A new agreement will create economic opportunities for the Kaska Dena First Nations in northern B.C. in advance of a treaty.

Under the Incremental Treaty Agreement (ITA), the Province will transfer 10 Crown land parcels, comprising 607 hectares, to the Kaska Dena First Nations.

The land parcels support Kaska Dena interests in a number of possible economic development opportunities. These may include the development of an RV park or rest site, an Independent Power Project, guide outfitting-related activities and timber-processing facilities.

The early transfer of lands under ITAs supports the treaty negotiation process in British Columbia by demonstrating the significant benefits that treaties can bring to First Nations and to businesses and local communities. This agreement is another example of B.C.'s commitment to further its relationship with the Kaska Dena First Nations.

The ITA builds on the 2012 strategic engagement agreement (SEA) between the Province and Kaska Dena, which is providing greater certainty about how resource development can proceed in more than 10 per cent of the province.

Quotes:

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Ida Chong -

"This agreement builds on our earlier land-use planning and strategic engagement agreements to create new opportunities that will benefit not only the Kaska Dena First Nations, but the northwest region as a whole. Under the BC Jobs Plan, we are committed to reaching agreements that bring benefits more quickly to First Nations communities - and that's exactly what this Incremental Treaty Agreement does."

Kaska Dena Council chair George Miller -

"The Incremental Treaty Agreement will create benefits for Kaska Dena through economic development opportunities and creation of jobs for Kaska people within our traditional territory."

Quick Facts:

• Kaska Dena Council represents a population of 2,500 people in British Columbia, including the three Kaska Dena communities of the Daylu Dena Council (Lower Post), Dease River First Nation (Good Hope Lake) and Kwadacha First Nation (Fort Ware).

• KDC is currently in Stage 4 of the British Columbia Treaty Commission process - negotiating toward an agreement-in-principle.

Learn More:

For more information on the Kaska Dena ITA and other Incremental Treaty Agreements, visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/treaty/incremental_treaty_agreements/default.html

Media Contact:

Robin Platts
Communications Manager
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 387-1204