An economic development agreement signed today between the Province and Nak'azdli First Nation supports economic opportunity and provides greater certainty for the Mount Milligan Mine project over the life of its operation.

Among the benefits Nak'azdli First Nation will receive as a result of the agreement is a share of the mineral tax on the Mount Milligan Mine, representing what is expected to be approximately $24 million over the life of the mine.

Economic and Community Development Agreements (ECDA) between the Province and impacted First Nations provide for the creation of an economic partnership through the sharing of mineral tax revenue generated by new mines and major mine expansions.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Mary Polak and Nak'azdli First Nation Chief Fred Sam and supports B.C.'s commitment in the Jobs Plan for long term support of existing jobs and the creation of new jobs. The agreement places a strong focus on community development to assist Nak'azdli First Nation in achieving its social and economic goals.

The Province shares revenue with First Nations as a means to create certainty on the land and to build partnerships with First Nations in resource development. The Province is committed to seeking ways to address the socio-economic gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal citizens by working in conjunction with Aboriginal communities.

Quotes:

Mary Polak, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"The Province is pleased to join the Nak'azdli First Nation as a partner in resource development for the benefit of all British Columbians. This agreement is a testament to British Columbia's leadership in economic opportunities for First Nations and non First Nations families."

Chief Fred Sam -

"This is the beginning of a relationship between Nak'azdli and the province of British Columbia."

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation -

"The certainty that this agreement provides for the Mount Milligan Mine project will mean hundreds of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity. By working together, government and First Nations are paving the way for new family-supporting jobs and economic growth, not just within a local community, but across British Columbia."

John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes -

"Beyond the revenue stream offered by this agreement, it also provides for a process through which the parties agree they will engage on the Mount Milligan Mine. This provides both Nak'azdli First Nation and B.C. with a place to address ongoing Nak'azdli First Nation interests with respect to the mine and its continuing operation."

Rich Coleman, Minister and Energy and Mines -

"Mining has the potential to significantly benefit First Nations communities as is shown with today's agreement with Nak'azdli First Nation. One of our government's goals is to negotiate revenue-sharing agreements with First Nations early in the development of new mines and major expansions, and we are going to keep that commitment."

Quick Facts:

• Nak'azdli is a member of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council along with seven other First Nation Bands: Burns Lake, Nad'leh Whuten, Saik'uz First Nation, Stellat'en First Nation, Takla Lake First Nation, Tl'azt'en Nation and Wet'suwet'en First Nation.

• The Province signed an agreement in 2010 with McLeod Lake in regard to Mount Milligan.

Learn More:

For more information on Economic Benefit Agreements, visit:www.newrelationship.gov.bc.ca/agreements_and_leg/other.html

For more information on the Nak'azdli First Nation, visit: www.nakazdli.ca

Contact:

Robin Platts
Communications Manager
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 387-1204
250 213-6451 cell