Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Ida Chong and Malahat Nation Chief Michael Harry signed an Incremental Treaty Agreement (ITA) today that will provide land, economic development opportunities and meaningful employment opportunities.

The Malahat Nation will receive two land parcels in the south Shawnigan Lake area. A 64-hectare parcel will be transferred upon signing the ITA while a second 120-hectare parcel, adjacent to the first, will be transferred upon signing the agreement in principle under the BC 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 to enjoy shared benefits in advance of a final agreement. They create incentives to reach further milestones, promote constructive planning opportunities and provide increased certainty over land and resources.

This agreement also represents a significant step forward in building a strong and constructive relationship with local governments.

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

Quotes:

Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Ida Chong -

"Malahat 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 and their vision for long-term, sustainable economic development."

Malahat Nation Chief Michael Harry -

"Our Nation and our citizens look forward to this great opportunity of regaining control of some of our lands. We look forward to the ability to carry out the Nation's economic development initiatives based on our long-term strategic economic development plans."

"The Malahat citizens' goals and objectives include: seeking opportunities for our youth, providing meaningful employment for our citizens, while protecting our lands and resources."

"The signing of our Incremental Treaty Agreement today is the beginning of achieving some of our Nations' strategic goals and objectives."

Quick Facts:

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

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

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

• The Malahat Nation is located on the western shore of Saanich Inlet, south of Mill Bay and approximately 30 kilometres north of Victoria. It has two reserves on approximately 242 hectares.

• There are approximately 265 Malahat 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 or www.gov.bc.ca/arr

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

Media Contacts:

Robin Platts
Government Communications and Public Engagement
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 (office)
250 889-9877 (cell