AGREEMENT RESOLVES HISTORIC INJUSTICE WITH FIRST NATION

VICTORIA – The Province and BC Hydro joined the Kwadacha First Nation to sign a final agreement today that provides the First Nation with tools to build a prosperous future for their members, announced Michael de Jong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.

“This agreement addresses the historical hardships Kwadacha endured for several decades and is a significant achievement that results from the hard work and desire by all parties to achieve reconciliation for past injustices,” said de Jong. “The final agreement is another meaningful example of the Province’s commitment under the New Relationship to engage in collaborative dialogue with First Nations and provides Kwadacha with the means to cultivate a brighter future for generations to come.”

The agreement provides an initial payment of approximately $15 million and annual payments of approximately $1.6 million to the Kwadacha First Nation, with future adjustments for inflation. The majority of the initial payment will be used to establish an endowment fund to secure future economic returns. Kwadacha will also establish an advisory committee to hear requests and suggestions from community members on an ongoing basis, so that funds will produce the best community and economic benefits.

“This agreement acknowledges that the construction of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and Williston Reservoir more than 40 years ago caused significant economic and social problems for the Kwadacha,” said Chris O’Riley, BC Hydro’s senior vice-president of engineering, Aboriginal relations and generation. “At the same time, the agreement enables us to move forward by building a new relationship between the Kwadacha and BC Hydro that is based on mutual understanding, respect and trust.”

As a result of the settlement, Kwadacha First Nation is undertaking a comprehensive plan to address housing shortages and improve living standards in the community of Fort Ware. Kwadacha has already started building a new arena for their community and are in the preliminary stages of planning a guide outfitting company with an eco-tourism focus.

Provisions in the final agreement will provide the First Nation community with important contracting and employment prospects. For the next 10 years, Kwadacha will oversee a contract to maintain the road to their village in Fort Ware and will also be offered contracts within the Williston Reservoir. These opportunities will increase the community’s ability to bid for other contracts in the area, further securing economic returns for many years.

“This agreement will not heal the past but will enable our people to move forward and our youth to succeed in these challenging times,” said Chief Donny Van Somer. “We look forward to the benefits it brings, to a new relationship with Hydro, and to concluding our discussions on stable long-term electrical service in the community.”

The government of British Columbia is building a new relationship with First Nations on the principles of mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation. For more information about the New Relationship, visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/.

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Contact:

Maria Wilkie

Communications Director

Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

250 953-3211

250 361-7720

Susan Danard
Manager, Media Relations
BC Hydro

604 623-4220

604 418-4782 (cell)

Chief Donny Van Somer

Kwadacha Nation

250 563-4161

1 backgrounder(s) attached.


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