FIRST NATIONS, B.C. BUILD NEW RESOURCE PARTNERSHIPS

http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008ARR0025-001498.htm

VICTORIA – New agreements signed by the Province and Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) provide economic benefits and a critical First Nations voice in land and resource decision-making in the Peace River area, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong announced today.

Blueberry River First Nations Chief Norman Yahey joined de Jong, Agriculture and Lands Minister Stan Hagen, and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld in Victoria to celebrate the signing of a final agreement along with three new resource management agreements.

“These agreements reaffirm the New Relationship we entered into with Blueberry River First Nations in 2006 and are evidence that this government places tremendous value on the advice, skills and traditions First Nations bring to the table when managing B.C.’s natural resources,” said de Jong. “Through such agreements, as well as treaties and consultative processes, the New Relationship is transforming the culture of land and resource decision-making throughout the province.”

“I am pleased that the Blueberry Council has shown the leadership necessary to achieve this historic set of agreements, which will help our people to engage effectively with the Province on a wide array of issues,” said Chief Yahey.

A final agreement affirms the establishment of new and ongoing relationships between Blueberry River First Nations and the Province, uniting three new resource management agreements on parks, wildlife and Crown lands, together with four resource agreements negotiated in 2007 and a major Economic Benefits Agreement concluded in 2006.

The Final Agreement will trigger five consecutive payments of approximately $200,000 per year beginning on the agreement’s first anniversary.

The three new resource management agreements set out how the Province and Blueberry River First Nations will cooperate in relation to parks, wildlife, and Crown lands. Blueberry River First Nations and B.C. also signed an amendment to the 2006 Economic Benefit Agreement, resulting in a one-time additional equity payment of $1.57 million and modifications to the annual revenue sharing mechanism, which will enable Blueberry River First Nations to share in the benefits of resource development and participate in the collaborative management processes with B.C.

“I commend Blueberry River First Nations for their leadership on this important agreement,” said Hagen. “The Province shares a desire to strengthen consultation and collaboration, and looks forward to furthering our relationship with Blueberry River First Nations.”

“The signing of these agreements is an historic achievement that will allow Blueberry River First Nations to participate more fully in land and resource decision making in the Peace River area,” said Richard Neufeld, also the MLA for Peace River North. “Our government understands the value of working together and these agreements set out how the Province and Blueberry River First Nations will co-operate in relation to parks, wildlife and Crown lands.”

Blueberry River First Nations, made up of approximately 421 members, is one of eight B.C. First Nations who are signatories to Treaty 8 in the Province’s northeast. Blueberry River First Nations main reserve is located approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John.

The government of British Columbia is building a new relationship with First Nations on the principles of mutual respect, recognition, and reconciliation. For more information about the New Relationship, visit www.gov.bc.ca/arr.