Coastal First Nations Reconciliation Protocol Agreement

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November 22, 2011

"This agreement helps formalize how our Nation and the provincial government
can communicate on key issues that matter to both parties, and as Kitimat LNG
and other projects and proposals advance in our territory, this relationship
between the Haisla and Victoria will grow in importance. It was also
important to us that the agreement we signed follows the principles of
Aboriginal rights and title, which underpin all that we do." Chief Councillor Ellis Ross, Haisla Nation
- - -

Nov. 22, 2011

Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

Momentum builds in B.C. and Haisla Nation partnerships

VICTORIA - The Haisla Nation have joined the Coastal First Nations
Reconciliation Protocol, a move that will create economic opportunities for
the Haisla people and increase certainty over the coastal land base for the
First Nation, industry and government.

Haisla's addition to the Coastal First Nations Reconciliation Protocol
supports further opportunities in the Northwest. Applicants for tenures or
permits will now have a clearer sense of how long it will take to review
applications, to help them in their planning processes. For example, when a
company is applying for permits for things like log storage facilities or
forestry development plans, the protocol lays out timelines within which they
can expect a decision from the First Nation, and what level of consultation
is required.

Haisla will receive $30,000 per year for the next four years to develop
additional capacity to address referrals from provincial agencies.

The Haisla Nation is working in partnership with the B.C. government and
private industry regarding the proposed Kitimat liquefied natural gas (LNG)
terminal, highlighted when Premier Christy Clark was joined by Haisla Chief
Councillor Ellis Ross in September for the launch of the BC Jobs Plan which
includes steps the Province will take to grow a viable LNG industry.

Haisla Nation is the seventh First Nation to sign the Reconciliation
Protocol. Through the agreement Coastal First Nations participate in
information sharing and recommendations related to resource and land-use, and
revenue sharing, including the sharing of atmospheric benefits.

Quotes:

Mary Polak, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation -

"At the launch of the BC Jobs Plan, Chief Councillor Ellis Ross spoke about
economic opportunities for his people and working in partnership for projects
in their territory. Just two months later, we continue to build our
relationship with the Haisla through this agreement, while creating more
certainty for companies who want to do business in this region. This is an
important step forward in growing the economy in B.C.'s Northwest."

Chief Councillor Ellis Ross, Haisla Nation -

"This agreement helps formalize how our Nation and the provincial government
can communicate on key issues that matter to both parties, and as Kitimat LNG
and other projects and proposals advance in our territory, this relationship
between the Haisla and Victoria will grow in importance. It was also
important to us that the agreement we signed follows the principles of
Aboriginal rights and title, which underpin all that we do."

Quick Facts:

* Haisla Nation is located at Kitamaat Village, 10 km south of Kitimat, at
the head of the Douglas Channel on B.C.'s north coast.
* The Coastal First Nations Reconciliation Protocol was originally signed in
December 2009 by the Gitga'at First Nation, Heiltsuk Nation, Kitasoo Indian
Band, Metlakatla First Nation and Wuikinuxv Nation. The Nuxalk Nation joined
the protocol in December 2010.
* Since the protocol was first signed, government and the signatory First
Nations have partnered to:
o Complete construction on a new ferry terminal at Klemtu.
o Create recommendations for a regional clean energy action plan.
o Develop and implement a model for estimating atmospheric benefits related
to coastal forests.
o Explore new tourism and forestry economic opportunities.
o Implement a governance forum to co-ordinate project work plans.
o Develop a consultation framework for land and natural resources.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Coastal First Nations Reconciliation Protocol and to
see a copy of this agreement, please visit:
http://www.newrelationship.gov.bc.ca/ag ... ation.html
For a photograph of Polak with the Chief Councillor and Deputy Chief
Councillor of the Haisla Nation, please visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphoto ... 6169219923