LANDMARK TSAWWASSEN TREATY LEGISLATION INTRODUCED

VICTORIA – The British Columbia treaty process reached a historic milestone today with the introduction of Tsawwassen First Nation settlement legislation in the legislature.

“This legislation recognizes B.C.’s first urban, modern-day treaty and is an important step on the road to reconciliation with the Tsawwassen people,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “It signifies recognition of their Aboriginal rights and title and provides the Tsawwassen First Nation with the ability to make decisions for themselves, engage in social and economic development, and build a more self-reliant, independent future for generations to come.”

The Tsawwassen First Nation, located at Roberts Bank in Delta, entered treaty negotiations in 1993 and initialled a Final Agreement with B.C. and Canada in December 2006. On July 25, 2007, Tsawwassen members voted 70 per cent in favour of ratifying the Final Agreement, which provides the First Nation with approximately 724 hectares of treaty settlement land and a cash transfer of $13.9 million over 10 years.

“This is a significant day for the Tsawwassen First Nation and the Province,” said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong. “For over 14 years, the Tsawwassen First Nation has been steadfast in their determination to achieve a modern-day treaty. I want to commend Chief Kim Baird for her dedication to staying the course. She has demonstrated true leadership throughout this process.”

“The Tsawwassen treaty is reconciliation made real,” said Chief Baird. “It gives us the tools to create a healthy and viable community, free from the constraints of the Indian Act for the first time in well over a century.”

The Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement is a recognition of the Tsawwassen First Nation’s Aboriginal rights and title. It defines Tsawwassen First Nation’s rights regarding the ownership and management of lands and resources throughout their claimed territory. The treaty includes self-government provisions and a phase-out of tax exemptions.

“The introduction of Tsawwassen First Nation’s treaty settlement legislation in the provincial legislature is a welcome and historic event and a significant milestone along the path of treaty making in British Columbia,” said Jack Weisgerber, acting chief commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission. “They have shown a treaty is achievable.”

Once Tsawwassen First Nation Treaty Settlement Legislation has been debated and is passed in the provincial legislature, the federal Cabinet must approve signing the Final Agreement. Following federal approval, a tripartite signing ceremony can be held. After the signing, settlement legislation must be approved by the Parliament of Canada and Senate. The treaty will take effect on a date agreed to by the parties.

The five member bands comprising the Maa-nulth First Nations of western Vancouver Island have already initialled a Final Agreement and are in the process of public ratification. In July, the Huu-ay-aht First Nation voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Final Agreement and the remaining four bands – Toquaht, Ucluelet, and Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ – will vote from Oct. 13 to 20, 2007.

Final agreement negotiations are ongoing with the Sliammon Indian Band, Yale First Nation, Yekooche First Nation, and In-SHUCK-ch Nation.

More than half of roughly 200 First Nations, or two-thirds of all Aboriginal people in B.C., are represented at one of the 47 ongoing negotiations in the treaty process. Forty of those First Nations are at the fourth stage, working toward an Agreement-in-Principle.

Through treaties and other agreements with First Nations, the Province is committed to closing the socio-economic gap that separates Aboriginal people from other British Columbians and to build a new relationship with First Nations, based on respect, recognition and reconciliation.

For more information about treaties in British Columbia, visit www.treaties.gov.bc.ca online.

For more information about the Tsawwassen First Nation, visit www.tsawwassenfirstnation.com online.

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1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Mike Morton Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218	Deborah Bowman Communications Director Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation 250 953-2311 250 213-3489 (cell)

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