Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Ida Chong and Scia'new (Beecher Bay) Nation Chief Russell Chipps signed an Incremental Treaty Agreement (ITA) today that will create benefits for the Scia'new Nation, including economic development opportunities and meaningful employment on southern Vancouver Island.

Through this agreement, the Scia'new Nation will receive a land parcel of 67 hectares in the shared territories of the Scia-new and T'Sou-ke in the District of Sooke. The land will be transferred at the time the ITA is signed. This land 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.

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

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 -

"Scia'new 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 tireless efforts to provide the kind of future their citizens want."

Scia'new Nation Chief Russell Chipps -

"Scia'new is pleased to receive these lands located within the shared territories of Scia'new and T'Sou-ke Nations. Our citizens have directed us to re-obtain our right to enjoy economic opportunities. This ITA is the beginning of fulfilling that directive. We have worked hard to achieve this. Scia'new looks forward to more opportunities as we work toward a final agreement in the BC treaty process."

"We thank our Te'mexw Negotiating Team for their tireless devotion to the mandate that was provided them by our citizens - both home and away."

Quick Facts:

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

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

• Scia'new Nation is currently in the final stages of negotiating an agreement-in-principle - Stage four of the six-stage BC treaty process.

• The Scia'new Nation is located in Lower Vancouver Island on eight reserves totalling approximately 373 hectares.

• Scia'new Nation has approximately 223 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)