|
The Kwakwaka'wakw speaking peoples comprise approximately twenty four
percent of the total population living in the North Island, Port McNeill
area. As the first inhabitants of the area, there are many village
sites located throughout the North Island. Eleven of the
total of fifteen Kwakwaka'wakw speaking Nations reside within the North
Island Forest District area.
The Kwakwaka'waka speaking people represent a proportionate contribution
to the social and economic life of the District. Examples are the
Aboriginal education dollars, Aboriginal Health services dollars, and
Aboriginal businesses. Some First Nations administer their own
communities infrastructure, schools, health clinics, sewer, water, and
elected local governance. Potlatches, feasts, and festivals put on by
the Kwakwaka'waka speaking people provide Northern Vancouver Island and
the South Central Coast residents a uniqueness and diversity that
enriches all who live, work, and visit the area.
First Nations on the Central Coast
There are five First Nations with claimed traditional territory within
the Central Coast including the Nuxalk Nation, Heiltsuk Nation,
Kitasoo Nation, Wuikinuxv Nation and Gwa'Sala-Nakwaxda'xw. The population
within the First Nations communities on the coast has been increasing and
is expected to continue to increase into the future due to the number of
young people staying within the communities and looking for opportunities
locally.
The Aboriginal Affairs Branch of the Ministry of Forests was created in
October 1994, as part of government's response to changing environmental
and social concerns, changing market expectations and new legislation.
Aboriginal Affairs Branch and the Aboriginal Liaison Officer provide
leadership, advice and overall co-ordination with respect to
forest-related First Nations' initiatives. The Aboriginal Liaison Officer
is the communications link between and Ministry of Forests and the First
Nations in the Central Coast. The Aboriginal Liaison Officer is involved
in interim measures, provides information to treaty negotiations, policy
development and increasing First Nations' participation in the forest
industry.
First Nations in the Central Coast are involved in forestry initiatives
through joint ventures with forest companies, an offer for a Community
Forest Pilot Agreement, Non-replaceable Forest Licence Agreements and
Contract Opportunities for silviculture, logging, watershed restoration
and archaeological assessments.
The North Island - Central Coast Forest District strives for positive
working relationships with each of the five First Nations in the district
within the guidelines set out in the
Ministry of Forests Aboriginal Rights and Title Policy and the
Ministry of Forests Consultation Guidelines.
The Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan, which includes the
North Island - Central Coast Forest District is underway. Most First
Nations within the district are participating in this process which has
made a preliminary recommendation to government and is expected to be
completed by March 2003.
First Nations participate in a number of committees organized by the
North Island - Central Coast Forest District including the District
Steering Committee in which the District Manager communicates forest
policy changes to the members. The technical subcommittee deals with
operational planning issues within the district. First Nations
participate in this committee due to their involvement in various forest
tenure initiatives and their role in the forest development planning
processes with different forest companies operating in the Mid Coast.
How We Fit In...
The North Island - Central Coast Forest District has an Aboriginal Affairs Officer who works out
of the Port McNeill office.
Some objectives for the position are to:
- build working relationships within and between First Nations, licensees,
crown agencies, and other resource use interests.
- communicate changes to
consultation policy to staff, clients and First
Nations.
- informing district staff/management of FN issues in a timely and proactive
manner.
- promoting FN socio-economic participation in forest activities and encourage
economic activities.
Disclaimers
Some of this information has been provided by external sources. Although
every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, currency and reliability of
the content, Ministry of Forests accepts no responsibility in that regard.
|
From the Nimpkish Valley on Vancouver Island in the south to Princess Royal Island in the
north, the 
