Volume 1 | Issue 2 | August 2006 “Let us faceThe it, we areNew all here Relationship to stay” Progressreport Education Jurisdiction Framework Agreement signed On July 5, 2006, Premier The Framework Agreement , Minister signed on July 5 is the result of Indian Affairs and of six years of negotiations, Northern Development Jim and allows who Prentice, Chief Negotiator choose to negotiate a Nathan Matthew and First bilateral Canada-First Nation Nations Education Steering Education Jurisdiction Committee President Agreement to remove Deborah Jeffrey signed a themselves from sections historic agreement to recog- 114-122 of the Indian Act, nize First Nations’ jurisdic- and assume jurisdiction for tion over First Nations’ on-reserve K-12 education. education on-reserve in This includes teacher July 5,2006 First Nations Education Agreement Signing Ceremony,Xweme’lch’stn School,North – a key certification, school certifica- (front row:left to right) The Honourable Gordon Campbell,Premier of BC;Nathan Matthew,First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC);The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development; action item under the tripar- tion and establishment of (back row:left to right) The Honourable ,Minister of Education;The Honourable Tom Christensen, tite Transformative Change curriculum and examination former Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation;Grand Chief Edward John,Member of the First Nations Summit Political Executive and First Nations Leadership Council;Tyrone McNeil,Vice-President,FNESC;Jennifer Accord signed last November. standards (jurisdiction over Guscott,A/Regional Director General (BC),Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. continued on Page 2, see “Education Framework Agreement”

IN THIS REPORT: News Flash: New Minister appointed to Provincial Government and First Nations work to Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation implement Political Accords.....2 On August 15, Michael de Jong became B.C.’s Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Support for Indigenous Language Preservation ...... 3 Reconciliation. Hon. Tom Christensen will be Minister of Children and Family Development. Council of the Minister de Jong said he is honoured to be in the portfolio at a time when British Columbia is Federation Meeting ...... 3 leading Canada in developing a relationship with First Nations built on mutual respect, Haisla Repatriation recognition and reconciliation. of G’psgolox ...... 4 National Aboriginal Day “I can’t think of a better time to be involved in the development of a New Relationship with Celebrations...... 5 First Nations,” he said. “Look at how far British Columbia has come under this government in AFN 27th Annual AGA...... 6 the last couple of years. With the leadership of the Premier, we really are leading the country First Nations manage now and it’s very exciting.” De Jong will be meeting with the First Nations Leadership Council beetle impact...... 7 as a key priority. BC Spirit Bear named official provincial mammal...... 8 2 The New Relationship Progressreport

