Historic land-use plans - Protecting Spirit Bear /rainforest

[The Great Bear]

Protection from forest resource development

BC land use plan moves forward with recognition and management of important First Nations cultural, heritage resources
February 7, 2008
viewtopic.php?p=8979#p8979
- - -

Cedar canoe will help illustrate First Nations culture and cooperation with British Columbia in working toward a sustainable economy and sustainable resources. . .

June 7, 2007
viewtopic.php?p=8328#p8328
- - - - - - -

January 2007
Coastal First Nations and conservation groups in BC applaud Spirit Bear federal funding announcement
viewtopic.php?p=7921#p7921

- - - - - - -

February 6, 2006
BC promises to protect Spirit Bear and rainforest
viewtopic.php?p=6591#p6591

- - - - - - -

December 2005
Coastal First Nations will protect Bears of the Great Bear
viewtopic.php?p=6432#p6432

- - - - - - -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

First Nation releases historic land-use plan protecting the heart of B.C.'s Central Coast

September 19, 2005; Vancouver, B.C. - After more than five years of
community consultations, research and government negotiations, the
Heiltsuk Tribal Council today released an historic land-use plan for their territory which covers the heart of B.C.'s Central Coast, a region that has been the centre of environmental conflict for the past decade with environmentalists calling it the Great Bear Rainforest.

"The Heiltsuk Land Use Plan represents our vision of management for our
territory. It will help us govern our territory as rightful landowners," says Ross Wilson, Chief Councillor of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council. "We have never ceded title and rights to our land, and we expect the Province of British Columbia to respect this in their upcoming decision on wilderness protection and economic development in our territory."

The plan, titled For Our Children's Tomorrows, calls for the creation of
"Natural and Cultural Areas" to protect pristine wilderness and Heiltsuk
traditional use. In all other areas, economic development activities,
including forestry, must be conducted according to the principles of
ecosystem-based management (EBM) defined as "a strategic approach to
managing human activities that seeks to ensure the co-existence of healthy, fully functioning ecosystems and human communities."

Heiltsuk Territory encompasses about 16,770 square kilometres of land and an additional 19,000 square kilometers of near-shore and offshore areas extending to international waters. About 8,270 square kilometres or 49 percent of the land base is protected as Heiltsuk Natural and Cultural Areas.

"The recent Throne Speech set a goal to eliminate, within 10 years, the
inequities plaguing First Nations and highlighted 'the Crown's legal and
moral duty' to consult on decisions impacting Aboriginal title and rights,"
says Wilson. "I believe our land-use plan can be the foundation of a new relationship, which would recognize us as the original stewards of the land and resources, and key to economic development. Our plan could be a model for how First Nations, government, industry and environmental groups work together to balance human needs and environmental protection."

The land-use plan provides general management direction for ten key
resource sectors including cultural heritage, plants, forests, wildlife and biodiversity, hunting and trapping, beaches, fresh water, tourism, minerals and energy, and wilderness access. In all sectors, the Heiltsuk call for the conservation of cultural and natural resources, and Heiltsuk priority access to resources for cultural and sustenance use.

There are also six key policy statements highlighting principles for EBM,
consultation and protected areas, and banning salmon aquaculture,
off-shore oil and gas development, and the over-harvesting of cedar in
Heiltsuk Territory.

"Cedar is extremely important for our cultural survival, but we've
witnessed over-harvesting of old-growth cedar in our territory. This must
stop," says Harvey Humchitt, a Hemas or hereditary chief. "The Heiltsuk
need to be involved with the logging plans and development proposals in
our territory. We want to see ecosystem-based management, not the
industrial liquidation of our natural and cultural assets."

The land-use plan's release comes shortly before a major announcement by the Province about wilderness protection on the B.C. coast. In January
2004, the Central Coast Land and Resource Management Planning (CCLRMP) table, consisting of representatives from communities, labour,
environmental groups, tourism, forest companies and recreation interests,
reached an unprecedented consensus on land-use recommendations for B.C.'s Central Coast.

Since then, environmental groups have raised tens of millions of dollars
in conservation investments to finance sustainable economic development
for First Nations and local communities in the region. The conservation
investment package depends on matching grants from the Province and
Ottawa. A provincial government announcement on the matching funds and
consensus agreement is anticipated shortly.

