The Ditidaht First Nation has signed an agreement with the Province that will bring economic benefits to Ditidaht First Nation members and to southwest Vancouver Island. The signing is a significant step forward in the treaty process.

The Ditidaht First Nation signed an incremental treaty agreement (ITA) with B.C. that provides land for creating economic opportunities, as well as for community and cultural purposes.

The Ditidaht First Nation will receive three parcels of land totalling slightly more than 420 hectares. The land parcels are located along Nitinat Lake. One parcel will be transferred upon signing the ITA, one will be transferred at the signing of an agreement in principle, and the final parcel would be transferred upon the signing of a final agreement.

The 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. Post-treaty, the ITA lands will become treaty settlement land and will not be reserve land.

Incremental treaty agreements allow First Nations to enjoy 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.

The Ditidaht First Nation, together with the Pacheedaht First Nation, is currently in advanced agreement in principle negotiations under the treaty process.

Quotes:

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Ida Chong -

"I see this ITA as the foundation upon which to build a stronger relationship with Ditidaht, as we work toward a final treaty. The Ditidaht First Nation is working to develop jobs and other economic opportunities that will contribute to a prosperous future for its members, and we are pleased to be able to support their efforts."

Ditidaht First Nation Chief G. Jack Thompson -

"The signing of this Incremental Treaty Agreement revives our members' interest in the treaty process. The Province of British Columbia has shown a measure of good-faith by providing Ditidaht with economically viable lands. We are now hopeful that this momentum carries over to the federal government. We will continue to work with Parks Canada on our Eco-Tourism initiatives."

Quick Facts:

• ITAs are pre-treaty agreements that provide economic opportunities, promote constructive planning and advance treaty-related benefits for First Nations and the Province prior to a final treaty.

• The benefits received through an ITA are considered an advance by B.C. of a portion of the provincial share of a future treaty settlement package.

• Since 2008, B.C. has signed 12 incremental treaty agreements with First Nations, including the agreements with Ditidaht and Pacheedaht First Nations.

• Ditidaht has been negotiating a treaty since 1993, under the B.C. treaty process. Since 1997, they have been negotiating at a joint table with the Pacheedaht First Nation.

• Ditidaht has approximately 754 members.

Learn More:

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

Learn more about Ditidaht First Nation at: http://www.ditidaht.ca/

Contacts:

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

Robert Freedman
Ditidaht First Nation
250 893-3883 (cell)