File: 0485-20

COMMUNITY TO COMMUNITY FORUM

NOTES OF THE COMMUNITY TO COMMUNITY FORUM BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE MORICETOWN BAND COUNCIL HELD AT THE MULTIPLEX IN MORICETOWN ON TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2006, AT 5:00 P.M.

Local Government: Moricetown Band Council: Lucy Gagnon, Band Manager Town of Smithers: Sandra George Mayor Jim Davidson Lillian Lewis Cathryn Bucher, Councillor Desmond McKinnon Cress Farrow, Councillor Duane Mitchell Bill Goodacre, Councillor Ron Mitchell Jo Ann Groves, Councillor Lorena Morris Wallace Mah, Chief Administrative Officer Chief Warner William Deborah Sargent, DCAO/Director of Planning Clair Lee, Corporate Administrative Assistant Debbie Pierre, Executive Director, Jan McKay, Recording Secretary Office of the Wet’suwet’en District of New Hazelton Public Present: Mayor Pieter Weeber Rick Braam, Ministry of Economic Development Sharon Robertson, Assistant Manager, CFDC Nadina Village of Granisle Flo Ewald, Granisle. Mayor Gerald Ewald Mark John, Moricetown.

1. WELCOME – Ron Mitchell

Ron Mitchell introduced himself by his names “Hagwilnegh” and “Yahali”. He was born into the Laksilyu clan. Lillian Lewis and Helen Nikal are his father clan. During the Delgamuukw court case, he walked 22,000 sq. km. with his pen identifying sites, names of lakes and creeks, terms, and hereditary chief names. Burns Lake is on his clan territory. There are three houses. His responsibilities included burial of relatives near Fraser Lake (Stellaco and Lake Babine members) and looking after elders at Fort Babine. He has served eight terms on Council and has worked as a counselor and social worker for a total of 25 years. He worked with students at Chandler Park Middle School and Smithers Secondary School. He told a story about finding a moose calf when he was eight years old and asking his uncle if he could keep it. He carried the calf home and his uncle and brother built a corral for it. When the calf didn’t survive, he blamed the last of the many visitors who had come to see it.

INTRODUCTIONS Deputy Mayor Farrow began chairing the meeting, advising that Mayor Davidson was on his way to Moricetown having attended the Northern Development Initiative meeting in Prince George. Introductions were made around the table.

NOTES OF THE COMMUNITY TO COMMUNITY FORUM BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OFFICE MORICETOWN BAND COUNCIL HELD IN THE MULTIPLEX IN MORICETOWN, ON TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2006, AT 5:00 P.M. Page 2

2. INCREMENTAL TREATY AGREEMENT – PROGRESS UPDATE

Debbie Pierre offered her condolences on the passing of a Laksilyu member. She passed on Sandra Harris’ regrets for being unable to attend the meeting. Sandra Harris is the Acting Negotiator. Debbie lived in Granisle for 17 years and resides in Moricetown. She was a part of the Moricetown Band. She participated in the tribal police training program in Lillooet and life skills training in Vancouver. Debbie summarized the tri-partite negotiation process involving the Wet’suwet’en, British Columbia, and Canada. The BC Treaty Commission governs the process. Funding comes from Canada and B.C. The Office of the Wet’suwet’en has had to borrow $11 million to date for treaty negotiations. Facilities include the office on First Avenue in Smithers. Karen Abbot will be joining the Office of the Wet’suwet’en on April 3 as the new Lead Negotiator. She is an Associate Judge for the Corville Tribe. The OW has been negotiating since 1994 with BC and Canada. The OW believes that sharing and listening are necessary to build strong relationships. Of great importance are recognition of land, history, and imbalance of power. The OW wants to see co- management, co-jurisdiction, and co-existence. They want to be equal partners in resources. The Wet’suwet’en want negotiation, not litigation. Since negotiations began, little benefits have been seen. Communities continue to suffer, unemployment and social concerns remain, and the OW has not been part of the economic fabric of B.C. An Incremental Treaty Agreement (ITA) approach has been established. This is a contract agreement to work together and to negotiate together. The approach has built-in opportunities along the way. It defines relationships between the OW and Canada and the OW and the Province. Its strength is that it allows the parties to see benefits ahead of time and to be able to test the waters to see what the final agreement will look like. Debbie listed the topic areas. These included fish and wildlife, forestry, other resources, social programs, etc. In the area of social programs, for example, the parties need to find common ground, as currently there are different mandates. The ITA is expected to achieve benefits and ensure commitment to conclusion. The language used in the ITA would be the same language appearing in the final agreement. There are huge challenges ahead, given the large area of land and the human resources and specialist needs. The hope is that the ITA will build the needed capacity, however, there is no envelope to do that. The Province has just received the mandate to negotiate a “new relationships” document. Those commitments are starting to be implemented in the ITA. All three parties want stability and predictability on the economy that will benefit all parties. The ITA includes forward thinking on how we see the Wet’suwet’en people in the territory. It is not constitutionally binding. It is a contract. During the 23 months of negotiation, the OW has not yet defined how to move forward NOTES OF THE COMMUNITY TO COMMUNITY FORUM BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OFFICE MORICETOWN BAND COUNCIL HELD IN THE MULTIPLEX IN MORICETOWN, ON TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2006, AT 5:00 P.M. Page 3

