Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Ida Chong and Songhees Nation Councillor Gary Albany signed an incremental treaty agreement (ITA) that will create economic benefits for the Songhees Nation and represents a significant step forward in building a strong and constructive relationship with local governments.

Under this ITA, Songhees will receive a land parcel of 0.14 hectares (0.35 acres) in Esquimalt; 0.10 hectare (0.25 acres) in James Bay and 0.04 hectare (0.10 acres) in Victoria.

These land parcels will be transferred in two stages: two parcels will be transferred at the signing of the ITA and the third parcel will be transferred at the signing of the agreement in principle in the B.C. treaty process.

These lands will be transferred in fee simple and will be subject to provincial and federal laws, as well as being subject to local government zoning and taxation.

Incremental treaty agreements allow First Nations and the Province to enjoy shared benefits in advance of a final agreement. ITAs create incentives to reach further milestones and provide increased certainty over land and resources.

ITAs are pre-treaty agreements that provide economic opportunities, promote constructive planning opportunities and advance treaty-related benefits for First Nations early in treaty negotiations.

Quotes:

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Ida Chong -

"Songhees Nation is working diligently to develop jobs and other economic opportunities that will contribute to a prosperous future for its citizens and the surrounding region. We are pleased to be able to support their efforts to build a successful economic base in the capital region."

Songhees Nation Councillor Gary Albany -

"Acquiring these key commercial properties opens the door for the Songhees Nation to enjoy economic benefits within our territory. We look forward to managing these lands and the acquisition of more lands."

Quick Facts:

• Songhees citizens are party to the historic Douglas Treaties that were signed between 1850 and 1854.

• Songhees Nation is one of five Nations that comprise the Te'mexw Treaty Association.

• The Songhees Nation is currently in the final stages of the agreement-in-principle negotiations; which is stage four of the six-stage BC treaty process.

• The Songhees Nation is located on Esquimalt Harbour, in Victoria.

• The Songhees Nation has four reserves totalling approximately 176 hectares.

• There are approximately 511 Songhees Nation citizens.

• Previously, B.C. had five other Incremental Treaty Agreements in place with the Tla-o-qui-aht, Klahoose, Nazko, Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations.

Learn More:

For more information on Incremental Treaty Agreements, visit: www.treaties.gov.bc.ca/itas.html
www.gov.bc.ca/arr.

For more information about the BC Treaty Commission, visit: http://www.bctreaty.net/

Media Contacts:

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

Yvon Gesinghaus
Te'mexw Treaty Coordinator
Te'mexw Treaty Association
250 360-2202
250 889-9877 (cell)