VANCOUVER, B.C. (Wednesday, February 16, 2005) - Judge Steven Point, a Judge of the Provincial Court and former Tribal Chair of the Sto:lo Nation, will become the new Chief Commissioner of the British Columbia Treaty Commission. The Commission is an independent and neutral body established in 1992 to facilitate the negotiation of treaties with British Columbia First Nations. Judge Point was jointly appointed by the First Nations Summit, the Province of British Columbia and Canada. He has been sitting at the Provincial Court in Abbotsford, B.C. since being appointed to the bench on February 15, 1999. Judge Point received an Honourary Doctorate of Laws from the University College of the Fraser Valley in 2000. In the same year he was a recipient of the National Aboriginal Achievement Award. He is a board member of the Aboriginal Program at the Justice Institute of B.C. In making the announcement, federal Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Andy Scott noted Judge Point's knowledge and experience. "Judge Point is a proven leader with profound vision. He was elected Chief of the Skowkale First Nation when he was only 23 years old. Since that time he has been a practising lawyer, a law professor, and a Chief Negotiator, before being appointed to the Provincial Court. The respect and admiration he enjoys from his peers are testimony to the value he will bring to the process as Chief Commissioner". Grand Chief Edward John, a member of the First Nations Summit Political Executive also praised the appointment. "Judge Point's long history as a respected Sto:lo leader combined with his experience as a Provincial Court Judge, provide the perfect combination of knowledge, experience and impartiality necessary to be an effective Chief Commissioner of the B.C. Treaty Commission. We look forward to working with him in our continuing efforts to negotiate fair, honourable and just treaties in British Columbia." "Judge Point's expertise and breadth of experience will be a valuable resource for all participants involved in the treaty process in B.C." said Geoff Plant, Attorney-General and Minister responsible for treaty negotiations. "We are making considerable progress at treaty tables around the province and we look forward to working with him as we continue towards our goal of creating certainty for all British Columbians through negotiations." The B.C. Treaty Commission has five members: a full time Chief Commissioner chosen by the principals for a three-year term, two Commissioners selected by the First Nations Summit, and one Commissioner each appointed by Canada and B.C. - 30 - For more information : Peter Baird Indian & Northern Affairs Canada (604) 775-8141 Kelly Harris Ministry of Attorney-General and Treaty Negotiation Office (250) 387-1253 Colin Braker First Nations Summit (604) 926-9903 Backgrounder - The Honourable Judge Steven Point - Curriculum Vitae