"Recent decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada have made it abundantly clear to industry and government that Aboriginal title and rights must be respected in land-use decisions," says Wilson. "So far, I'm encouraged by what I'm hearing from government officials and anticipate that the Province's announcement will respect the Heiltsuk vision for our territory."

Kelly Brown, Heiltsuk Land Use Plan Coordinator, will be presenting a
technical briefing to stakeholders at 11:30 a.m., following the 10:00 a.m. press conference in Room "C" at the Roundhouse Community Centre at the corner of Davie Street and Pacific Boulevard in Vancouver's Yaletown on Monday, September 19, 2005.

- 30 -

Ross Wilson, Chief Councillor of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, cell: (604)
813-3577 Harvey Humchitt, Hemas (Hereditary Chief), cell: (604) 780-1348
Kelly Brown, Heiltsuk Land Use Plan Coordinator, cell: (604) 831-2848

To download press materials, photographs and maps, visit:
ftp://ecopublic:salmon@209.121.68.115

or Website: http://www.ecotrustcan.org/heiltsuk.shtml

For technical assistance, contact Eric Enno Tamm at tel: (604) 682-4141
ext. 24 or erict@ecotrustcan.org

BACKGROUNDER
Heiltsuk Land Use Plan

Guiding Principles

A "living document," the Heiltsuk Land Use Plan will be reviewed on an
ongoing basis, as new information is gathered. It is not intended to set
in stone a rigid collection of rules. Rather, it is a guide that is flexible and practical. Gvi'ilas, the Heiltsuk's set of customary laws, serves as the paramount principle for managing resources. Other guiding principles, in order of priority, for land management include:

1) Ensure conservation of natural and cultural resources

2) Ensure Heiltsuk priority access to resources for cultural and
sustenance use

3) Enable appropriate Heiltsuk commercial and recreational use of resources

4) Enable appropriate non-Heiltsuk commercial and recreational use of resources

Key Policy Statements

* Ecosystem-Based Management: Past resource management approaches have failed. Thus, the Heiltsuk support the guiding principles of EBM, believing they are consistent with Gvi'ilas, the Heiltsuk traditional way.

* Salmon Aquaculture: Fish farming adversely affects the health and long-term survival of wild Pacific salmon. Therefore, the Heiltsuk do not support salmon farming as it is currently practiced.

* Offshore Oil & Gas: The Heiltsuk have serious concerns regarding the safety and advisability of engaging in offshore oil and gas development and exploration, and therefore are not supportive of these activities in their territory.

* Old-growth Cedar: If industrial logging of old-growth cedar continues at the same rate as the past 15 years, there may be a future shortfall of large old-growth cedar for Heiltsuk uses. Thus, logging must be done cautiously to ensure that cedar is sustained forever.

* Protected Areas: Any federal or provincial government proposals for designation of new parks, conservancies, nature reserves or other legislated protected areas require consultation and co-management with the Heiltsuk Nation.

* Referrals & Consultation. Consultation is initiated through a formal written submission to the Heiltsuk Tribal Council and shall be considered completed only when the Heiltsuk and other parties have reached mutual agreement.

Land-Use Designations

Heiltsuk Territory encompasses about 16,770 square kilometres of land and an additional 19,000 square kilometres of near-shore and offshore areas extending to international waters. About 8,270 square kilometres or 49 percent of the land base is protected as Natural and Cultural Areas. All
other areas are designated Ecosystem-Based Management Areas. These two land-use designations have been created and applied throughout the territory.

1) Cultural and Natural Areas are managed to maintain their natural and cultural values, while maintaining or enhancing opportunities for traditional use and minimizing adverse impacts on natural and cultural
values. The areas will be kept largely in a natural or wilderness condition, although low-impact tourism and access may be permissible.

2) Ecosystem-based Management Areas are managed according to EBM principles and practices. The areas provide appropriate opportunities for resource development while maintaining or enhancing opportunities for traditional use and minimizing adverse impacts on natural and cultural values.

