Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Ida Chong and T'Sou-ke Nation Chief Gordon Planes signed an Incremental Treaty Agreement (ITA) today that will provide economic development opportunities, as well as jobs on lower Vancouver Island.

T'Sou-ke Nation will receive two 60-hectare land parcels at Broom Hill, located within their traditional territory in the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. These lands will be transferred in two stages - one at signing of the ITA and the second parcel at the signing of the agreement in principle.

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.

This agreement 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 -

"T'Sou-ke 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 now and in the future."

T'Sou-ke Nation Chief Gordon Planes -

"I sign this Incremental Treaty Arrangement on behalf of the T'Sou-ke citizens - of whom I have the honour of representing."

"This transfer of land is an indication of the incredible determination and commitment the T'Sou-ke citizens have in our quest to regain our rightful place in society while protecting our territories and resources."

Quick Facts:

• T'Sou-ke citizens are party to the historic Douglas Treaties that were signed between 1850 and 1854.

• T'Sou-ke Nation is one of five Nations that comprise the Te'mexw Treaty Association.

• The T'Sou-ke Nation is currently in the final stages of the agreement in principle stage of the BC treaty process, which is the fourth of a six-stage process.

• The T'Sou-ke Nation is located near Sooke, approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Victoria, at the southern end of Vancouver Island.

• T'Sou-ke has two reserves totalling approximately 76 hectares.

• There are approximately 222 T'Sou-ke 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)