ALERT BAY , March 22, 2005 -- The governments of Canada and British Columbia announced a total of $330,000 in funding today to assist the Winalagalis Treaty Group (WTG) in cultural and governance studies that will support agreement-in-principle negotiations under the British Columbia treaty process. "There must be a strong link between First Nations culture and heritage and the vision the Winalagalis have for their communities post-treaty - this work is important in order to build a strong foundation for the future," said Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations Geoff Plant. "These are positive steps towards achieving a final treaty that will bring social and economic certainty to northern Vancouver Island communities." The cultural heritage project is supported by a $200,000 treaty-related measure (TRM), to identify and develop a database of heritage sites and artifacts of cultural significance to each WTG First Nation. This research will support treaty negotiations on culture and heritage, parks and land selection. "Projects such as these demonstrate our resolve to promote positive change in Aboriginal communities as we continue to work towards modern treaties," said the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians. "They will enable Winalagalis Treaty Group First Nations to demonstrate that their traditions not only have a place in the modern world, but in fact can contribute to a stronger future for all." The $130,000 governance TRM will allow each WTG First Nation to develop a governance framework which may incorporate both traditional and modern government structures and functions. It will also allow them to determine where WTG First Nations would assume responsibility, and those areas where they would share responsibilities or receive services from other agencies. "The findings from these projects will support our work at the treaty table," said William Wasden Sr., spokesperson for the Winalagalis Treaty Group and chief negotiator for the Da'naxda'xw/Awaetlala First Nation. "Our research is helping us to identify and document significant cultural sites and the governance structures of our Nations, giving us the tools to build a stronger future." TRMs are tripartite agreements between B.C., Canada and First Nations, which are negotiated at treaty tables. They are designed to support and advance treaty negotiations, and address First Nations' interests during negotiations. Costs for the two TRMs are shared between the federal and provincial governments. The Winalagalis Treaty Group (WTG), representing ¿Namgis, Da'naxda'xw/Awaetlala, Gwa'sala-¿Nakwaxda'xw, Quatsino, and Tlatlasikwala First Nations from the North Island and Knight Inlet, is negotiating an Agreement-in-Principle with the Governments of Canada and British Columbia. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Kelly Harris Public Affairs Bureau 250 387-1253 Ken Kolba Indian and Northern Affairs Canada 604 775-7717
