Seven Carrier Sekani First Nations have signed onto an agreement proponents say will put them on a path to self-government and features a revenue-sharing structure worth $175 million over the deal's five-year life.
Dubbed Pathways Forward 2.0, it was described as an "historic partnership" that "promises to boost the economy in the entire Omineca region while increasing self-determination for the signatory First Nations."
With Premier John Horgan in attendance, the agreement was signed at a packed Uda Dune Baiyoh (House of Ancestors) Conference Centre in Prince George.
"This historic partnership with the Carrier Sekani First Nations will help lift peole up and make life better for communities throughout the Omineca region," he said in a statement. "We are taking important steps together to make sure Carrier Sekani communities and all Indigenous communities benefit from economic development and nation building into the future."
It follows on an interim agreement, signed in April 2017, meant to increase its members First Nations' participation in the forest economy. The latest version also commits to bringing the federal government to the negotiations going forward. Priorities for continued negotiation of a long-term agreement include lands, forest tenure opportunities and implementation of rights and title.
A breakdown of the revenue sharing was provided:
- $70 million will go towards an economic development fund;
- $40 million will go to accommodate for impacts on the land from forest and range activities;
- $25 million will go to building "capacity" to implement the agreement and continue negotiations on a long-term, comprehensive reconciliation agreement between the First Nations and the provincial and federal governments;
- $12.5 million will go to programs to revitalize Carrier and Sekani languages and culture; - A $15-million wealth fund will be established in 2020-21.
- $12.5 million will go to building on governance processes and structures, with a goal of full self-government.
- A $15-million in 2020-21 for a wealth fund.
"All we really want for our communities is to thrive, and when our communities thrive our neighbours thrive, British Columbians and Canadians," Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mina Holmes said. "This agreement helps bring our communities and members back into equitable balance, to help close the social and economic gaps between us and our neighbours."
Signatories include the Stellat'en First Nation, Nadleh Whut'en, Ts'il Kaz Koh First Nation, Saik'uz First Nation, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation and Tl'azt'en Natio. Their combined population is over 8,400 people and their combined territories span about 69,600 square kilometres - which is almost the size of New Brunswick, or 7.4 per cent of B.C.