Land-use designations are a tool for ensuring that different areas of
land are used in a way that is compatible with Heiltsuk values and needs.
The rights of the Heiltsuk to hunt, gather, fish, trap and continue
activities for social, cultural, commercial, ceremonial and sustenance
purposes are not limited by the setting down of any land-use
designations. The Heiltsuk Nation are currently a Marine Use Plan that
will be integrated with this Land Use Plan.

For more information,
Contact Kelly Brown, Heiltsuk Land Use Plan Coordinator, cell: (604)
831-2848, or Visit http://www.ecotrustcan.org/heiltsuk.shtml

- - - - - - -

UPDATED JANUARY 2007
viewtopic.php?p=7921#p7921

[Plan to Protect Bears]

Christmas Comes Early for Bears of the Great Bear Rainforest

Conservation Organization and First Nations Take Control of Coastal Trophy Hunt

"Central Coast First Nations land use plans have formally endorsed an end to carnivore trophy hunting in traditional territories."

For Immediate Release

December 13, 2005, Vancouver, BC: BC-based Raincoast Conservation Society, with the support of five coastal First Nations, has bought one of the largest trophy hunting licenses in North America in an unprecedented move to make conservation the primary objective in managing wildlife – not sport or profit.

No public funds were used for the purchase of the $1.35 million commercial license, which covers an area of more than 20,000 square kilometres of wildlife rich habitat, including grizzly bear, black bear and the rare white Spirit or Kermode bear, along with wolf, cougar and wolverine populations.

"Buying the commercial trophy hunting rights is a major first step towards shutting down the carnivore trophy hunt on the coast of BC,” said Ian McAllister, Conservation Director for Raincoast. “The next move is in the hands of the province.”

The license purchase follows years of controversy over the trophy hunting of large carnivores in the Great Bear Rainforest, including First Nations opposition to the sport hunt, decisive action by the European Union to ban the importation of grizzly bear parts from BC and threats of international boycotts from the tourism industry.

“We view this unprecedented initiative as part of a larger effort to create a conservation-based economy on the central coast,” said Wuikinuxv Nation chief Alex Chartrand. “Our value system does not support killing animals for trophies and our communities are working hard to develop a sustainable wildlife viewing industry.”

The wildlife-viewing sector in the Great Bear Rainforest is growing exponentially and represents increasing employment opportunities for coastal communities. "This will provide the necessary foundation for our communities to build a sustainable wildlife viewing industry,” stated Kitasoo/Xaixais band manager Percy Starr. "Ending the resident trophy hunt is the next step."

Central Coast First Nations land use plans have formally endorsed an end to carnivore trophy hunting in traditional territories. "For over one hundred years the large carnivores of the BC central coast have been negatively impacted from commercial trophy hunting, today a new relationship is being forged between coastal wildlife and coastal communities," said Heiltsuk Chief Ross Wilson.

“Promoting sustainable businesses like wildlife viewing makes economic sense – the tourism industry applauds the work of Raincoast and the coastal First Nations," said Eric Boyum, of BC Commercial Bear Viewing Association. The license will be operated by Raincoast Outfitters Ltd., while Land Use Plans are negotiated with the Province. Individual donors from nine countries contributed to the license purchase, the vast majority came from Canadian sources.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Chief Alex Chartrand, Wuikinuxv Nation – 604.785.1196 cell; 1.866.902.0427

Chief Ross Wilson, Heiltsuk Nation – 604.813.3577, 250.957.2381

Eric Boyum, Coastal Bear Viewing Association – 604.812.9161

Ian McAllister, Raincoast (Vancouver) – 250.881.2235 cell; 250.655.1229

Chris Genovali, Raincoast (Victoria) – 250.655.1229

- - - - - - -

Coastal First Nations
Turning Point Initiative
http://www.coastalfirstnations.ca

Raincoast Conservation Society
http://www.raincoast.org/

[Protecting Spirit Bear]

BC Promises to Protect the Spirit Bear and massive rainforest . . .

"Comprehensive First Nations involvement in management over their entire traditional territory."

"To date, almost half of a $120 million investment package has been raised by philanthropic donors for conservation and sustainable business ventures in First Nation territories. The BC government has committed $30 million to First Nations for economic development."

"The agreement also sets a new precedent for decision making for local indigenous groups (First Nations), giving them the right to define what happens on their land."

