A Brighter Future for All

Notes for an address by

The Honourable Jim Prentice, PC, QC, MP Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians

at the

Initialling of the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement

Tsawwassen First Nation Longhouse
Delta, British Columbia
December 8, 2006

Check against delivery

Good afternoon, elders, Chief Baird, Premier Campbell, Minister de Jong, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen. I am truly honoured to join you today in the traditional meeting place of the Tsawwassen people to witness the initialling of the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chief Baird, members of the Tsawwassen First Nation Band Council and all members of the community for welcoming my colleagues and me so graciously and generously.

For so many reasons, this is truly an historic event. This treaty brings the Tsawwassen First Nation to the threshold of a new era. It is the second to be initialled under the BC treaty process. And it is the first ever in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.

What’s more, a comprehensive treaty set in a metropolis of nearly two million people is a first for all of Canada.

I mean in no way to diminish the significance of other modern treaties in BC or across Canada. But this agreement, by virtue of its location, presents a profound opportunity: to demonstrate that reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities is truly achievable and beneficial.

With an opportunity of this magnitude comes an equally compelling responsibility. This treaty can be a success. Fulfilling its potential is a responsibility shared by you, by your neighbours, and by the governments of British Columbia and Canada.

This agreement describes how the Tsawwassen people will coexist with other Canadians on the basis of equality, mutual respect and co-operation. It provides you with the tools and the authority to take control of your future. It recognizes the importance of your traditions, your values and your wisdom – on an equal footing with modern institutions – to build a healthy, prosperous and strong community. It is the promise of a bright future, as this treaty benefits not only the Tsawwassen people, but all Canadians. It is a clear and measurable step toward resolving questions of rights and title in BC in order to ensure certainty and security for Aboriginal people and all Canadians.

First Lheidli T’enneh, and today Tsawwassen. And I expect to return to the province several times in the months to come, as agreements in principle with a number of First Nation communities progress to final agreements.

I would also like to assure you that the Government of Canada remains committed to the BC treaty process. I am convinced that the process is the best way for federal, provincial and First Nation governments to address how we are all going to live together in an economically prosperous, culturally vibrant and environmentally sustainable British Columbia.

Treaties also allow all of us to channel our energies and resources to communities rather than courtrooms—to come to terms with the past and build a brighter future for all.

Today has been made possible by the intense and sustained efforts of so many people. I want to acknowledge the negotiating teams – led by chief federal negotiator Tim Koepke, chief provincial negotiator Bronwen Beedle and Chief Kim Baird.

I would like to salute Premier Campbell for his steadfast commitment to the process, and commend Chief Commissioner Steven Point and his colleagues at the BC Treaty Commission for their ongoing efforts.

But I am advised that one person more than any other deserves our recognition and gratitude. Chief Baird: I know that this leviathan we call the federal government has tested your patience. Throughout, you have demonstrated tact and tenacity, leadership and grace. You have served your community well. You have served your ancestors well. Most of all, you have taken a giant step toward securing the future of the Tsawwassen people. To you and your colleagues, I say thank you.

Speaking of future people, I understand the number of Tsawwassen children will very soon increase by one. Let me join what I’m sure is a long list of people extending congratulations to Chief Baird on this happy event.

I understand Tsawwassen means “the land facing the sea.” Throughout time, people have looked out at the vast expanse of open water and seen challenge and opportunity. We are today standing together looking out at the sea.

Thank you.

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