The provincial government and the shíshálh Nation have achieved three agreements that provide the foundation for lasting reconciliation and a strong collaborative working relationship.

A new Government-to-Government Agreement provides a framework for further work to reconcile the interests and goals of both the shíshálh Nation and the Province. It means both parties will be more collaborative on natural resource management projects in shíshálh Nation’s territory, providing greater predictability for B.C., industry and community members.

It is the basis for longer term reconciliation negotiations to address the interests of both the shíshálh Nation and B.C. in a number of areas including forestry, revenue-sharing and shared decision-making.

The Government-to-Government Agreement is accompanied by a Reconciliation Agreement and Forestry Term Sheet.

The Reconciliation Agreement commits British Columbia to transfer three parcels of Crown land. The three parcels being considered are all within shíshálh territory at Egmont, Narrows Inlet and Salmon Inlet. Egmont and Narrows Inlet are adjacent to the shíshálh Nation lands.

The Forestry Term Sheet commits the Province to implement forestry-related measures, including immediate efforts to establish a First Nations Woodland Licence. It also outlines the principles and topics that will guide negotiations of a long-term comprehensive agreement for forest management in shíshálh territory. 

A forum of senior officials from both the shíshálh Nation and the provincial government is in development to discuss issues and opportunities arising from the agreements.

B.C. and the shíshálh Nation will also work toward finalizing the Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan once further environmental and archaeological studies in the area have been carried out.

Quotes:

John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –

“The creation of a government-to-government relationship provides a solid foundation to foster a climate of mutual respect and reconciliation. These agreements provide a strong framework to allow shíshálh Nation and the Province to move forward and build vibrant and prosperous communities that will benefit all residents in the area of the Sunshine Coast.”

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations –

“Consultation and collaboration with First Nations is essential to ensure everyone benefits from effective resource-management decisions on the land base. The work flowing from these agreements can create a positive climate for economic development, while respecting the culture and traditions of the shíshálh Nation.”

Chief Calvin Craigan, shíshálh Nation –

“It’s important that we have meaningful input into development happening in our territory. These agreements are a good start and the shíshálh Nation looks forward to many productive conversations with government, business and the wider community into the future.”

Garry Nohr, chair, Sunshine Coast Regional District Board –

“On behalf of the Sunshine Coast Regional District, I wish to congratulate the shíshálh Nation for reaching these agreements. They are a valued member of the Sunshine Coast Regional District and I look forward to seeing much good work flowing from the positive achievements to date. Prosperous communities are the backbone of our region and I applaud the commitment of Chief Craigan, the Council and the whole shíshálh community for their drive to ensure a positive future for their members.”

Karen Brandt, director, economic partnerships and sustainability, Interfor Corporation –

“We commend the shíshálh Nation and the Province of B.C. on arriving at this historic point in their relationship. This agreement supports Interfor’s partnership with the Nation to develop sustainable forestry opportunities that will support the shíshálh as they chart a path towards a healthy and prosperous future.”

Frank Huber, area manager B.C., Lehigh Materials –

“Lehigh Materials applauds and admires the efforts of the governments of the shíshálh Nation and British Columbia in achieving this milestone in the reconciliation process. We believe these foundational agreements will lead to benefits for our communities, our industry and for the province.”

Rick Jeffrey, president and CEO, Coast Forest Products Association –

“Community prosperity and sustainability thrives on strong relationships and collaboration. I commend the shíshálh Nation and the provincial government for reaching these agreements that will provide greater certainty on the land base for the First Nation, industry and the wider community. We look forward to engaging the shíshálh Nation in discussions about future opportunities in the coastal forestry sector.”

Grant Arnold, CEO, BluEarth Renewables –

“BluEarth believes that being in partnership with shíshálh is the best and only approach to making certain that energy developments on their territory are built and operated in harmony with the land, and with the respect and stewardship that is right and meets our mutual economic goals. This belief, in partnership with the shíshálh, is why we applaud the agreement now signed with the Province of B.C.”

John Mohammed, president, A&A Trading –   

“The signing of the reconciliation agreement between the shíshálh Nation and the B.C. government is a positive step towards achieving greater predictability on the land base for all stakeholders. It will provide greater predictability and long-term economic stability for the shíshálh Nation, the province and industry operating within the shíshálh Nation’s territory. A&A Trading Ltd. commends both parties for all their hard work and effort in reaching this accord.”

Quick Facts:

• shíshálh Nation is located on the Sechelt Peninsula of the Sunshine Coast, 50 kilometres northwest of Vancouver.
• To help the shíshálh Nation implement the Government-to-Government Agreement, the provincial government will provide $100,000 in capacity funding.

Learn More:

shíshálh Nation: www.shishalh.com/

View a copy of agreements: ow.ly/naYO 302n1hz

Reconciliation and other agreements with First Nations: ow.ly/2z3J301Ljrs

Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan: ow.ly/Gmjc301LjBz