News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas
Bob Kennedy, Oneida
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

February 7, 2006

The BC Government announced an unprecedented agreement will protect some of the most spectacular ecologically-diverse regions in the world.

The deal involves, "First Nations, environmentalists, communities, government and a coalition of the largest and most innovative leaders in sustainable forest management".

A news release heralded the arrival of a historic agreement regarding provincial land use decisions for the Central Coast and North Coast of British Columbia.

"After nearly a decade of negotiations, 1.8 million hectares of land will be protected on British Columbia’s coast, including one of the largest intact temperate rainforests in the world.

These decisions will lead to the protection of over 200,000 hectares of habitat for the Spirit Bear. In total, more than six million hectares -- approximately twice the size of Belgium -- on coastal British Columbia will see more parks and protected areas balanced with clearly defined areas for sustainable business and industry."

The announcement is big news outside of Canada too. The New York Times reported, "A wilderness of close to five million acres, almost the size of New Jersey, in what is commonly called the Great Bear Rain Forest or the Amazon of the North will be kept off limits to loggers in an agreement that the disparate parties describe as a crossroads in their relations".

- - - - - - -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Canada Commits to Legislate Protection of more than 5 Million Acres of
Great Bear Rainforest

Vancouver, BC, February 7, 2006 — A coalition of four leading environmental groups today, along with industry leaders and indigenous groups, celebrated success after a decade long campaign to protect the globally unique Great Bear Rainforest. Today's long awaited government announcement protects one third of the Great Bear Rainforest from logging and will require the use of more sustainable logging practices for the remaining area.

The agreement also sets a new precedent for decision making for local indigenous groups (First Nations), giving them the right to define what happens on their land.

The total area protected from the chainsaw equals 5 million acres, twice the size of Yellowstone Park and equal to 6300 of New York’s Central Park. This total includes new and previous protection areas, plus special no logging zones.

“Today, British Columbians are showing that it is possible to protect the environment and provide the economic foundation for healthy communities," said Lisa Matthaus, Coast Campaign Coordinator for the Sierra Club of Canada, BC Chapter. "This innovative rainforest agreement provides a real world example of how people and wilderness can prosper together.”

ForestEthics, Greenpeace and Sierra Club of Canada, BC Chapter have worked toward this solution for almost a decade, using tactics that ranged from blockades to boycotts to boardroom negotiations, all in a bid to protect as much of the Great Bear Rainforest as possible.

“For more than a decade, all eyes have been on Canada’s rainforest,” said Amanda Carr, Greenpeace Forest Campaigner.

“If today’s promises become reality, we’ll have a global model of sustainability, exactly what international customers of British Columbia wood tell us they want.”

This agreement represents hundreds of thousands of hours of dirt-under-the-fingernails work by one of the most unexpected alliances in Canadian history. It included a blue-ribbon science panel supported by governments, environmental groups and logging companies that developed specific recommendations to change logging practices.

"This agreement represents a revolution in the way we approach B.C.’s rainforests - it's no longer just about logging, but about conservation, new economic ventures and community involvement,” said Merran Smith, Director BC Coastal Programs, ForestEthics. “But, we’ll be watching to ensure that today’s announcement results in real change on the gound. This is just the beginning."

To date, almost half of a $120 million investment package has been raised by philanthropic donors for conservation and sustainable business ventures in First Nation territories. The BC government has committed $30 million to First Nations for economic development. We are hopeful that the federal government will join in this initiative.

The Great Bear Rainforest Agreement means:

1. 5 million acres is protected from logging

2. The application of better, lighter-touch forestry by March 2009

3. Comprehensive First Nations involvement in management over their entire traditional territory

4. The diversification of the economy based on conservation

- 30 -

For more information, and for b-roll (beta) and high res photos, please contact:
Lisa Matthaus, Sierra Club of Canada, BC Chapter: (250) 888-6267
Amanda Carr, Greenpeace: (604) 839-8760
Merran Smith, ForestEthics: (604) 816-5636

- - - - - - -
Provincial land use decisions for the Central Coast and the North Coast will preserve some of the most spectacular, ecologically diverse regions in the world, including critical Spirit Bear habitat, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

The combined Central Coast and North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) areas are approximately 6.4 million hectares, or more than twice the size of Belgium. The total combined protected areas for these regions are approximately 1.8 million hectares, or more than seven times the size of Luxembourg.

