From Conflict to Collaboration - BC and Taku River Tlingit

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Jobs and land protection balanced in new agreement . . .

"The Taku River Tlingits have looked forward to this day for a very long time. . . I wish to congratulate and thank the members of my First Nation for their hard work and dedication in bringing our 'Tlatsini Vision' to life in Government to Government Agreements, which will protect our lands and Tlingit Khustiyxh, our way of life, and help make our dreams of a prosperous and sustainable future a reality." Taku River Tlingit First Nation spokesperson John Ward.

(The Taku River in northwestern B.C., is part of the area covered by a new Land Use Plan and Government-to-Government Agreement that that creates 13 new protected areas, and provides resource development opportunities and investment certainty over 3 million hectares in the region. July 19, 2011 Photo credit: Taku River Tlingit First Nation. )

July 19, 2011

Office of the Premier
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

VANCOUVER - Premier Christy Clark and Taku River Tlingit First Nation
spokesperson John Ward signed an agreement today that creates 13 new
protected areas and provides resource development opportunities and
investment certainty in more than three million hectares (approximately
11,500 square miles) in the Atlin Taku region of northwestern B.C.

"This agreement represents a clear shift from conflict to collaboration
between B.C. and the Taku River Tlingit First Nation," said Premier Clark.
"This balanced approach means a brighter future for families in the
Northwest and opens the territory for business, bringing new jobs and
opportunities, while protecting key environmental and cultural values."

The Taku River Tlingit have already begun to work co-operatively with
mining developers in the area on potential resource development projects.
It's expected that future resource extraction projects could support 350
jobs during construction and 280 operations jobs.

"The Taku River Tlingits have looked forward to this day for a very long
time," said spokesperson Ward. "I wish to congratulate and thank the
members of my First Nation for their hard work and dedication in bringing
our 'Tlatsini Vision' to life in Government to Government Agreements,
which will protect our lands and Tlingit Khustiyxh, our way of life, and
help make our dreams of a prosperous and sustainable future a reality."

"I extend our thanks and appreciation to the Premier and government of
British Columbia for their efforts and the political will to successfully
conclude the Atlin-Taku Land Use Plan and Government-to-Government
Agreement, and to everyone who participated and supported the work of the
TRTFN in reaching this important milestone in BC-First Nations' relations.
It is a win for the TRTFN, for B.C. and indeed for the country."

The Land and Resource Management and Shared Decision-Making Agreement is
the first of its kind in British Columbia. It gives formal effect to the
Atlin Taku Land Use Plan and establishes Government-to-Government (G2G)
decision-making structures and processes, to guide future land and
resource management, engaging the community of Atlin and a cross-section
of environmental and industry stakeholders. The agreement was developed
collaboratively by the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and B.C.

The TRT gave the task of choosing Tlingit names for the land use plan and
G2G agreement to a distinguished community elder. The land use plan,
Wóoshtin wudidaa, means "Flowing together;" the G2G agreement was named
Wóoshtin yan too.aat meaning "Walking together". The inspiration is the
confluence of the Sloko and Nakina Rivers at the heart of Taku territory -
two rivers with different headwaters, coming together to flow as one.

"After three years of negotiations, the Taku River Tlingit and B.C. have
achieved agreements that send a clear signal internationally that this is
a place where government and First Nations can work together co-
operatively, with respect, in consultation with local stakeholder groups,"
said Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Mary Polak.
"While the most sensitive areas critical to the Taku River Tlingit culture
have been protected, a significant portion of the planning area is open
for potential resource development. The certainty achieved through this
Land Use Plan will establish an improved investment climate considerate of
Taku River Tlingit cultural values."

Including the current Atlin Park, the plan brings the protected area up to
26.2 per cent of the Land Use Plan area; 800,000 hectares (3,088.82 square
miles) - equivalent to the size of 2,000 Stanley Parks - is fully
protected. Some 90 per cent of the areas of highest mineral potential
remain available for mineral exploration and potential development.

"This is another significant milestone in land use planning in British
Columbia, fully protecting an additional 800,000 hectares and providing
certainty for investors over three million hectares in an area of the
province rich in natural beauty and natural resources," said Minister of
Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson.

The Land Use Plan area is close to the size of Vancouver Island and
includes the Taku Watershed, one of B.C.'s most significant salmon
watersheds. It supports the largest commercial salmon run in south-eastern
Alaska. The Plan area is recognized internationally as home to salmon,
grizzly bears and caribou, and is rich in culture, biodiversity and boreal
forest.

