VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (May 23, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement:
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet today with the Principals in the BC treaty process, to engage with the First Nations Summit and the province of British Columbia in an ongoing dialogue about how to build greater momentum in negotiating treaties in BC.
I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate Sophie Pierre on her reappointment as Chief Commissioner of the British Columbia Treaty Commission (BCTC).
In her first term as Chief Commissioner, Sophie Pierre demonstrated leadership skills that benefited not only the participants of the BC treaty process, but all Canadians. She was the natural choice to lead the BCTC, the independent body responsible for facilitating treaty negotiations and providing public information.
Originally appointed to the BCTC in 2009, Ms. Pierre is a recipient of the Order of British Columbia and has worked tirelessly throughout her adult life for the betterment of Aboriginal communities. She served as Chief of the St. Mary's Indian Band for 26 years. Ms. Pierre was also the Administrator of the Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council from 1978 to 2003.
Ms. Pierre's appointment is for a term of one year, effective April 2, 2012. The BCTC is an independent and neutral body established in 1992 to facilitate the negotiation of treaties with British Columbia First Nations.
I look forward to working with Ms. Pierre and our partners as we continue to make progress through the BC treaty process for the benefit of all Canadians.
The Government of Canada believes that negotiations under the BC treaty process continue to be the best means of resolving outstanding rights and title issues and arriving at fair, affordable and honourable treaties that balance the interests of First Nations and all Canadians.”
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
