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VICTORIA – The Toquaht Nation have endorsed their Constitution, which signals strong support for the ratification of Vancouver Island’s first modern day treaty, said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong.
“I congratulate Toquaht Hereditary Chief Bert Mack, the Toquaht council and all the Toquaht members on this successful vote,” said de Jong. “Now, all five Maa-nulth First Nations have approved their Constitutions, which means all of the remaining four First Nations are ready to proceed with ratifying the Maa-nulth Final Agreement.”
Of the 54 eligible members who voted, 49 voted in favour, representing 91 per cent of the ballots cast. In order for the Constitution to be approved, 50 per cent of those who voted must have voted in favour of the Constitution.
“The results of the constitution vote give me confidence that my membership is being informed and prepared to make a decision to move forward,” said Hereditary Chief Bert Mack. “Chief and Council and communication staff will keep information flowing to all our members to the best of our capacity. I believe time changes things, but in reality, you actually have to do the changing yourself. The results of 91 per cent of those who voted in favour of our constitution, I thank you for being involved.”
The Constitution forms the basis for a democratically accountable Toquaht Nation government and includes a process for enacting laws, a system of financial administration and conflict of interest rules.
The Toquaht Nation is one of five member bands belonging to the Maa-nulth First Nations on Vancouver Island. In December 2006, the Maa-nulth Final Agreement was initialled by the governments of Canada and British Columbia and the Maa-nulth First Nations. Each Maa-nulth First Nation must approve their Constitution before a treaty ratification vote can proceed. The Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' First Nations approved their Constitution on August 4, the Uchucklesaht Tribe approved their Constitution on June 16, the Ucluelet First Nation approved their Constitution June 15, and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations approved their Constitution on May 28, 2007.
On July 28, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations voted on the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, which was accepted by the community. The remaining four First Nations – the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations, the Toquaht Nation, the Uchucklesaht Tribe and the Ucluelet First Nation – will vote on the Final Agreement in October 2007.
A treaty will bring certainty with respect to First
Nations’ rights to use, own and manage lands and resources throughout its
claimed traditional territory. It will provide First Nations with modern
governance tools to build strong and workable relationships with federal,
provincial and local governments.
On July 25, 2007, the Tsawwassen First Nation
voted overwhelmingly in favour of the first urban, modern-day treaty under the
B.C. treaty process.
The Province is committed to building a new
relationship with First Nations and Aboriginal people based on mutual respect,
recognition and reconciliation.
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contact: |
Communications Director Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation 250 953-2311 250 213-3486 (cell) |
Toquaht Nation 250 726-4230 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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