"Atlin is a place of great natural beauty, with a long and diverse history
and strong sense of community," said Joint Land Forum representative Asa
Berg. "Those who choose to live in Atlin do so because they are truly
connected to the land - it is their source of income, their source of
recreation and their way of life. The Atlin Taku Land Use Plan will
protect the areas of great importance to the community - such as the Atlin
River and Monarch Mountain, while also creating economic opportunities
that will facilitate community revival. The land use plan will allow for
the diversity of Atlin to continue in a balanced way that will support
both economic growth and protect the natural beauty to ensure that our
children and families can continue to thrive in this remote northern
community."

From 2000 to 2004, the Taku River Tlingit and B.C. were involved in
litigation at the Supreme Court of Canada. The completion of the Land Use
Plan and G2G Agreement represent a clear shift toward greater
collaboration between the First Nation and B.C.

The Taku watershed has been one of the last remaining regions in B.C.
without a land-use plan. Some 17.8 per cent of the plan area will be
recommended for designation as new protected areas, to bring the total in
the land use plan area to 26.2 per cent. This will protect areas of
exceptional conservation value and strong Aboriginal and community
interest, including the mainstem of the Taku River and a significant
proportion of its major tributaries, the Nakina, Inklin, and Sheslay.

The Land Use Plan resolves long-standing access, protection, and mineral
development issues in the Taku watershed, and provides clarity with
respect to the values and objectives to be considered in resource
management decision-making. Prohibiting commercial forestry in a large
proportion of the plan area conserves critical caribou habitat. Salmon
habitat conservation measures in the Taku watershed support its continued
role as a salmon stronghold for both B.C. and Alaska.

Learn More:

To find out more about the land and resource management and shared
decision-making agreement, go to:
http://www.newrelationship.gov.bc.ca/ag ... ement.html.

To view a map of the area showing the Land Use Plan, go to:
http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/slrp/lrmp/smi ... index.html.

Photos of the Atlin Taku region can be viewed at:
http://flic.kr/s/aHsjtWoHfT

BACKGROUNDER
July 19, 2011

Creating land use certainty on three million hectares

The Taku River Tlingit

The Taku River Tlingit First Nation's traditional territory covers over
four million hectares (15,444 square miles) across B.C., Yukon and Alaska,
including the Taku River watershed, and the area surrounding Tagish,
Atlin, and Teslin Lakes. The main Taku River Tlingit community of about
375 members is located in Atlin, B.C.


Financial Elements of the Agreement:

The Taku River Tlingit will receive up to $650,000 over three years to
implement the agreement. This total breaks down as:
* $300,000 for Taku River Tlingit capacity for efficient and effective
engagement in land and resource discussions.
* $150,000 to support a Taku River Tlingit fish and wildlife management
program that will allow for more effective management of harvest levels.
* $150,000 to support Taku River Tlingit participation in review of major
projects.
* Up to $50,000 to support Taku River Tlingit participation in
collaborative projects with B.C. agencies.

Strategic Planning Elements of the Agreement

The G2G Agreement establishes the processes that will support
collaboration between the Taku River Tlingit and B.C. agencies on land and
resource matters. The agreement is consistent with other strategic
engagement agreements with the Province.

The agreement includes commitments to work together to implement the Land
Use Plan. The agreement also establishes a framework for co-operation
between the Taku River Tlingit and B.C. on land and resource applications,
which will make the permitting process more streamlined and predictable.
The Tlingit name for the agreement is "Wóoshtin yan too.aat" [wooj-tin
yown-too-aht], which means "walking together".

The three million hectares in the agreements represents the traditional
territory of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation within B.C where the Taku
River Tlingit claim Aboriginal rights. The Taku River Tlingit territory
coincides with a broad area for which a provincial Land Use Plan had not
previously been developed.

The Atlin Taku Land Use Plan provides guidance for resource management in
the Atlin Taku region of northwestern B.C. It has been developed through a
collaborative process between the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and
B.C., with participation by a full cross-section of community and sector
stakeholders. The community and stakeholder engagement process included
seven workshops in Atlin, as well as consultation with individual
stakeholder groups.

The plan represents a balanced outcome of protection and areas open for
economic opportunities. Key elements of the Land Use Plan include the
establishment of 13 new protected areas equalling 564,782 ha (2,180.6
square miles), including the protection of Atlin River and Monarch
Mountain - key areas of interest to the local community - and 11 resource
management zones totalling 473,684 ha (1,829 square miles).

