AGREEMENT MOVES TREATY PROCESS FORWARD FOR MUSQUEAM

VANCOUVER – The governments of Canada and British Columbia and Musqueam Chief Ernest C. Campbell have signed a Framework Agreement today that completes stage three of the treaty process and outlines the topics that will be negotiated in a comprehensive modern day treaty.

“Treaties are about building lasting relationships, neighbour-to-neighbour, based on trust and respect,” said the Honourable Sue Barnes, Parliamentary Secretary, on behalf of the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians. “Our objective is to ensure that final treaty settlements with the Musqueam and with other First Nations are fair, honourable and stand the test of time. Treaty negotiations require patience, but the results will be worth it for all Canadians.”

The Musqueam Framework Agreement also identifies the goals of both governments and the First Nation for treaty negotiations and an agenda for Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) negotiations. Topics for AIP negotiations will include land, fisheries, economic development and governance.

“This is an important step forward for Musqueam in the treaty negotiation process,” said Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations Geoff Plant. “Today’s announcement brings us closer to achieving a modern-day treaty which will bring certainty over lands and resources in the region and enormous benefits to the lower mainland – which is positive for all British Columbians.”

Musqueam’s main community of 1,100 members live on Musqueam Reserve #2 at the mouth of Fraser south of Marine Drive. The Musqueam Indian Band has two other reserves, which include a small reserve on Sea Island and one in Delta. The Musqueam are part of the Hun’q’umi’num’ linguistic group and belong to the cultural group known as the Coast Salish people.

“Musqueam anticipates Canada and B.C. will proceed into Agreement-in-Principle discussions in good faith and move the process forward a little more quickly,” said Chief Ernest Campbell. “Musqueam has always stated a preference to negotiate rather than litigate.”

The signing of the Framework Agreement sets the stage for the parties to move forward into AIP negotiations, or stage four of the six-step treaty process, under the British Columbia Treaty Commission. Since 2002 four AIP’s have been signed with First Nations. Final Agreement negotiations are now advancing with the Lheidli T’enneh, Maa-nulth, Sliammon and Tsawwassen First Nations.

For more information visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/tno/negotiations, http://www.musqueam.bc.ca/Home.html, http://www.bctreaty.net/ and www.inac.gc.ca.

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Media contact:	Kelly Harris Public Affairs Bureau Treaty Negotiations Office 250 387-1253	Diane Gielis Indian and Northern Affairs Canada 604 775-8145
	Chief Ernest C. Campbell Musqueam Indian Band 604 263-8453 604 833-5799
Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services.