in topic areas and needs to map out a plan. The OW wants to see sustainable opportunities. Relationship building is needed. How can we concretely work together to create a future? The OW wants to build that foundation now – in the Bulkley Valley and throughout the territories. Debbie reported that the OW are working with Burns Lake to become a true partner. (At this point, Mayor Davidson and S. Robertson arrived.) Mayor Davidson thanked everyone for attending and thanked Lucy Gagnon for working with Clair Lee in organizing the meeting. Mayor Davidson then turned the floor over to Rick Braam.

3. MINISTRY OF SMALL BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Rick Braam reported that he grew up in Terrace and spent 23 years working for the Forest Service in the Bulkley Valley. He replaces Butch Morningstar until July. He noted that economic development is an exciting field to be in right now. There are lots of projects on the horizon for the northwest, in mining, pipeline opportunities, and the Asian Pacific Gateway projects. Many communities have benefited from Olympic Live Sites funding to create sports facilities. The Ministry of Economic Development is tied in with Western Economic Diversification to fund feasibility studies. The Ministry liaises to connect businesses with suppliers and other funding sources. Mr. Braam discussed port facilities at Prince Rupert, Kitimat, and Stewart. The new port facility in Prince Rupert is expected to be operational in the third quarter of 2007. It is not yet known how this area can participate. Will the trains be stopping here? Kitimat is concerned because there is no public access to salt water. Is a transitional port needed to load bulk? It is hoped that the port at Stewart will be busy due to mining initiatives. Mr. Braam reported that his Ministry is involved in discussions regarding the electrification of Highway 37, seen as a necessity for mining. The Ministry is also responsible for trades and training. He acknowledged the shortage of skilled workers and stated that there will be training and employment opportunities for First Nations. The Ministry will undertake a skills inventory to determine what is available and to identify gaps. Northwest Community College is involved. Mr. Braam ended by saying that there are real opportunities to build businesses in the northwest.

4. a) RECREATION FACILITIES

Mayor Davidson reported that the Town of Smithers is building a second sheet of ice and will need to find help somewhere. The $650,000 contributed by the Town and the $1.7 million from the Province may not be enough to complete the project. Town Council will be talking more with the OW about the second sheet of ice in the future. The Town is investigating grants for geothermal heating for recreational facilities.

4. b) COMMUNITY FOREST NOTES OF THE COMMUNITY TO COMMUNITY FORUM BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OFFICE MORICETOWN BAND COUNCIL HELD IN THE MULTIPLEX IN MORICETOWN, ON TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2006, AT 5:00 P.M. Page 4

Mayor Davidson explained that the Bulkley Valley Community Forest has been a long- time dream. The group is almost ready to submit the application. It is a partnership for shareholders in a company that runs a community forest. The group has been working with the Hereditary Chiefs and Debbie Pierre.

5. DINNER

Duane Mitchell said the grace.

6. OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION

Ron Mitchell pointed out: a) local businesses benefit greatly from the sale of food and goods associated with potlatch events in Moricetown; b) racism still exists and in many cases it stems from misunderstanding. He gave an example of a Smithers student who participated in a tour of Moricetown. She was unaware of the Moricetown Band and facilities. She told him that she was not allowed by her parents to go to Moricetown; c) Moricetown has many children registered in minor hockey and Mayor Davidson’s request for help with the second sheet of ice is something to be considered and discussed further; and d) he is optimistic about R. Braam’s presentation regarding training and employment opportunities for First Nations people. He ended by saying that these meetings are a good start and we, the people at this table, need to work with one another.

Mayor Davidson responded to Ron Mitchell’s comments regarding the Second Sheet of Ice by: a) indicating that federal support is required; b) explaining that a second sheet is needed because families have to get up very early for hockey practice and this is especially disruptive to families having more than one child playing hockey; and c) First Nations and non-First Nations kids playing side by side on a team is an effective way to foster an understanding between groups of people.

Debbie Pierre pointed out that: a) There is far more activity going on than treaty negotiations. The OW is actively building relationships. The OW is looking at an ongoing partnership in the Community Forest. The OW facility located in Smithers offers child welfare, human resources, and social services programs to community members in Smithers, not only to people of First Nations’ descent. One example she gave is the part-time daycare on Second Avenue in Smithers, which is the first of its kind. b) The OW was recently awarded Public Body Status by Canada Revenue Agency to provide the OW with an economic development arm (called Wet’suwet’en Ventures) to NOTES OF THE COMMUNITY TO COMMUNITY FORUM BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OFFICE MORICETOWN BAND COUNCIL HELD IN THE MULTIPLEX IN MORICETOWN, ON TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2006, AT 5:00 P.M. Page 5

allow the OW to venture into long-term, sustainable opportunities with its neighbours. Public Body Status is a first and has taken four years to establish. The OW believes that partnership is key and wants to be part of economic opportunities. The success of the joint venture between the OW and Canfor (Kyahwood) proves that joint ventures can work. c) There are annual community activities where communities need to come together to showcase what we have to offer. d) The OW looks holistically at economic development. e) It is up to us as leaders around the table to create new, good memories for our children. f) The OW is short-staffed and there are numerous projects impacting the territories that need to be addressed.

Councillor Farrow advised that the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako is holding a regional 2-day economic development workshop and wanted to know whom the Regional District should contact regarding the workshop, as the Wet’suwet’en territory is located in both the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, with Moricetown in the latter.

Mayor Davidson asked “How do we address the beetle infestation and how do we get the OW informed and/or involved?” Debbie Pierre advised that the OW is planning an action committee, adding that decisions are made on OW territory without OW input regarding the pine beetle. Mayor Davidson advised that the Cariboo/Chilcotin and Omenica action committees are just getting off the ground and they intend on visiting communities. He will let Debbie know what happens.

Mayor Ewald reported that the Village of Granisle seems to be coming back to life. It has seen the first construction in 25 years. The arena and curling rink and the sewage treatment and water plants received grants for upgrades. He would like to see the government open the back road to Smithers and keep it maintained. Granisle is working with Regional District Area ‘G’ on increasing tourism. Granisle is hoping to rent out ice time to generate revenue.

Mayor Weeber explained that Hazelton goes through cycles and that right now it is in a ‘resting mode’. Young people cannot find jobs locally and are going to places like Vancouver and Dawson Creek where they are learning work skills. People from out of the province are buying property in Hazelton, possibly due to the Prince Rupert port and mining ventures. Northwest Community College is doing an excellent job offering entry-level courses and the mining program. Hazelton is preparing for a wave of prosperity.

Warner William gave an update of the mill in Moricetown. Talks began with Northwood in 1993 about the possibility of a joint venture. It took over one year to draft the NOTES OF THE COMMUNITY TO COMMUNITY FORUM BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OFFICE MORICETOWN BAND COUNCIL HELD IN THE MULTIPLEX IN MORICETOWN, ON TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2006, AT 5:00 P.M. Page 6

agreement. The plant now employs 75 to 80 people and has been in operation for eight years. The Wet’suwet’en have also become a ten percent owner of a new pellet plant.