The Tlingit name for the Land Use Plan is "Wóoshtin wudidaa" [wooj-tin w-
jee-dah] or "flowing together like two branches of a river", which
symbolizes the joint work and relationships between Taku River Tlingit and
B.C.

Government-to-Government Forum

Six people will be selected - three appointed by Taku River Tlingit First
Nation and three by B.C. - to participate in a Government-to-Government
forum that will oversee collaborative work on protected area management
planning, research and monitoring activities in the watershed and a
wildlife working group. The forum will act as a one-stop shop for
strategic discussions with the Taku River Tlingit - and potentially other
Tlingit First Nations - around issues related to development. The forum
will oversee all discussions between B.C. agencies and the Taku River
Tlingit, from parks to mines to wildlife management.

John Ward
Spokesperson
Taku River Tlingit First Nation
250 651-7901

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Taku Agreement in Northern BC: an inspiring example of cooperation instead of conflict

OTTAWA, July 19, 2011

The Canadian Boreal Initiative congratulates the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and the Government of British Columbia for achieving two major agreements on land use planning and shared decision-making. These agreements offer the potential to avoid the conflict and uncertainty that has hindered government and mining industry relations with First Nations in BC.

"The combined Wooshtin Wudidaa (Flowing Together) Land Use Plan and Wooshtin Yan Too.aat (Walking Together) government-to-government agreement to guide future resource-related decisions are a major achievement," CBI Executive Director Larry Innes said today after a signing ceremony by BC Premier Christy Clark and TRTFN Elected Spokesper son John Ward in Vancouver.

"The plan makes significant commitments around conservation of some of the most important fish and wildlife habitat on the coast and, importantly, does so in the context of respect for First Nations rights, environmental protection and future mining development projects," Mr. Innes said.

The agreement creates 13 new protected areas and provides resource development opportunities and investment certainty over 3 million hectares (30,000 square kilometres) across the diverse range of major ecosystems in the Atlin Taku region of northwest B.C.

"We are inspired by the Taku River Tlingit's tremendous work with the Province to achieve their 'Tlatsini" vision of protection for their land and Tlingit Khustiyxh (way of life)," said Mr. Innes. "The government of British Columbia is to be highly commended for its determination to work with the Taku River Tlingit in a manner that respects their rights and the environment. We also recognize the critically important inputs to the planning process by the community of Atlin, conservation groups and several industry players.

"While it is important to remember that different First Nations have different issues and concerns, this is an encouraging example of how First Nations are rightfully taking the lead on land and resource use planning and decision-making," Mr. Innes said. "The result is a land use plan and shared decision making agreement that conserves critical cultural and ecological landscapes and important salmon and wildlife habitats for future generations, while establishing a framework that promises to deliver greater certainty and clarity as to where and how development might occur. We congratulate the Taku River Tlingit and the Province of British Columbia, and support their balanced vision for this truly extraordinary region of Canada."

Established in 2003, the Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) brings together diverse partners to create new solutions for boreal conservation and sustainable development. It acts as a catalyst for on-the-ground efforts across the Boreal forest region by governments, industry, Aboriginal communities, conservation groups, major retailers, financial institutions and scientists.

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AFN Congratulates Taku River Tlingit First Nation on Historic Agreement with Government of British Columbia

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and the AFN British Columbia Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould today congratulated the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and the province of B.C. on the signing the Atlin Taku Land Use Plan, a historic agreement on land use, freshwater fish and wildlife management.

“The government-to-government agreement respecting Atlin Taku land use is an historic moment not only for the Taku River Tlingit, but for all First Nations across the country,” said National Chief Atleo. “These kinds of initiatives, founded in partnership and respect, will set standards for other agreements in the future. We have always maintained our right to say ‘no’ when development is not responsible or sustainable, but we can extend our hand in partnership when the conditions are right.”

The Atlin Taku Land Use Plan establishes a network of protected areas and resource management zones that will preserve the most important cultural and ecological places and landscapes, while providing certainty of access to other areas with high potential for responsible mineral exploration and development.

The agreement is consistent with the direction and principles articulated by First Nations nationally at events such as the recent International Indigenous Summit on Energy and Mining in Niagara Falls, Ontario and the AFN Annual General Assembly in Moncton. Industry and government must recognize that First Nations are major players with rights and responsibilities when it comes to development in their territory.

