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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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VICTORIA – The provincial government approved an Agreement-in-Principle, or AIP, with the Sliammon First Nation during open cabinet today. As the third AIP that government has approved since June, it will form the basis of Final Agreement negotiations with the Sunshine Coast-area First Nation.
“This AIP demonstrates an unprecedented level of momentum at treaty tables in British Columbia over the past five months,” said Geoff Plant, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations. “The Sliammon community has given its leadership a strong mandate to proceed with Final Agreement negotiations. This brings us closer to achieving a modern treaty with the Sliammon First Nation that will provide certainty, jobs and economic opportunities for all British Columbians.”
Representing more than 900 members, the Sliammon First Nation entered the treaty process in 1994 and is committed to economic development and business enterprise. The AIP includes provisions for the Sliammon government to work with local and regional governments in areas of common interest. The traditional territory of the Sliammon First Nation encompasses the lands and waters of the northern Gulf of Georgia, with its community situated north of Powell River.
Chief Maynard Harry and representatives of the Sliammon First Nation attended today’s open cabinet meeting to witness the proceedings. “By voting in favour of this AIP, the Sliammon people have given us the tools to explore avenues of opportunity – especially through economic development and natural resource protection,” said Chief Harry. “With today’s approval by the provincial cabinet, we are ready to accept the challenge of Final Agreement negotiations and take this important step toward improving the lives of the Sliammon people.”
An AIP is the fourth stage of the six-step process through the British Columbia Treaty Commission, which was launched in 1993. An AIP is not legally binding. It sets the foundation for Final Agreement negotiations and represents broad agreement on significant topics, including the land component, capital transfer, fish and wildlife provisions and governance authorities.
British Columbia and Canada signed an AIP with the Maa-nulth First Nations in October and an AIP with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation in July. Final Agreement negotiations are expected to take between 18 months and two years. The Tsawwassen First Nation is expected to hold a ratification vote on its AIP before the end of the year.
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For more information, visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/tno/negotiation/First_Nations_in_the_process/Sliammon.htm
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