Education Provincial Government and First Nations Framework Agreement Work to Implement Political Accords (continued from Page 1) Premier Campbell and First Nations Leadership Council early childhood development Support agreements with First Nations and post-secondary educa- On May 4, First Nations tion will be negotiated in the Leadership Council members The future of First Nations as a true partner in Canada, future). Participating First joined Premier Campbell in with constitutionally protected rights and title, Nations schools can issue the legislature, to support the“warrants a fundamental rethinking of confederation. Premier’s statement urging their own graduation certifi- Premier Gordon Campbell, May 4, 2006 cates. They can also confer Ottawa to live up to the com- ” the provincial Dogwood mitments made at the First must be found, focused and government has stated that Certificate to qualified grads. Ministers’ and Aboriginal committed if we are to meet its new Aboriginal policy is The Framework Agreement Leaders’ Summit last the goal of closing the gaps to be based on ‘accountabili- has a term of seven years, November. Premier for Aboriginal people within ty and taking responsibility’. which can be renewed upon Campbell’s statement on the the next decade. We strongly suggest that your agreement of all parties. Transformative Change Accord government do the same, “Mr. Speaker, I characterized and the Kelowna agreement and uphold the honour of Canada and BC will now that agreement as Canada’s came after the federal govern- the Crown by fulfilling its develop and recommend ‘moment of truth.’ It was our ment tabled its first budget, commitments in the Kelowna enabling legislation to allow time to do something that which did not uphold the Accord, and work with us in Canada and First Nations to has eluded our nation for financial commitments made British Columbia to imple- begin negotiating individual 138 years. It was our chance in Kelowna by the former ment these commitments Jurisdiction Agreements, to end the disparities in prime minister. through the Transformative funding agreements and health, education, housing Change Accord. The First implementation plans (tem- Urging Ottawa to support its and economic opportunity. Nations Leadership Council plates for these have been $5-billion commitment to All first ministers rose to that also initiated other public prepared). The First Nations the Kelowna agreement, moment of truth alongside information activities, Education Steering Campbell said: “The future of Canada’s Aboriginal leaders including media releases in Committee will work with First Nations as a true part- to undertake that challenge. support of the Premier’s interested First Nations to ner in Canada, with constitu- Having made that extraordi- statement and of former assist them in developing tionally protected rights and nary national commitment, Prime Minister Paul Martin’s education laws and establish- title, warrants a fundamental any unilateral reversal will Private Member’s Bill ing Community Education rethinking of confederation. invite consequences that only (C-292) to implement the Authorities to deliver educa- All governments, including make us poorer as a nation.” Kelowna commitments; an tion programs and services. First Nations governments, The First Nations Leadership open letter to Prime Minister need to know they can count The First Nations Leadership Council joined Premier Harper; a First Nations on stable revenue streams to Council and BC view these Campbell in calling on Prime letter-writing campaign; and provide the services for education agreements as Minister distributing information on which they are responsible. critical steps to providing to live up to financial com- the Transformative Change That was implicit in the five- First Nations learners better mitments in the Kelowna Accord to Members of year commitment made in opportunities for success. Accord, stating “Your Parliament. Kelowna. Long-term funding “Let us face it, we are all here to stay” 3

Support for Indigenous Language Preservation At the fourth annual First Citizens’ Forum last March, Premier Gordon Campbell announced an additional $1 million to support the work of the First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council – preserving, promoting and revitalizing Aboriginal languages and cultures. The Council will administer distribution of the funds to Aboriginal communities representing different language families in B.C. Celebrating the work of the First Peoples’Heritage,Language and Culture Council at the First Citizens’Forum in March

British Columbia is home distinct and important role Each year the First Peoples’ documentation and to more than 60 per cent of in the history of British Heritage, Language and immersion programs. The Canada’s indigenous Columbia, and support for Culture Council supports First Citizens’ Forum was languages. Many of these language preservation marks projects to revitalize and established in 2002 to create languages are in danger of another step in British promote indigenous a direct means for Aboriginal being lost forever; some are Columbia’s commitment to languages in British citizens to communicate with already extinct. build a New Relationship Columbia through classes, government about their with First Nations. curriculum development, priorities and ideas. Aboriginal culture plays a

Council of the Federation Meeting

The Council of the Federation (all provincial and Canada, British Columbia, and the First Nations territorial premiers) met in St. John’s Newfoundland Leadership Council also signed the Transformative on July 26-28, 2006. The Council of the Federation Change Accord – a made-in-BC approach to closing was created by Premiers to promote cooperation the socio-economic gap, improving relationships, and closer ties between provinces and territories; and reconciling Aboriginal title and rights with those foster meaningful relations between governments; of the Crown. The First Nations Leadership Council and demonstrate leadership on issues important to and the Province have been developing an all Canadians. implementation plan for this Accord to help inform Council of the Federation discussions, stimulate One of these issues is the Kelowna agreement – discussions with the federal government and commitments made by the Government of Canada, advance efforts to improve the lives of all provincial and territorial leaders, and leaders of Aboriginal Canadians. national Aboriginal organizations to improve the qual- ity of life of Aboriginal peoples across the country. 4 The New Relationship Progressreport