“A good example of the way forward can now be found right here in Taku River Tlingit territory,” said B.C. Regional Chief Wilson-Raybould. “The Taku River Tlingit have become the experts on balancing development while preserving the environment, whether it is a run of the river hydro project or a future gold mine. The Taku River Tlingit First Nation is blazing a trail forward for community-based environmental excellence and shared decision-making with the province. Having fought so hard to ensure the integrity of the environmental assessment process, I congratulate the vision and determination of Taku River Tlingit First Nation in forging ahead to establish innovative micro-hydro energy projects and providing inspiration for communities throughout Canada. We can build on your success.”

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.

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Contact information:
Don Kelly, Assembly of First Nations A/Communications Director
613-241-6789 ext. 334 or cell: 613-292-2787 or email dkelly@afn.ca

Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or email jyoung@afn.ca

Alain Garon, Assembly of First Nations Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382 or cell: 613-2920857 or email agaron@afn.ca

Le 20 juillet 2011

L'APN félicite la Première Nation des Tlingit de Taku River pour son accord historique avec le gouvernement de la Colombie-Britannique

(Ottawa, ON) – Le Chef national de l'Assemblée des Premières Nations, Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, ainsi que la Chef régionale de l'APN, Jody Wilson-Raybould, ont félicité aujourd'hui la Première Nation des Tlingit de Taku River et la province de Colombie-Britannique à la suite de la signature du Plan d'aménagement du territoire Atlin Taku, un accord historique sur l'utilisation des terres ainsi que sur la gestion des poissons d'eau douce et de la faune.

« Cet accord de gouvernement à gouvernement portant sur l'aménagement du territoire Atlin Taku est un moment historique, non seulement pour les Tlingit de Taku River, mais pour toutes les Premières Nations au pays », a déclaré le Chef Atleo. « De telles initiative, fondées sur le partenariat et le respect, vont jeter les bases d'autres accords à venir. Nous avons toujours exercé notre droit de dire "non" lorsque le développement n'est pas responsable ou durable, mais nous pouvons accepter un partenariat lorsque les conditions sont adéquates. »

Le Plan d'aménagement du territoire Atlin Taku délimite diverses zones protégées et de gestion des ressources qui permettront de préserver les secteurs et paysages culturels et écologiques les plus importants, tout en garantissant l'accès à d'autres zones à fort potentiel de prospection et de développement responsables des ressources minérales.

Cet accord est conforme à l'orientation et aux principes définis par les Premières Nations à l'échelle nationale lors de rassemblements tels que le Sommet international autochtone sur l’exploitation minière et l’énergie, récemment organisé à Niagara Falls (Ontario), et l'Assemblée générale annuelle de l'APN qui s'est tenue à Moncton. Le secteur industriel et le gouvernement doivent reconnaître que les Premières Nations sont des acteurs de premier plan dont les droits et responsabilités doivent être pris en compte au niveau du développement sur leur territoire.

« Cet accord portant sur le territoire des Tlingit de Taku River est un exemple concret de voie vers le progrès », a déclaré la Chef régionale de l'APN en Colombie-Britannique, Jody Wilson-Raybould. « Les Tlingit de Taku River sont devenus des experts sur le plan de l'équilibre entre développement et protection de l'environnement, qu'il s'agisse de projets hydroélectriques au fil de l'eau ou de future mine d'or. La Première Nation des Tlingit de Taku River pave la voie vers l'excellence environnementale communautaire et la prise de décision partagée avec la province. Je félicite les Tlingit pour leur vision et leur détermination, eux qui ont lutté si âprement afin de garantir l'intégrité du processus d'évaluation environnementale et favorisé des projets novateurs en matière de microcentrales énergétiques qui sont une source d'inspiration pour d'autres communautés partout au Canada. Nous pouvons tirer profit de nos réussites. »

L'Assemblée des Premières Nations est l'organisation qui représente les citoyens des Premières Nations au Canada.

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Renseignements :

Don Kelly, directeur des communications par intérim, Assemblée des Premières Nations

613-241-6789 (poste 334), 613-292-2787 (cellulaire) ou dkelly@afn.ca



Jenna Young, agente des communications, Assemblée des Premières Nations

613-241-6789 (poste 401), 613-314-8157 (cellulaire) ou jyoung@afn.ca



Alain Garon, agent des communications bilingue, Assemblée des Premières Nations

613-241-6789 (poste 382), 613 292-0857 (cellulaire) ou agaron@afn.ca