Councillor Farrow agreed that it is time to go beyond the annual dinner and to do something concrete. He suggested that we work to improve communication. He mentioned that trucks that haul waste to the Knockholt landfill site are travelling back empty and that there might be a possible opportunity here for Kyahwood.

Duane Mitchell suggested that because of the downturn in forestry and the focus on the 2010 Winter Olympics, that perhaps more attention could be given to bringing people to the Bulkley Valley for sporting events such as the 2009 BC Winter Games, if Smithers’ bid is successful. The Bulkley Valley has excellent fishing, golfing, hockey, and snow sports that are affordable. Councillor Groves advised that she has been appointed Chair of the Spirit of BC Community Committee (2010 Olympic Committee) and that an invitation was sent to the OW for a representative to participate on the Committee. Members will be appointed on March 28, 2006.

Lucy Gagnon presented the following information regarding Moricetown: a) the population is approximately 700 people; b) there are six reserves; c) there are two reserves off-site – one in Smithers and one on the Telkwa High Road; d) 45 percent of the people are under 30 years of age; e) there are 183 homes; f) 25% of the people are unemployed; g) 40 people are employed by the Moricetown Band; h) water capacity is good for future development; i) Moricetown has a new fire hall, but the fire trucks are outdated; j) 6 new houses are being constructed and possibly 10 more this summer; k) an estimate for road paving was obtained and will be very costly; l) the pellet plant produces pellets for manufacturing use overseas, not for residential use; m) the gas bar employs 10 people; n) there is a new Interpretive Centre at the campground that provides information on fish; and o) Moricetown wants to emphasize the positive aspects of its youth. Lucy reported seeing an increase in the number of First Nations employees in Smithers businesses and commends this action. A leakage study completed in 1997 indicated that $11 million from Moricetown was going into the Smithers economy annually. Lucy advised that it takes a lot of resources to keep the community of Moricetown going and this makes it difficult to think collaboratively. Moricetown is dealing with its social problems. She explained that the Moricetown Band Council is paying for six people per month to participate in the 5-day “Choices” healing program and that it is mandatory for all of Band Council members to attend.

Rick Braam reported that a tar sands employer asked him for an up-to-date skills inventory. Sharon Robertson reported that: a) a skills inventory is in progress; b) Community NOTES OF THE COMMUNITY TO COMMUNITY FORUM BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OFFICE MORICETOWN BAND COUNCIL HELD IN THE MULTIPLEX IN MORICETOWN, ON TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2006, AT 5:00 P.M. Page 7

Futures has a good understanding of skills and training and offers employment assistance to over 650 clients; c) because CFDCN’s boundaries do not extend into the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, Moricetown is served by the Terrace office, however, the Smithers office will assist anyone regardless of location; d) a 17-week First Nations entrepreneurial program was conducted in Tachet and is offered throughout the region; e) Community Services is working with the Burns Lake Band and will work with Rick Braam in the ‘container port roadshow’ to generate economic opportunities for communities along Highway 16; f) Community Futures Nadina provides economic development project assistance for Telkwa, Granisle, Smithers, and Houston for projects such as the Community Forest and 2010 Live Sites funding to promote arts, culture, literacy, sports, and procurement (how to bid on supplier opportunities); and g) Community Futures offers employment and self employment services and is bidding on a contract to assist those on EI.

Duane Mitchell encouraged Smithers to continue promoting the area, listing the Disney movie ‘8 Below’, the Hockeyville competition, and the Best Outdoor Rink competition as examples of good advertising. The message needs to get out that Smithers is more affordable than Whistler.

Lorena Morris voiced concerns about difficulties she experienced trying to get funding to start a laundromat business in Moricetown, adding that she has been a small business entrepreneur for the past 14 years. Sharon Robertson suggested she contact the Community Futures office in Terrace. Lorena Morris advised that she is also concerned for herself and for others who have not paid into the Canada Pension Plan. Sharon Robertson offered to have Community Future’s financial staff speak with her about this. Lorena excused herself from the meeting, as she had to attend a meeting regarding the Highway of Tears project.

Lillian Lewis commented that there were a lot of unemployed people in Moricetown, but there is no college campus as there is in Smithers, Hazelton, and Terrace.

7. OTHER BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS None.

8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at (8:13 p.m.).

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