Eight Nlaka'pamux Bands will be better able to support the well-being of their communities and members thanks to investment in a legacy trust of more than $7 million from a revenue-sharing agreement with British Columbia from the expansion of the Highland Valley Copper (HVC) mine.

The revenues are the result of an Economic and Community Development Agreement (ECDA) signed in March 2013. The agreement enables the Ashcroft Indian Band, Boston Bar First Nation, Coldwater Indian Band, Cook's Ferry Indian Band, Nicomen Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Siska Indian Band to share mineral tax revenues received from the Highland Valley Copper mine. The mine is the largest operating metal mine in B.C., employing over 900 full-time workers.

The ECDA also provides the framework for a strengthened government-to-government relationship, and spells out how B.C. will meet its legal obligations to consult and accommodate the eight Nlaka'pamux Bands with respect to the on-going operation of the mine.

The Highland Valley Copper mine, owned by Teck, is located approximately 60 kilometres south-west of Kamloops at Logan Lake and lies within the traditional territory of the Nlaka'pamux. In total, there are 14 Nlaka'pamux Bands that will benefit from three separate ECDAs related to the HVC mine.

Quotes:

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad -

"Our government is committed to working collaboratively with First Nations to improve their economic opportunities, and provide economic resources to build strong, healthy communities. I am pleased we could work with these Nlaka'pamux communities to achieve a mutually-beneficial partnership."

Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett -

"Mining is one of the cornerstones of B.C.'s economic well-being and it is important to the future success of the industry that First Nations are able to partner with and share in the benefits that mining can bring."

Cook's Ferry Indian Band Chief David Walkem -

"The ECDA is a positive step towards the recognition of the impact from mining in the Highland Valley since 1962 and the ability to address those impacts on our community and members today and in the future through the Nlaka'pamux Legacy Trust."

Siska Indian Band Chief Fred Sampson -

"By entering the ECDA, our goal is to minimize or mitigate on-going impacts and to share benefits from the mine, so our community members may continue their way of life and participate in the modern economy."

Highland Valley Copper General Manager Chris Dechert -

"Teck is committed to creating real benefits for First Nations and communities in the areas where we operate. This agreement between B.C. and the Nlaka'pamux Bands will help to create economic growth and opportunity for years to come."

Quick Facts:

• ECDAs are agreements between B.C. and First Nations for sharing the direct mineral tax revenue on new mines and major mine expansions.
• The first ECDA was signed in 2010 for the New Afton Mine and the B.C. government has signed a further nine mining revenue-sharing agreements since then that will bring benefits to First Nations communities, while also helping to create certainty for the mining industry.
• As part of commitments made in the Transformative Change Accord, the Province committed to seeking ways to address the socio-economic gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal citizens by working in partnership with Aboriginal communities.
• ECDAs are entered into on a case-by-case basis with impacted First Nations.
• To date, B.C. has shared more than $11.7 million in mineral tax revenues as a result of ECDAs with First Nations in whose traditional territories mines are located.
• There are over 6,000 Nlaka'pamux people in 15 Bands.
• Nlaka'pamux Bands are situated in the Thompson-Nicola Region.

Media Contact:

Nina Chiarelli
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 953-3211

Chief David Walkem
Chair Citxw Nlaka'pamux Assembly
250 315-8508
david.walkem@cooksferry.ca