Haisla Nation Repatriation of G’psgolox Totem Pole The persistence of the people. The pole was carved pole’s return last March. Leadership Council, former Haisla Nation, sustained by a in 1872/1876 and was The Haisla carved a Aboriginal Relations and connection to their culture erected at the Kitlope village replacement pole to Reconciliation Minister Tom and heritage, was rewarded site of Misk’usa. remain on display at the Christensen, Ingrid Iremark, with the successful repatria- Stockholm museum. Sweden’s Ambassador to Without the Haisla’s tion of their 134-year-old Canada, and chiefs and eld- knowledge, a Swedish The pole served as the G’psgolox totem pole. ers from host First Nations, diplomat acquired the pole centrepiece for an official Named after the chief who joined several hundred in 1929 and shipped it to repatriation ceremony had it carved in 1872, the people on the Vancouver Art Sweden. The Museum of attended by the Haisla G’psgolox pole spent over Gallery grounds. Ethnography in Stockholm Nation, the First Nations three-quarters of a century kept the pole, where the Leadership Council and The pole’s in a European museum. Haisla finally discovered it Premier Gordon Campbell repatriation is Chief G’psgolox ordered in 1991. on June 21, during the 10th historic, and the pole carved after an anniversary celebrations of marks the first A 15-year process that encounter with Tsooda, a National Aboriginal Day in time a First included raising almost mythical being who advised Vancouver. In an emotional Nation in $50,000 and sending Haisla the chief how to reclaim his tribute to the perseverance Canada has delegations to Sweden, led children from death after a of the Haisla people and repatriated a by repatriation committee smallpox epidemic their will to triumph over totem pole chair Gerald Amos and elder decimated the Kitlope adversity, the First Nations from overseas. Louisa Smith, resulted in the

BC TO HOST NATIONAL ABORIGINAL FIRST NATIONS ACCESS HEALTH SUMMIT TO BROADBAND The Transformative Change Accord, signed on Broadband Internet connectivity to First Nations November 25, 2005, commits the signatories to a communities remains a priority for both the ten-year timeframe to close gaps in quality of life provincial government and First Nations. Both between Aboriginal people and other British the Province and First Nations are committed to Columbians. The Accord identifies health as providing Broadband services to unserved and one of those gaps. underserved communities and are currently working to secure the funding to proceed. In the meantime, Carrying forward his commitment to the goals of B.C. has sent Community Engagement Specialists the Transformative Change Accord, Premier into specific communities to work with community Campbell has committed to work in partnership with champions and to gather information that will be the First Nations Leadership Council to host a used when the telecommunications rollout begins. national Aboriginal Health Summit this fall. The Summit would bring together Aboriginal leaders, community leaders, government officials and medical professionals. “Let us face it, we are all here to stay” 5

National Aboriginal Day Celebrations June 21, 2006 marked the 21-22, including an emo- tion of Aboriginal rights.” 10th anniversary of National tional repatriation ceremony “National Aboriginal Day Aboriginal Day. Five days of of an historic Haisla Nation provides us with an oppor- celebrations on the grounds totem pole. tunity to celebrate the of the Vancouver Art Gallery “On National Aboriginal progress that we have made drew large crowds and fea- Day, we celebrate First under the New Relationship, tured ceremonies, speakers, Peoples and recognize the educate all British singers, dancers, and an vibrant culture, history and Columbians about this array of cultural activities. many contributions important process and the The Aboriginal Art and Aboriginal people make to rich contributions of Culture Celebration Society,a our country and province,” Aboriginal peoples, and non-profit organization pro- said Tom Christensen, most importantly, honour moting Aboriginal culture former Minister of and recognize First Nations and identity, organized the Aboriginal Relations and peoples, cultures and com- five-day program of per- Reconciliation. “In British munities, “ said Grand Chief formances and cultural Columbia, we are building a Edward John, member of events, the largest National New Relationship with First the First Nations Leadership Aboriginal Day celebration Nations and Aboriginal peo- Council. in Canada. B.C. contributed ple based on mutual respect, $200,000 for events on June recognition and reconcilia-

