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SLIAMMON AGREEMENT ONE STEP CLOSER TO TREATY

POWELL RIVER (Dec. 6, 2003) - The Honourable Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Geoff Plant, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations, and Sliammon Chief Councillor L. Maynard Harry participated in a ceremony today to sign the Sliammon Agreement-in-Principle (AIP). The AIP, which is not legally binding, lays the framework for final detailed negotiations toward a comprehensive, modern treaty.

"This agreement demonstrates what can be accomplished with hard work and good faith negotiations on the part of all parties," said Minister Nault. "It provides the basis on which the Sliammon community can begin to realize their full economic potential and build a better future which will also benefit the community of Powell River. The agreement represents a very significant accomplishment and clearly demonstrates that together we can build a new relationship based on trust, respect and co-operation."

"I am pleased that our reinvigorated approach to treaty negotiations is producing results, bringing us closer to fulfilling our commitment to conclude full and fair settlements with First Nations in British Columbia," said Geoff Plant. "I also congratulate the Sliammon First Nation leadership for their hard work and dedication to the treaty process. These efforts represent new opportunities for the Sliammon people and all British Columbians to benefit from economic growth and to share the prosperity that will result from greater certainty over the land and resources."

"I am signing this Agreement-in-Principle on behalf of future generations, today's youth and elders and in memory of those who have gone before us," said Chief Councillor Harry. "It is a proud moment for me personally to recognize everyone who has played a role in bringing our nation to where we are today. Although it has been a long and bumpy road and a great deal of work remains ahead of us, I am confident that our proactive, creative and positive approach will allow us to meet those challenges as we work toward achieving a Final Agreement."

The land component of the AIP includes up to 6,000 hectares of provincial Crown land and 1,907 hectares of existing Indian reserve land. The Government of Canada will contribute most of the capital transfer of $26 million, less any outstanding negotiation loans. The AIP outlines a range of other components, including rights to wildlife, fish and timber, and provisions related to culture and self-government.

The Sliammon community endorsed this AIP by 62 per cent in a ratification vote on October 4, 2003. The Sliammon First Nation, which entered the treaty process in 1994, has 904 members whose asserted territory encompasses the lands and waters of the northern Gulf of Georgia.

Today's signing completes the AIP approval process, clearing the way for the parties to move quickly into Final Agreement negotiations, or stage five of the six-step treaty process.

This is the third AIP signed this year. The Lheidli T'enneh AIP was signed in July and the Maa-nulth First Nations AIP was signed in October. The Tsawwassen First Nation is expected to hold its ratification vote this month.

Backgrounder attached.

This release is also available on the Internet at http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/nrm_news_releases/2003TNO0034-001006.htm and http://sliammontreaty.com/

Contacts:

Grace Adams
Sliammon Treaty Society
604 483-4427
604 483-8146

Catherine Lang
Treaty Negotiations Office
250 356-9334
250 213-6934 (cell)

Diane Gielis
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
604 775-8145
604 813-9632 (cell)

Backgrounder - Sliammon First Nation Agreement-in-principle

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