BLUEBERRY RIVER FIRST NATIONS

The Blueberry First Nations (BRFN) are a member of the Treaty 8 First Nations (T8FN), located in northeast B.C. T8FN also include Doig River, Fort Nelson, Halfway River, Prophet River, Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations.

The Province consults with T8FN on activities undertaken on Crown land to address potential impacts of development on treaty rights. The Northeast has experienced increasingly high levels of oil and gas activity. Due to the short drilling season, consultation with First Nations requires a timely turnaround.

The Province concluded Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with seven B.C.-based T8FN bands establishing a consultation process.

During the negotiation of the MOUs, a number of issues, including revenue sharing, trapper compensation, co-management and an equity position in resource development, were “set aside” for future discussion.

In 2001 and 2002, the MOUs were negotiated in the form of Consultation Agreements and extended.

In January 2003, the Premier and a number of Cabinet ministers met with all of the T8FN Chiefs and committed to addressing “set-aside” issues. This was followed by a resolution by the T8FN in September of that year to work together to resolve those issues.

In March 2004, the Province and the T8FNs concluded a Negotiation Protocol Agreement that sets out the agreed-to topics for negotiations.

On January 12, 2005, the Province made a long-term Economic Benefits Agreement (EBA) offer, including equity portion and an annual economic benefit payment. Those negotiations continue.

In August 2005, the BRFN, under Chief Linda Chipesia and Council, withdrew from the T8FN to undertake separate negotiations with the Province.

The BRFN, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR) and the Oil and Gas Commission have been negotiating an Amending Agreement, Side Letter and Commitment Letter to improve the existing consultation process, and BRFN and Commission engagement.

The documents provide for:

· Increased clarity for the consultation process;

· Review of the how the process is working at the end of January 2006 and April 2006 to discuss successes and potential improvements;

· Engagement in a long-term Oil and Gas Agreement between the Province and the BRFN that addresses issues beyond the scope of the commission’s mandate and include pre-tenure through to reclamation;

· Commitment by the Province and BRFN to address those issues beyond the OGC and MEMPR mandates to the Negotiation Protocol Agreement Table.

The documents do not:

· Change the funding formula;

· Change the consultation boundary for BRFN.

The intent of the negotiations by the parties is to renew the Agreement until March 2007.

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Media contact:	Jake Jacobs Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources 250 952-0628

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