VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/03/10 -- Premier Gordon Campbell significantly changed the relationship between the Province and First Nations, said Chief Commissioner Sophie Pierre of the BC Treaty Commission upon hearing of the premier's resignation.
Despite an inauspicious start as the Premier who held a referendum on aboriginal rights, and his current standing with the public, he became a champion for the new relationship with First Nations. He advocated for treaty agreements, the $100 million New Relationship Trust, action on the Kelowna Accord and resource revenue sharing. The Province did take action on the five issues set out in the accord: health, education, housing, economic development, and intergovernmental relations.
He was a champion for the Lheidli T'enneh treaty and the Tsawwassen treaty, said Pierre. "The current provincial government has made significant progress addressing the challenges facing First Nations and for that we owe a debt of gratitude to the Premier."
In our current annual report, there is a photograph of the Premier welcoming the five Maa-nulth chiefs to speak and witness the introduction of their treaty in the legislature," said Pierre. "That was a good day."
The Treaty Commission has asked the provincial government to stay the course in developing interim solutions such as reconciliation frameworks and recognition initiatives. "It is important to continue the work on revenue sharing and shared decision making with First Nations while maintaining a strong focus on achieving treaties."
The Treaty Commission has been encouraging all governments to make treaty completion a priority and First Nations to resolve their territorial issues and prepare for self government. Yale First Nation and Sliammon First Nation are preparing for ratification votes by their members. Nine First Nations are moving to conclude agreements in principle including K'omoks First Nation, Namgis Nation, Nazko First Nation, Northern Shuswap Treaty Society, Oweekeno Nation, Te'Mexw First Nation, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and two of the Tsimshian First Nations.
About the BC Treaty Commission
The Treaty Commission is the independent body responsible for overseeing treaty negotiations among the governments of Canada, BC and First Nations in BC. It has three roles: facilitation, funding, and public information and education.
For more information about the BC Treaty Commission, please visit bctreaty.net.
Contacts:
British Columbia Treaty Commisson
Brian Mitchell
Communications Manager
604-482-9215 or cellular 604-788-5190
Brian_Mitchell@bctreatycommission.bc.ca
www.bctreaty.net