2-02756
Vancouver (March 9, 2006) -- The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister
of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for
Métis and Non-Status Indians, the Honourable Tom Christensen, Minister
of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, and Yale First Nation Chief
Robert Hope signed an Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) today under the B.C.
treaty process. The AIP lays the framework for final negotiations toward
a legally binding treaty.
"The successful completion of the Agreement-in-Principle with the
Yale First Nation is a major step by Yale toward exercising control over
its own affairs and ensuring certainty in the region," said Minister
Prentice. "By building strong relationships, Yale and its neighbours
have already demonstrated the tremendous power in working together to
find solutions to shared challenges. This will benefit all citizens and
is ultimately what treaties are about."
The Yale First Nation members are a group of 141 people whose main community
is on the Fraser River, north of Hope. Yale entered the treaty process
in 1994.
“This agreement represents a significant step toward our goal of
a final treaty, which will help shape a more prosperous future for the
Yale First Nation as well as contribute to a strong and vibrant regional
economy,” said Minister Christensen. “I congratulate Chief
Hope, who has been instrumental in guiding the Yale First Nation towards
its goal of reaching a Final Agreement.”
“We view treaty-making as a process of partnership building with
various industries and local, provincial and federal governments,”
said Yale First Nation Chief Robert Hope. “Treaties, if understood,
have the potential to be the single largest catalyst for economic development,
partnerships and improved governance in British Columbia.”
The AIP provides for 1,139 hectares of proposed treaty lands, including
915 hectares of provincial Crown land and 224 hectares of existing reserve
land. These lands are located in the Fraser Canyon, along the Fraser River
between Sawmill Creek and Puckat Creek. At Final Agreement, the Yale First
Nation will receive a $6.5 million capital transfer to assist them with
developing business capacity and economic opportunities. The AIP also
outlines a range of additional components, including provisions on fishing,
resource management, culture and governance.
An AIP is the fourth step in a six-step treaty negotiations process set
out by the B.C. Treaty Commission. Today’s AIP is the sixth signed
in British Columbia since 2003.
AIPs have been signed with Lheidli T’enneh First Nation in Prince
George, the Maa-nulth First Nations on Vancouver Island, the Sliammon
First Nation near Powell River, the Tsawwassen First Nation, in the Lower
Mainland, and the Yekooche First Nation in northwest B.C.
For more information; go to: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca
and http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr
Media Contact
Stacey McGaghey
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
Tel: (250) 387-1253
Cell: (250) 360 7538
Catherine Blackstock
Communications and Consultation Advisor
Indian & Northern Affairs Canada
Tel: (604)-775-7392
Cell: (604)-290-7395
Beatrice Bonneau
Treaty Manager
Yale First Nation
Tel: (604) 863-2443
Cell: (604)-860-9223
