Vancouver, British Columbia (April 5, 2013) - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today:
I want to congratulate the leaders of the five Saanich Nations (Malahat First Nation, Tseycum First Nation, Tsawout First Nation, Pauquachin First Nation, Tsartlip First Nation), today as they join with provincial and federal representatives to celebrate the successful conclusion of the Goldstream Specific Claim.
I would also like to thank the leadership from the First Nations and the province, as well as the negotiators for all parties, for their dedication and hard work over the past several years. Your commitment helped us, on March 18th, 2013, to successfully conclude this agreement.
The settlement includes $877,375 in financial compensation from our government, as well as the transfer of about 10 acres of provincial crown land to Canada to be added to reserve for the joint use and benefit of First Nation community members.
This settlement demonstrates our government's commitment to settling land claims for the benefit of all Canadians. Since 2007, we have settled 92 specific claims representing about $1.8 billion through negotiated agreements.
The settlement that we have negotiated with the Saanich Nations and the BC government shows that claim talks can deliver results with willing partners. Claim settlements resolve past grievances and help position First Nations to become more active participants in the Canadian economy and also create a stronger climate for investment and job creation."
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
