New Relationship Accomplishments Underscore Progress

February 14, 2008
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

Progress is being made toward recognition and reconciliation of Aboriginal issues in British Columbia. Highlights of government initiatives to build a new relationship and close the socio-economic gaps between Aboriginal and other British Columbians, between November 2006 and January 2008, include the following:

Recognition and Reconciliation:

The Province is building a new relationship with First Nations based on recognition, respect, and reconciliation of Aboriginal rights and title. Over the past year, government has:

  • Achieved a reconciliation agreement with Musqueam Indian Band that settles three court cases.
  • Settled a historic land claim with the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations that included the site of the B.C. Legislature.
  • Resolved a nearly century old cut-off land claim with Seton Lake Indian Band.
  • Negotiated an agreement with the Tsay Keh Dene Band and Kwadacha Nation to address decades-long flooding impacts dating from construction of the Bennett Dam.
  • Committed to replacing murals in the B.C. Legislature deemed offensive to First Nations.
  • Passed legislation for two historic modern day treaties with Tsawwassen and Maa-nulth First Nations (comprising five Vancouver Island First Nations), representing the first urban and multi-nation treaties signed under the BC Treaty Process.
  • Continued to negotiate Final Agreements with Yale, Sliammon, Yekooche, and In-SHUCK-ch First Nations.

Land Use, Resources and Economic Development:

The Province is working in partnership with First Nations to improve local economies and increase Aboriginal participation in land-use planning, resource benefit sharing and economic opportunities by:

  • Signing land use planning agreements with First Nations including the Haida, Squamish, and In-SHUCK-ch, and First Nations in the Morice planning area.
  • Contributing $30 million to the Coast Opportunities Fund directed toward First Nations involved in activities including fisheries, forestry and tourism along the central and north coast.
  • Providing $8.4 million to address mountain pine beetle impacts, and forestry agreements with 144 First Nations, providing nearly $196 million in revenue and access to almost 32 million cubic metres of timber.
  • Providing $2.8 million to help train people from First Nations and rural communities for employment in the mining sector.
  • Committing $5 million to Aboriginal Tourism BC to increase tourism opportunities in First Nations communities.
  • Signing a 13-year Economic Benefit Agreement with Blueberry River First Nations providing approximately $1.3 million in annual revenues, as well as four land and resource management agreements.
  • Developing and releasing the First Nations Economic Independence Report.

Language, Culture and Sport:

British Columbia is home to a rich and living legacy of First Nations languages and traditions. The Province is taking steps to support the resilience of First Nations communities as they work to preserve their cultural heritage. In addition to existing provincial funding, government has:

  • Announced a $1.2 million Language and Culture Plan.
  • Provided $3.5 million to support the 2008 North American Indigenous Games being hosted by Cowichan Tribes.

Education:

As part of an overall effort to close the gap in education and support Aboriginal learners, the Province is helping historically disadvantaged First Nations students gain greater access to life-long education and learning opportunities through:

  • Enacting historic legislation that recognizes First Nations jurisdiction over on-reserve schools.
  • Signing 36 Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreements; and supporting Aboriginal literacy programs.
  • Establishing a $65 million Aboriginal post-secondary strategy and a $10 million scholarship fund.

Health:

Many First Nations experience increased rates of diabetes, heart disease, addiction and mortality. The Province is committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal citizens. Over the past year, government has:

  • Launched Canada’s first Tripartite First Nations Health Plan, held the first annual First Nations Health Forum, and funded a $6-million Aboriginal ActNow BC program.
  • Appointed its first Aboriginal Health Physician Advisor and committed to increasing the number of Aboriginal nurses.
  • Established two interim authorities to deliver services to Aboriginal children and families.
  • Become the first province in Canada to support Jordan’s Principle to ensure Aboriginal children receive the medical care they need.

Housing:

Quality housing is the foundation for better health, social, and economic outcomes, yet has remained out of reach for many First Nations. The Province has taken concrete steps to address the housing problem facing many Aboriginal citizens, living both on and off reserve through:

  • Funding 292 housing units under the $50.9 million Aboriginal Housing Initiative.
  • Helping Aboriginal authorities build capacity to manage 2,300 housing units for Aboriginal people living off reserve.
  • Providing funding support for Elders Lodges.
  • Funding $500,000 towards the Aboriginal Homeless Outreach Program.