Wuikinuxv Nation and the governments of B.C. and Canada have reached a major milestone in the B.C. treaty process with the signing of an Agreement-in-Principle.

Mark Strahl, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, John Rustad, British Columbia’s Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, and Rose Hanuse-Hackett, Chief of Wuikinuxv Nation, today signed an Agreement-in-Principle during a ceremony in Wuikinuxv Village, on the central coast of British Columbia.

With the signing of the Wuikinuxv Agreement-in-Principle, the three parties can now begin negotiations towards the conclusion of a Final Agreement. The Wuikinuxv Final Agreement will include a self-government component to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the future Wuikinuxv Government, the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.

Modern treaties are an important tool to advance reconciliation and economic development for First Nations and all Canadians. A Final Agreement will provide Wuikinuxv Nation with the lands, resources and authorities they need to determine their own destiny. This in turn will lead to greater economic self-sufficiency and prosperity for Wuikinuxv Nation.

The Wuikinuxv Agreement-in-Principle proposes approximately 14,646 hectares of land, and a transfer of $7.3 million (to be adjusted for inflation).

Quotes:

Mark Strahl, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development -

“The Government of Canada remains committed to concluding treaties with First Nations across the country. Concluding a modern treaty with the Wuikinuxv Nation reconciles Aboriginal and Crown interests and balances the rights and interests of the community and all Canadians. The Agreement-in-Principle will lay the groundwork for a bright future for the region, opening doors to new jobs and opportunities.”

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

“Reconciliation with First Nations is about acknowledging the past and working to build a healthy and prosperous future, and treaties can be an important tool on this path. Wuikinuxv Nation is a dedicated steward of their traditional territory and an important partner with the Province in marine planning for B.C.’s coastline. The Agreement-in-Principle adds a crucial pillar to our partnership, one that lays out a path to meaningful reconciliation, self-determination and new economic opportunities for current and future generations of Wuikinuxv people.”

Chief Rose Hanuse-Hackett, Wuikinuxv Nation -

“The signing of the Agreement-in-Principle is an important step in our path towards self-determination and economic self-reliance. While much work remains, Wuikinuxv is committed to achieving a lasting and beneficial treaty for this generation and those to come.”

Quick Facts:

• Wuikinuxv traditional territory lies 500 kilometres northwest of Vancouver, on the remote central cost of British Columbia. The community is located on the banks of the Waanukv River, which connects Owikeno Lake to the head of Rivers Inlet.
• Wuikinuxv has approximately 290 registered members.
• The Agreement-in-Principle was approved by community members at its Annual General Assembly in July 2013.
• The Agreement-in-Principle covers 27 topic areas including governance, taxation and resources (fisheries, forestry, wildlife, water, subsurface resources).
• Progress in the B.C. treaty process includes:
  • Tsawwassen First Nation and the five Maa-nulth First Nations are implementing their Final Agreements. Yale First Nation and Tla'amin Nation and are working towards implementing their respective Final Agreements.
  • Lheidli T'enneh First Nation concluded a Final Agreement and is considering a second ratification vote.
  • Eight First Nations are in Final Agreement negotiations: In-SHUCK-ch, K'omoks, Yekooche, and the Te'mexw Treaty Association First Nations of Songhees, Beecher Bay, T’Sou-ke, Malahat, Snaw-Naw-As. Fourteen First Nations are in advanced Agreement-in-Principle negotiations.

Learn More:

For more information about the Wuikinuxv First Nation: wuikinuxv.net

For more information about the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation: gov.bc.ca/arr

For more about information about Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada: www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca

For more about the B.C. Treaty Commission: bctreaty.net

For a copy of the Wuikinuxv Agreement-in-Principle: ow.ly/PyGYN

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

Andrea Richer
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819 997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819 953-1160

Edward Hill
B.C. Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 812-2671

Alexander Chartrand
Chief Negotiator
Wuikinuxv Nation
250 992-9085

BACKGROUNDER

AIP between Wuikinuxv First Nation, Canada and British Columbia

An Agreement-in-Principle is fourth stage of the six-stage B.C. Treaty Commission process. A treaty will bring certainty with respect to the Wuikinuxv Nation’s rights to use, own and manage lands and resources within its traditional territory. It will provide the Wuikinuxv with modern governance tools to build strong and workable relationships with other governments, including federal, provincial and local governments.

The following outlines elements proposed in the Agreement-in-Principle.

Land

The Wuikinuxv Agreement-in-Principle proposes a land package of approximately 14,646 hectares of Wuikinuxv Lands, including: 6,670 hectares of provincial Crown land; 7,276 hectares of provincial Crown land designated as conservancy land, park and biodiversity areas; and 700 hectares of existing Wuikinuxv Indian reserves.

Under a Wuikinuxv treaty, land designated as conservancy, park or biodiversity areas will be managed with protections equivalent to those currently in place, and all treaty land will be held in fee simple by the Wuikinuxv Nation. Fee simple ownership will give Wuikinuxv title to the land and opportunities for long-term economic benefits.

Governance

Under a treaty, the Wuikinuxv Nation will operate within the framework of the Constitution of Canada and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms will apply to the Wuikinuxv Nation government.

The Wuikinuxv Nation will have its own constitution that will provide for the structure of the Wuikinuxv government. Continuing their longstanding tradition, under their constitution, the Wuikinuxv government will be democratically elected and accountable.

With the exception of determining Indian status, after a transition period the Indian Act will no longer apply to the Wuikinuxv Nation, their lands or members. Instead, constitutionally protected self-government provisions will enable Wuikinuxv to make decisions about matters related to the preservation of their culture, the exercise of their treaty rights, and the operation of their government.

Wuikinuxv will also have the authority to make laws necessary to manage treaty settlement lands, matters internal to the community and integral to its culture, and for the provision of social and other services to the First Nation members or people living on treaty settlement land.

Federal and provincial law will also apply on treaty settlement lands. The treaty will set out which law prevails if a Wuikinuxv law conflicts with a federal or provincial law.

Financial Components

The Agreement-in-Principle proposes a transfer of $7.3 million, to be adjusted for inflation from the fourth Quarter of 2012 to the treaty effective date. Additional funding for programs and services, such as education, provided through funding agreements.

Resource Harvesting Rights

The Wuikinuxv Nation will have the right to harvest plants, wildlife and migratory birds for food, social and ceremonial purposes within the Wuikinuxv Harvest Area as defined in the treaty. These rights will be subject to conservation measures, public health and public safety regulations.

Media Contacts:

Andrea Richer
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819 997-0002

Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819 953-1160

Edward Hill
B.C. Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 812-2671

Alexander Chartrand
Chief Negotiator
Wuikinuxv Nation
250 992-9085