The Haisla Nation have joined the Coastal First Nations Reconciliation Protocol, a move that will create economic opportunities for the Haisla people and increase certainty over the coastal land base for the First Nation, industry and government.

Haisla's addition to the Coastal First Nations Reconciliation Protocol supports further opportunities in the Northwest. Applicants for tenures or permits will now have a clearer sense of how long it will take to review applications, to help them in their planning processes. For example, when a company is applying for permits for things like log storage facilities or forestry development plans, the protocol lays out timelines within which they can expect a decision from the First Nation, and what level of consultation is required.

Haisla will receive $30,000 per year for the next four years to develop additional capacity to address referrals from provincial agencies.

The Haisla Nation is working in partnership with the B.C. government and private industry regarding the proposed Kitimat liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, highlighted when Premier Christy Clark was joined by Haisla Chief Councillor Ellis Ross in September for the launch of the BC Jobs Plan which includes steps the Province will take to grow a viable LNG industry.

Haisla Nation is the seventh First Nation to sign the Reconciliation Protocol. Through the agreement Coastal First Nations participate in information sharing and recommendations related to resource and land-use, and revenue sharing, including the sharing of atmospheric benefits.

Quick Facts:

Haisla Nation is located at Kitamaat Village, 10 km south of Kitimat, at the head of the Douglas Channel on B.C.'s north coast.

The Coastal First Nations Reconciliation Protocol was originally signed in December 2009 by the Gitga'at First Nation, Heiltsuk Nation, Kitasoo Indian Band, Metlakatla First Nation and Wuikinuxv Nation. The Nuxalk Nation joined the protocol in December 2010.

Since the protocol was first signed, government and the signatory First Nations have partnered to:

• Complete construction on a new ferry terminal at Klemtu.
• Create recommendations for a regional clean energy action plan.
• Develop and implement a model for estimating atmospheric benefits related to coastal forests.
  
• Explore new tourism and forestry economic opportunities.
• Implement a governance forum to co-ordinate project work plans.
• Develop a consultation framework for land and natural resources.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Coastal First Nations Reconciliation Protocol and to see a copy of this agreement, please visit: http://www.newrelationship.gov.bc.ca/agreements_and_leg/reconciliation.html

For a photograph of Polak with the Chief Councillor and Deputy Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation, please visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/5979245593/in/set-72157626169219923

Media Contacts:

Maria Wilkie
Communications Director
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 953-3211
250 361-7720 (cell)

Ellis Ross
Chief Councillor
Haisla First Nation
250 639-9361