"The agreement reached on these areas represents an unprecedented
collaboration between First Nations, industry, environmentalists, local
governments and many other stakeholders in how we manage the vast richness of B.C.'s coast for the benefit of all British Columbians," said Campbell. "The result is a strong marriage that balances the needs of the environment with the need for sustainable jobs and a strong economic future for coastal communities.

"Diverse interests have come together in a unique partnership that will
support economic opportunity while preserving some of B.C.'s most spectacular wilderness areas and protecting habitat for a number of species, including the rare Spirit Bear. I want to thank all the groups who have shown vision, foresight and patience in bringing us to this historic day."

These protected areas preserve some of the largest intact temperate
rainforests in the world and conserve more than 200,000 hectares of the Spirit Bear's habitat, including the more than 103,000 hectare Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy on Princess Royal Island. In short order, legislation will be introduced around these land use decisions to establish new protected areas and further sustainable logging practices in the region.

"This agreement brings an end to the long-standing resource-use conflicts
over this land," said KNT First Nations chairman Dallas Smith. "Now our people have a more active role in how and where business is done in our traditional territories, and we can move toward cultural, ecological and economic stability in this region."

The decisions are particularly significant for the balance they bring
between the environment and forest management. The land use decisions protect vast areas of temperate rain forest, while providing a unique framework called Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) for the industry to work in. These agreements set the stage for a collaborative model to fully implement EBM in these areas by 2009.

"I commend the provincial government for its commitment to this land use
planning process," said Heiltsuk Chief Ross Wilson. "We're looking forward to finalizing and implementing our land use agreements. Completion of the
government-to-government land use agreements will ensure the well-being of the lands, waters and peoples within our Traditional Territories."

The decisions pave the way for finalizing government-to-government land
use agreements with First Nations. This will enable the formation of Land and Resource Forums allowing the Province and the First Nations to work together to finalize and implement land use plans that incorporate the cultural values and ecological and economic interests of the First Nations.

"For the past seven years Canadian Forest Products, Catalyst Paper
Corporation, International Forest Products and Western Forest Products have worked with environmental groups, coastal stakeholders, First Nations, the Province and customers to achieve the outcome being announced today. This is a significant step forward, and increases certainty for all involved," said Western Forest Products CEO Reynold Hert.

"These land use decisions are a historic step towards a new level of co-
operation in British Columbia's forests," said Agriculture and Lands Minister
Pat Bell. "Government, First Nations, environmentalists, resource industries
and communities have found common ground, and this continued collaboration will play an important role in our work ahead to fully implement these LRMPs."

Greenpeace, ForestEthics and the Sierra Club of Canada, BC Chapter, were intimately involved in building this collaborative solution for more than five years. These organizations are expressing strong support for the land use decisions reached between First Nations and the Province and are looking forward to its on-the-ground implementation.

The public planning process assessed ecological, social and economic
values of the regions. Key elements of the planning decisions include
identifying new protected areas, creating the Spirit Bear conservancy and
adoption of ecosystem based management (EBM) that encourages conservation and sustainable land use practices. These elements demonstrate B.C.'s commitment to sustainable forest practices, something international markets are demanding.

The provincial government and First Nations have embarked on developing a new relationship based on mutual respect and the principles of recognition and reconciliation. Land and resource management plans and the opportunities they provide are an important part of that endeavour.

To view or download backgrounders and factsheets visit the Province's
website at www.gov.bc.ca. Maps and other related materials are available at http://www.mediaroom.gov.bc.ca//Display ... eventId=36

- - - - - - -

First Nations Oppose Central Coast Land Resource Management Plan
The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk (“The Four Tribes”) Tsawataineuk FN (Kingcome Inlet) Gwawaenuk Tribe (Hopetown) Kwicksuitaenuk /Ah Kwah Ah Mish (Guilford Island/Wakeman Sound) . . .
http://www.turtleisland.org/discussion/ ... =6593#6593

- - - - - - -

Not everyone is hailing the agreement as a "green" deal.

