we've created a new agreement that entrenches the spirit of recognition and respect, and strives to make First Nations full partners in B.C.'s forest sector. I'm honoured to be signing the first agreement in Langley."

The new Forest and Range Opportunities Agreement is based on the same principles as previous forest and range agreements, and formally acknowledges the New Relationship between government and First Nations.

Timber access under the five-year Kwantlen agreement will be shared between a woodlot licence and a non-replaceable forest licence located within the Fraser Timber Supply Area.

"With this agreement, we'll be able to expand the Kwantlen First Nation's participation in the forest sector, and create jobs and training opportunities for our people" said Chief Marilyn Gabriel.

To date, the Ministry of Forests and Range has signed agreements with 106 First Nations, providing access to 17 million cubic metres of timber and sharing more than $120.5 million in revenue.

"This is an achievement for the Kwantlen First Nation and for government," said Tom Christensen, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. "Providing Forest and Range Opportunities for First Nations is a priority under the New Relationship."

The Kwantlen First Nation has 189 members on seven reserves in the Fraser Valley.

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Media

contact:
Max Cleeveley
Communications Director
Ministry of Forests and Range
250 387-8486

Tumia Knott
Councillor
Kwantlen First Nation
604 888-2488

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