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Yale, Province a Major Step Closer to Final Treaty

November 20, 2008
 
Victoria – With the signing of an understanding today by Yale First Nation Chief Robert Hope and chief negotiators from the Province, B.C. moved a step closer to having final agreements under the B.C. treaty process with seven First Nations, announced Premier Gordon Campbell.
 
“Today marks a significant milestone in our province’s history,” said Premier Campbell. “The Province and Yale First Nation have concluded the negotiation of all substantive issues between them respecting a final agreement that will bring tremendous benefits to Yale First Nation members, and all British Columbians. We should celebrate the very bright future we can create through agreements like this one signed today with Yale First Nation, who are committed to building opportunities for their community.”
 
Today’s announcement is an interim step prior to the final agreement being initialled by the Province, Yale First Nation and Canada. 
 
The proposed treaty agreement includes fee simple ownership of lands including 1,599 hectares of provincial Crown land, as well as existing reserve land, for a total of 1,820 hectares, with a capital transfer of $10.7 million and economic development funding of $2.2 million. Yale will have the right to harvest fish, wildlife and migratory birds and to gather plants in their traditional territory. Yale and Canada are continuing to work to resolve matters related to fisheries and outstanding specific land claims. 
 
“I want to thank the negotiators on both sides for the dedication and commitment they have shown in working toward a treaty that will increase certainty for the region and strengthen our respective communities,” said Chief Hope. “The benefits of a treaty will be far-reaching and will make possible a better economic future for members of Yale First Nation, especially for our children. I look forward to the day when Yale First Nation people have the same advantages and standard of living as our non-First Nation neighbours.”
 
A First Nation whose traditional territory and existing reserves are within the present-day Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD), Yale First Nation’s main reserve is approximately 20 kilometres north of Hope. Yale First Nation is composed of approximately 150 members and 16 existing reserves. 
 
“Treaties are a full and formal expression of reconciliation; they provide tools to close the socio-economic gap between First Nations and other British Columbians and are the foundation of the New Relationship,” said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong. “Finalizing this treaty will give Yale First Nation modern governance tools to build strong and workable relationships with all levels of government, and will provide them with rights, as well as obligations, regarding self-government, land and resources.” 
 
Yale First Nation entered the BC Treaty Commission process in April 1994. In March 2006, representatives from Yale First Nation and the governments of British Columbia and Canada signed an agreement-in-principle, laying the foundation for final agreement negotiations. 
 
There are currently 59 First Nations in the treaty process in British Columbia. Forty-two First Nations are currently negotiating agreements-in-principle, and four are negotiating to finalize a treaty, including Yale First Nation. Implementation of B.C.’s first modern day urban treaty with the Tsawwassen First Nation will take place next spring.
 
Visit the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation’s website at www.gov.bc.ca/arr for more information.
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