$27M IN SHARED BENEFITS FOR NORTHEAST [BC] FIRST NATIONS

VICTORIA – First Nations in northeastern British Columbia are benefiting from economic benefits agreements that provide a share of resource development revenues across their traditional territory and a solid foundation for increased participation in the regional economy.

The Blueberry River First Nations signed a first-of-its-kind economic benefits agreement with the Province on June 2006. Four other Treaty 8 First Nations (Doig River, Fort Nelson, Prophet River and West Moberly) signed an economic benefits agreement with the Province in March 2008.

The agreements provide two types of payments: equity payments are lump sum based on specific achievements set out in the agreements. Annual revenue-sharing payments are linked to oil and gas revenue and the level of activity from forestry, mining and oil and gas development.

The Blueberry River First Nations and Treaty 8 agreements each cover a 15-year term. To date, the First Nations have received a total of $27.3 million, as follows:

*Blueberry River First Nations Economic Benefit Agreement payments since June 2, 2006:

*Treaty 8 First Nations Economic Benefit Agreement payments since March 18, 2008:

*figures are rounded to the nearest $10,000.

The Province developed economic benefits agreements as a unique and innovative way to work with these First Nations to enable them to participate in the local economy and improve their communities. The agreements allow First Nations to benefit from revenues generated by activity on Crown land.  These agreements also provide certainty for the development of resources in the region which benefits all British Columbians, including First Nations.

Economic benefits agreements with the Treaty 8 First Nations and Blueberry River First Nations are a result of the New Relationship with Aboriginal people, based on respect, recognition and reconciliation. Through treaties and other agreements with First Nations, the Province is committed to closing the socioeconomic gap that separates Aboriginal people from other British Columbians.

For more information about these agreements and the New Relationship, visit www.gov.bc.ca/arr.