Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Kukpi7 Judy Wilson of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs; Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the BC Assembly of First Nations; and Robert Phillips of the First Nations Summit have issued the following statement on the final day of the B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering in Vancouver on Coast Salish Territory:

A new government-to-government agreement between the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ) and the provincial government will help build healthy and prosperous First Nations communities, benefiting people in the Cariboo region.

Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Treaty Association, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia have signed an agreement that supports new and innovative approaches to modern treaty negotiations in B.C. and advances them to the final phase of treaty negotiations.

The Government of British Columbia and Blueberry River First Nations have agreed to further adjourn pending litigation until April 29, 2019, to allow for continued collaboration on addressing the effects of resource development in Blueberry River territory. 

New training programs created by the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council aim to help Indigenous health and wellness employees who experience emotional stress working on the frontlines.