Community members okay with $47 Million Port deal

[Tsawwassen First Nation]

Tsawwassen First Nation ratifies $47-million deal with Port Corp.

TSAWWASSEN, BC, Nov. 30, 2004

By an overwhelming majority, members of the Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) ratified their $47-million deal with the Vancouver Port Authority.

One-hundred and sixty-two band members went to the polls; 143, or 88 per cent, voted yes to ratify the deal.

"The Tsawwassen people have spoken loud and clear," said Chief Kim Baird. "I'm very pleased with the result. I'm convinced the deal heralds a new era of cooperation between First Nations and the business community." The deal was signed Nov. 10.

Chief Baird and her team have been aggressive in pursuing economic
development, working to overcome the wide gap between TFN and its non-
aboriginal neighbours.

Meanwhile, TFN is working overtime to finalize B.C.'s first urban treaty.
Now that negotiations have moved on to substantive issues including finance and fisheries, Chief Baird has become concerned about a lack of focus and direction from Victoria and Ottawa.

"Dithering and spin aren't going to get it done," she says. "We want a
treaty by spring and we're willing to roll up our sleeves to make it happen. I challenge both governments to do the same."

For further information: Alex Rose, (604) 603-5142,
www.tsawwassenfirstnation.com