July 23, 2015 – Rivers Inlet, BC – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
A major reconciliation milestone was reached in the BC treaty process with the signing of an Agreement-in-Principle at the Nuakawa Big House in Wuikinuxv Nation.
The Government of Canada, Wuikinuxv Nation and the Government of B.C. have reached a major milestone in the B.C. treaty process with the signing of an Agreement-in-Principle.
Mark Strahl, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, John Rustad, British Columbia’s Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, and Rose Hanuse-Hackett, Chief of Wuikinuxv Nation, today signed an Agreement-in-Principle during a ceremony in Wuikinuxv Village, on the central coast of British Columbia.
With the signing of the Wuikinuxv Agreement-in-Principle, the three parties can now begin negotiations towards the conclusion of a Final Agreement. The Wuikinuxv Final Agreement will include a self-government component to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the future Wuikinuxv Government, the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.
Modern treaties are an important tool to advance reconciliation and economic development for First Nations and all Canadians. A Final Agreement will provide Wuikinuxv Nation with the lands, resources and authorities they need to determine their own destiny. This in turn will lead to greater economic self-sufficiency and prosperity for Wuikinuxv Nation.
The Wuikinuxv Agreement-in-Principle proposes approximately 14,646 hectares of land, and a transfer of $7.3 million (to be adjusted for inflation).
Andrea Richer
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
Edward Hill
B.C. Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250-812-2671
Alexander Chartrand
Chief Negotiator
Wuikinuxv Nation
250-992-9085
Follow us on Twitter: @AANDCanada
