Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
A new agreement between British Columbia and the First Nations of the Maa-nulth Treaty Society will build a framework for the respective governments to manage their commitments under the treaty.
Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad joined the five Maa-nulth chiefs in Port Alberni today to sign a memorandum of understanding to create a framework agreement to guide their on-going work in implementing the treaty.
Since the Maa-nulth treaty came into effect in 2011, the provincial government has worked on a number of treaty implementation activities with the five Maa-nulth First Nations - Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' First Nations, Toquaht Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe and Yu?lu?il?ath? First Nation.
Among these activities are amended agreements that delegate additional law-making authorities from the Province of British Columbia to each First Nation within the foreshore fronting Maa-nulth's Treaty Settlement Lands. These agreements enable each First Nation to make laws to regulate business and provide services in the foreshore area that will attract investors and provide viable, environmentally appropriate developments in the foreshore area.
Those additional delegated law-making authorities are similar to those delegated to local governments and include areas such as municipal services, health, safety and protection of persons or property, public health, and environmental protection. The Province had committed under the original foreshore agreements to delegate additional law-making authorities in the foreshore area when the Maa-nulth First Nations were ready to accept them.
In addition, the Province of British Columbia and the five Maa-nulth First Nations have entered into a Framework Agreement to allow provincial enforcement officials to enforce Maa-nulth First Nation laws. By entering into this arrangement, the Province is looking to help develop the capacity of the Maa-nulth First Nations to govern themselves and continue to build a collaborative government-to-government relationship established by the treaty.
Quotes:
Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad -
"Reaching a treaty is the beginning of a new partnership between the Province and a First Nation. Our government-to-government agreement will help ensure both parties continue to work together effectively as we implement the first multi-nation treaty in B.C.'s history."
Charlie Cootes Sr., President, First Nations of the Maa-nulth Treaty Society -
"I'd like to acknowledge the Province's willingness to come through with these agreements that solidify our government-to-government partnership. This is a very positive step for our future relationship with the B.C. Government."
Tom Mexsis Happynook, Vice-president, First Nations of the Maa-nulth Treaty Society -
"The signing of these agreements by Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad clearly shows that the Province of British Columbia and the Maa-nulth First Nations' governments are indeed committed to a long-term mutually beneficial government-to-government relationship into the future."
Quick Facts:
- The Maa-nulth First Nations are located on the west coast of Vancouver Island surrounding Barkley Sound and Kyuquot Sound.
- The Maa-nulth First Nations treaty legally took effect on April 1, 2011, establishing certainty with respect to Aboriginal rights and title and providing economic benefits to the five signatories.
- The Maa-nulth Final Agreement is the first modern-day treaty on Vancouver Island and the first multi-nation treaty in B.C.
A downloadable audio clip of Rustad talking about new agreements between British Columbia and the First Nations of the Maa-nulth Treaty is available at: http://ow.ly/rnahV
