VICTORIA - The signing of a Forest Consultation and Revenue Sharing Agreement (FCRSA) with the Seabird Island Band means B.C. has now signed 150 FCRSA agreements Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad announced today.

The agreement ensures a percentage of provincial revenues from forestry activities on the Seabird Island Band's traditional territory flows to their community in support of social and economic development. The three-year FCRSA also provides a consultation process for operational decisions related to forestry in the area.

B.C. launched the activity-based FCRSA revenue-sharing process in December 2010 to replace the previous Forest and Range Opportunity Agreement. To date, 150 FCRSAs have been signed with First Nations in B.C.

Since 2002, the Province has signed over 450 forest agreements with First Nations providing $369 million in forestry revenue-sharing and providing First Nations with access to over 80 million cubic metres of timber.

Currently there are over 395 forestry-related licences held by First Nations under different agreements throughout the province. As of July 2014, First Nations have access to approximately 10.7 million cubic metres or about 13.3% of the province’s allowable annual cut.

British Columbia is the first province to share revenue from mining, forestry and other resources with First Nations. The B.C. government is committed to continue working in partnership with First Nations to stimulate investment, create jobs and provide economic benefits for First Nations and all British Columbians.

Quote:

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad -

“Revenue-sharing agreements like these enable First Nations to participate in economic development and bring benefits more quickly to Aboriginal communities. Our government is committed to building positive and lasting relationships with First Nations, as well as partnering with First Nations to help address socio-economic gaps for the benefit of all British Columbians. 

Chief Clem Seymour, Seabird Island Band -

“The agreement helps open some doors for relationship building. FCRSA sets up a process to create longer term certainty in working with government to look after the autonomy of Seabird Island Band. Although there are some challenges and limitations within the FCRSA 2014, this does not preclude the establishment of productive relations and the basis from which to work with the Provincial Government.”

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson - 

“As indicated in our Forest Sector Strategy under the BC Jobs Plan, we’re committed to making First Nations partners in forestry. I believe the number of forestry-related agreements we have with First Nations demonstrates that commitment. First Nations are benefiting from the revenues and the opportunities to acquire skills in forestry operations.”

Learn More:

To see copies of the agreement, go to: http://www.newrelationship.gov.bc.ca/agreements_and_leg/forestry.html

Media Contacts:

Robin Platts
Communications Manager
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 953-3211