Image of Premier Gordon Campbell announcing agreements-in-principle as they have been reached with the Tsay Key Dene Band and the Kwadacha Nation to address the impact on their communities and culture from the construction of the Bennett Dam and the Williston Reservoir 40 years ago.
AGREEMENT SETTLES DECADES OF FLOODING IMPACTS, December 12th, 2006

Premier Gordon Campbell announced agreements-in-principle have been reached with the Tsay Key Dene Band and the Kwadacha Nation to address the impact on their communities and culture from the construction of the Bennett Dam and the Williston Reservoir 40 years ago. Joining Premier Campbell for the announcement were Richard Neufeld, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources; BC Hydro President and CEO Bob Elton; Michael de Jong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation; Dave Porter, a member of the political executive with the First Nations Leadership Council and Chair of the Kaska Dena Council; Chief Johnny Pierre, of the Tsay Keh Dene Band; Chief Donny Van Somer of the Kwadacha Nation and Elder Jean Isaac.

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The provincial government and B.C. First Nations’ organizations are working together to develop a New Relationship founded on respect, recognition and reconciliation of Aboriginal rights and title.

British Columbia is leading change that has the potential to reshape our social and economic landscape and create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all British Columbians.

The courts have been clear that government has an obligation to consult with First Nations with respect to decisions that have the potential to impact Aboriginal rights and title.

In March 2005, the Province began meetings with representatives of the First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the B.C. Assembly of First Nations to develop new approaches for consultation and accommodation and a vision for a New Relationship to deal with Aboriginal concerns based on openness, transparency and collaboration – one that reduces uncertainty, litigation and conflict for all British Columbians.

A five-page document, outlining the vision and principles of the New Relationship, was developed as a result of these meetings. It broaches the topic of a new government-to-government relationship with First Nations, including new processes and structures for coordination, and working together to make decisions about the use of land and resources. The document proposes discussion of revenue-sharing to reflect Aboriginal rights and title interests and to assist First Nations with economic development. In addition, the document sets out a plan for developing scenarios under which these concepts could be made to work.

The New Relationship Download Adobe Reader (PDF 24KB)


This is directly related to the strategic vision that the Province has laid before British Columbians.

  1. To make B.C. the best educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent;
  2. To lead the way in North America in healthy living and physical fitness;
  3. To build the best system of support in Canada for persons with disabilities, special needs, children at risk and seniors;
  4. To lead the world in sustainable environmental management, with the best air and water quality, and the best fisheries management, bar none; and
  5. To create more jobs per capita than anywhere else in Canada.

These goals are consistent with the shared vision to restore, revitalize and strengthen First Nations’ communities and cannot be achieved without the participation of Aboriginal leaders and organizations.
This vision document sets the cross-government approach we will use to work together on such goals as raising Aboriginal health outcomes to the Canadian average within a decade and developing a comprehensive strategy to better coordinate funding and support for Aboriginal children’s services.

Discussions related to the New Relationship are proceeding and will include consultation with such stakeholders as industry and local governments.