FIRST NATIONS SUMMIT EXECUTIVE NEW RELATIONSHIP TRUST On June 15, 2006, Grand Chief Edward John (Akile The New Relationship Trust Board of Directors has Ch’oh), Dave Porter and Chief Judith Sayers commenced its work to create a strategic plan and (Kekinusuqs), were elected to the First Nations other supporting structures for the $100 million fund, Summit Task Group by leaders representing First and regional consultation sessions with First Nations Nations currently engaged in, or supportive of, treaty are underway. For further information, please visit negotiations in BC. The First Nations Summit Task their website at www.newrelationshiptrust.ca, Group is the political executive of the First Nations or contact: Summit, which speaks on behalf of those First Nations involved in the treaty negotiation process in British Columbia. The members of the First Nations Summit New Relationship Trust Board of Directors Task Group are also members of the First Nations PO Box 48464 Leadership Council. 595 Burrard St. Vancouver BC V7X 1A2 Daniel Watts of the Hupacasath First Nation and Chief Leah George-Wilson of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation were Tel: (604) 925-3338 also re-elected as Co-Chairs of the First Nations Fax: (604) 925-3348 Summit. The Co-Chairs are responsible for chairing First Nations Summit meetings as well as the Summit’s administration and day-to-day operations. 6 The New Relationship Progressreport

Assembly of First Nations 27th Annual General Assembly The Assembly of First opening remarks for the Nations (AFN) hosted the Assembly: “We’ve seen a 27th Annual General tremendous year of develop- Assembly at the Vancouver ments. It has been a long time Convention and Exhibition, coming that we stand togeth- July 11 – 13, 2006. This er and that we work together. housing and community The AFN Assembly also noteworthy gathering was We have a vision for what’s gaps, and the gaps that have provided delegates with the co-hosted by the BC First called a New Relationship. It existed between opportunity to discuss a Nations Leadership Council might not be here yet…it’s communities for too long. number of important topics, (FNLC) following a nation- something we shoot for.” We will pursue that goal structural reorganization, wide tendering process. The relentlessly, guided by First national issues (residential BC Premier Gordon gathering allowed for Chiefs Nations leadership, guided schools, accountability, Campbell continued to and delegates from across by First Nations people.” social, land rights, demonstrate his Canada to engage in impor- recognition and implemen- commitment to the New Other esteemed speakers tant socio-political dialogue tation of First Nations Relationship and included the federal Indian and to participate in a governments), intergovern- Transformative Change Affairs and Northern democratic election to select mental issues (health care, Accord in his keynote on July Development Minister Jim the next National Chief. fiscal imbalance), and 11: “We have set our sights Prentice, New Democratic international issues (border On July 12, 2006, Phil on a goal,” Premier Campbell Party Leader Jack Layton, crossings, draft Declaration Fontaine was re-elected to said. “The goal is to close the and Allen Parker of the on the Rights of Indigenous his third term (second gaps – the educational gaps, National Congress of Peoples). consecutive) as National the healthcare gaps, the American Indians. Chief. The role of the National Chief is to advocate and work for the 633 First 30th Annual Elders Gathering Held Nations in Canada. The First The 30th Annual BC Elders ing from practical (such as the name Chamatook, Nations Leadership Council Gathering was held on July healthy medications and meaning one who is able to (FNLC) and the Province of 18-20, hosted in Port Alberni dealing with Pensions do the right thing and bring British Columbia congratu- by Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Canada), to serious (such as harmony, by the Ahousaht late the National Chief on Council and Tseshaht First elder abuse and the residen- First Nation. Premier his re-election and look Nation. More than 3,000 tial schools compensation Campbell vowed to live up forward to continuing to Elders from British package), to fun (such as to the name, and addressed work with the AFN on Columbia, Alberta, singles and healthy flirting). the Elders, honouring their Saskatchewan, Alaska and contributions to the past, matters affecting First Premier Gordon Campbell Washington attended the present and future well- Nations of British Columbia. spoke at the opening cere- event, and participated in a being of First Nations. monies, and was bestowed Regional Chief A-in-chut number of workshops rang- Shawn Atleo provided “Let us face it, we are all here to stay” 7

