Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

I am pleased to present the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation 2005/06 Annual Service Plan Report.

The report outlines our achievements during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006.

This report reflects ongoing efforts to fulfil our mission: to provide leadership, negotiate treaties, work with all partners including provincial ministries, Aboriginal organizations and the federal government, build relationships and close the socio-economic gap between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians.

The 2005/06 Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Annual Service Plan report compares the actual results to the expected results identified in the Ministry's 2005/06 – 2007/08 Service Plan Update. I am accountable for those results as reported.

The year covered by this report saw significant developments, such as the New Relationship with First Nations, the Transformative Change Accord and the First Ministers' Meeting. We will continue building our relations with First Nations, Métis and urban Aboriginal people, based on mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation with the goal of achieving practical progress for all British Columbians.

In our Ministry, we support the government's Five Great Goals outlined in this report. We strive to ensure that Aboriginal people in the province are included in efforts to reach those goals and that they share in the benefits.

Honourable Tom Christensen
Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

June 30, 2006