BC Shares Forestry Dollars with First Nations

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Dec. 17, 2010
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
Sts'ailes

STS'AILES SIGNS NEW FORESTRY REVENUE-SHARING AGREEMENT

STS'AILES - British Columbia has introduced a new type of agreement that
provides First Nation communities with economic benefits returning
directly to their community based on harvest activities in their
traditional territory.

Barry Penner, the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
and Willie Charlie, Chief of the Sts'ailes [St-hay-less] signed a new
Forest Consultation and Revenue Sharing Agreement (FCRSA) at an event in
the Sts'ailes community today. The agreement gives Sts'ailes a
percentage of revenue from forestry activities in their traditional
territory. Sts'ailes will use the money to support social programs in
their community.

"This agreement will transform revenues from forestry activity into
projects to build stronger First Nation communities," said Penner. "It
strengthens the relationship between B.C. and Sts'ailes. Over the coming
year, we'll continue to work together to negotiate further agreements
with Sts'ailes that will provide other economic opportunities."

The agreement has a three-year term. Money is paid semi-annually and the
amount changes each year depending on how much harvesting activity is
going on. Sts'ailes will receive $332,029 in the first year of the
agreement, and as the forest industry rebounds, can receive greater
amounts in the future.

"Sts'ailes is pleased to celebrate the signing of the FCRSA today that
will provide us a share of the forestry revenues in our territory and
ensure that we are adequately consulted on forest and range resource
developments," said Sts'ailes Chief Willie Charlie. "The benefits
received in this agreement will contribute to Sts'ailes' goal of self
governance and economic self-sufficiency. Sts'ailes has a strong
relationship with Minister Penner and the signing of the FCRSA will
prove to be a solid foundation for future agreements."

"Since 2002, this government has been working to increase First Nations'
participation in the forest sector," said Forests, Mines and Lands
Minister Pat Bell. "As British Columbia's forest sector starts to
rebound, all those involved will see increased benefits."

At part of the cultural gift exchange at the signing ceremony Penner
gave a cash donation to the newly formed Sts'ailes Youth Council. The
Youth Council will provide policy advice from the younger generation to
Chief and Council and stimulate youth interest in Sts'ailes Governance.

The new FCRSA replaces the previous forest and range opportunity
agreements, which based payments on a community's population rather than
linking them directly to harvesting activity. Since September 2002, the
provincial government has signed forestry agreements with 171 First
Nations that have provided over $243 million in revenue-sharing and
access to nearly 54 million cubic metres of timber. The revenue-sharing
model for these new agreements is based on input from First Nations
throughout the province, and the Working Roundtable on Forestry's
recommendations.

The Sts'ailes were previously known as the Chehalis Indian Band. They
are actively working to reclaim their traditional name, Sts'ailes, which
means the beating heart in the Halq'eméylem language. The Sts'ailes has
approximately 1,000 members and is based in the Chilliwack area on the
Harrison River. To learn more about Sts'ailes visit www.stsailes.com.

To see a copy of the agreement and learn more about how the Province is
building a New Relationship with First Nations visit www.gov.bc.ca/arr.

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Media Contacts:

Karen Williams
Communications
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 360-6222 (cell)

Chief Willie Charlie
Sts'ailes
4690 Salish Way
Agassiz B.C. V0M 1A1
604 796-2116 (work)