First Nations Managing Beetle Impact Over 90 First Nation Forestry Council and report on impacted communities live in areas provide resources to enable communities. “There has where the forests are infested First Nation communities to been a tremendous amount by the mountain pine beetle. make long-term plans to of effort on the part of the That makes the mountain help their communities cope Working Group to get to pine beetle epidemic a with the devastation brought this point,” said Dave Porter serious problem for many by the infestation. In of the First Nations First Nations people who addition, the funds will Leadership Council. “I thank depend on a healthy forest support research priorities them and I view this sector to support their cul- identified by First Nations. development as an indicator tures and languages, provide that the New Relationship is The agreement came on foods and medicines, and beginning to produce results April 20 at a forum in Prince the B.C. First Nations sustain the local economy. on the ground.” George attended by Mountain Pine Beetle Action To mitigate the impacts of representatives from over Mandated by the First Plan, announced last year. the mountain pine beetle, 100 First Nations and tribal Nations Leadership Council, For more information, visit First Nation Chiefs ratified a councils gathered to hear the the Interim Working Group the Working Group’s website funding agreement and Interim Working Group supports implementation of at www.fnmpb.ca benefits proposal developed by the Ministry of Forests and Range and the First Nations Mountain Pine Initiative Offers Resources in Bug Battle Beetle Interim Working The Province of British Columbia is providing more resources to help First Nations Group. The agreement communities cope with the long term impact of the mountain pine beetle infestation. proposes reallocating In April, 2005, Premier Gordon Campbell announced funding for the Northern funding from the $100 Development Initiative with a $50 million increase, from $135 million to $185 million the federal million later that fall. About $30 million of the new funding is slated specifically government provided last for pine beetle recovery projects. year to support an The current mountain pine beetle outbreak, the worst forest insect epidemic in implementation strategy for Canadian history, is threatening the lodgepole pine forest in the interior of central the Canada/B.C. Mountain and southern British Columbia. This infestation has the potential to drastically Pine Beetle Emergency lower the amount of available wood for harvesting in future years and will Response. The proposed adversely impact forestry in many Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities alike. reallocation will fund The Province established the Northern Development Initiative last fall to give wildfire protection and northern communities, including First Nations, the funding, control and ability to measures to reduce identify and pursue new opportunities for sustainable economic growth and job forest fire hazards on Crown creation in the Peace, Prince George, Northwest and Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet regions. land surrounding First Nation reserves. It will There is a process to apply for funding. For details contact the Northern support a First Nations Development Initiative office in Prince George at 250-561-2525. Also, check the website at www.nditrust.ca 8 The New Relationship Progressreport

CURRENT ACTIVITIES: The First Nations Leadership Council and the Province are working together on the following New Relationship initiatives, among others:

> Transformative Change Accord Implementation Plan > New consultation and accommodation framework > Review of the provincial litigation strategy > Land use planning > Communications and public information

UPCOMING CALENDAR: September 20-22: UBCIC Annual General Meeting, Vancouver location TBD B.C. Spirit Bear named September 27-29: First Nations Summit Meeting, Kamloops official provincial mammal Fall, 2006: BCAFN General Assembly, Vancouver location TBD Further evidence of a Museum in Victoria will see growing awareness of the a new Spirit Bear display in November 28, 2006: National Aboriginal Health Summit, diversity, value and the natural history gallery. location TBD importance of Aboriginal heritage came forward in a FOR MORE INFORMATION: big way in early April, when Premier Gordon Campbell BC Assembly of First Nations www.bcafn.ca introduced legislation to Union of BC Indian Chiefs www.ubcic.bc.ca make the Spirit Bear the First Nations Summit www.fns.bc.ca official provincial mammal Government of British Columbia www.gov.bc.ca emblem of British For more information on the New Relationship, click on Columbia. ‘The Spirit Bear is “The New Relationship with Aboriginal People” a magnificent symbol for Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation our province, embodying www.gov.bc.ca/arr the unique character of BC First Nations Interim Mountain Pine Beetle B.C.’s natural environment Working Group www.fnmpb.ca and the rich culture and heritage of our Aboriginal The New Relationship document www.gov.bc.ca/popt/the_new_relationship.htm people,” Campbell said.

The Spirit Bear joins the list This Progress Report is published jointly by the First Nations Leadership Council and of British Columbia’s official the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation symbols. In addition, thousands of visitors to the Royal British Columbia