Powell River, British Columbia
October 21, 2011
Check against delivery
Good afternoon Elders, Chief Williams and Councillors, community members and honoured guests. Thank you for welcoming me onto your Tla'amin traditional territory.
It is an honour for me to be with you today at such an historic and exciting event.
Let me begin by acknowledging the Elders and Tla'amin Treaty Society members past and present, recognizing those who are no longer with us. I would like to pay tribute to these remarkable individuals whose vision, wisdom and determination made this day possible.
It is also my pleasure to recognize the Tla'amin leadership—past and present—for their strength, courage and perseverance. Your dedication, hard work and commitment have brought this Treaty into being.
I would like to recognize the Government of British Columbia for its ongoing commitment to the BC treaty process and commend Chief Commissioner Sophie Pierre and her colleagues at the BC Treaty Commission for their support. I would also like to thank the negotiating teams - led by Chief Federal Negotiator Tom Molloy, current Chief Provincial Negotiator Tom Ethier and former Chief Provincial Negotiator Trevor Proverbs, and Tla'amin Chief Negotiator Roy Francis.
Together we are committing to a mutually respectful relationship between the Tla'amin Nation and the Crown.
The Tla'amin Final Agreement will help achieve comprehensive benefits that promote health and economic prosperity in this community.
The provisions for self-government, ownership of Tla'amin Lands, and financial transfers will give this community the foundation on which it can build a prosperous future. In a new era of self-government, your members will have the tools and resources they need to realize your community's full potential.
In addition to a range of rights related to economic opportunity, the Final Agreement provides certainty with respect to your Aboriginal rights and titles throughout your traditional territory.
The Agreement will also enable you to build on the work your community has done to preserve and revive your cherished culture and traditions, and especially your language.
I believe the spirit of this Agreement will be felt far beyond your traditional territory, bearing witness to all those who put their passion, energy and good faith into its development.
Please accept my congratulations and best wishes for your celebrations on this very happy day.
Thank you.