COMMENT . . .
The Great Canadian Temperate Rainforest Sell-Out

February 6, 2006
OVERVIEW & COMMENTARY by Dr. Glen Barry, Ecological Internet

With the aid of greenwashing by the large mainstream and even "radical"
environmental groups, 2/3 of Canada's ancient temperate rainforests are to be heavily industrially logged in return for vague protections in 1/3 of
this planetary ecosystem treasure trove. Ecological Internet's network has
campaigned against this deal in the past
( http://forests.org/action/alert.asp?id=greatbear )

There are no assurances these protection levels are adequate for regional ecosystem sustainability, that the logging can be done in a manner that maintains the full range of species, or that later the protected forests will not come under logging pressures.

This new compromise collaborationism with industrial logging by the likes
of Greenpeace and the Rainforest Action Network in general is a damn
shame.

Shockingly, these sorts of ancient forest giveaways are being heralded as models for future agreements in Canada's boreal forests and the Amazon by these "ancient forest protectors" as well as Forest Unethics, the Sierra Chumps and of course WWF - the biggest panderer for "environmentally sustainable" industrial logging of ancient forests.

This feel good do nothing conservation ethic threatens the Earth's
sustainability. The ecological wholeness of large ancient old growth forests are irreparably destroyed by commercial logging. Ecological Internet will not rest until certified industrial logging of ancient forests - much less this deal's promises of logging as "ecosystem management" - is shown to be the ecological fraud it is. We will soon be further pursuing a campaign in this regard - aggressively targeting environmental organizations and foundations that participate in this obscene abuse of the public's and their member's trust.

Ancient forest logging will be ended, and those gorging themselves upon
the foundation's trough shown to be forest conservation charlatans. Shame
on those consigning Canada's temperate rainforests to a future as
fragmented tree farms.
g.b.

- - - - - - -

Read More . . .
http://news.google.ca/news?hl=en&ned=ca ... ISO-8859-1

[Musgamagw Tsawataineuk]

Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Release: First Nations Oppose Central Coast Land Resource Management Plan

The Musgamagw Tsawataineuk (“The Four Tribes”) Tsawataineuk FN (Kingcome Inlet) Gwawaenuk Tribe (Hopetown) Kwicksuitaenuk /Ah Kwah Ah Mish (Guilford Island/Wakeman Sound)

For Immediate Release

February 6, 2006

The Four Tribes share our Nuyambalis (Our History From the Beginning)

The combined Territories of the Four Tribes make up a significant portion of the proposed Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan (CCLRMP) area and also the Broughton Archipelago is shared exclusively by the Four Tribes.

We have our own distinct relationship and attachment with our lands and waters within our territory like many distinct First Nations in the Province; we are determined to protect our values and traditional teachings, which sustain our mother earth and our way of life.

We know our situation is different from other First Nations who have participated in these provincial stakeholder processes. We actually live in our home country and depend on our environment and enjoy our resources, as we have for thousands of years and we have not moved from or been removed from our homelands despite the isolation, danger, difficulty of travel, cost of living and all the other detractions of today’s society. It is this isolation, which has protected us from our enemies, and restrained the loss of our culture and preserved our attachment to our lands and resources.

The Tsawataineuk First Nation explored the CCLRMP process, it requested additional funding, above what other First Nations were offered to participate, because the Tsawataineuk First Nation was the only nation who was not funded by other processes such as the BC Treaty Commission process nor did the Tsawataineuk sign a *Forest and Range Agreement, therefore we did not have the same resources, especially the technical capacity to meaningfully participate and make informed decisions.

There are many First Nations who chose not to participate in the Land Resource Management Plan (LRMP) process for their own reasons and we respect that. There are First Nations such as the Statlimc Chiefs Council who have agreed to their own process, outside the Lillooet LRMP, based on a government-to-government relationship consistent with the New Relationship Agreement.

Last year our people were compelled to demonstrate and protect a sacred place called Holden Creek (Wasilas), where our members stopped International Forest Products from blasting a road through an old growth cedar stand, as cedar and other resources remains valuable to us, and is no longer abundant.

Our Tribal Council passed a resolution to boycott the 2010 Olympics as a result of our environmental concerns and the impacts to our marine resources. These decisions do not come without reason other then the protection of distinct values to the indigenous.

Although the BC Government has realized decades of denial of our Title and Rights has not worked and has entered into a New Relationship, the government must acknowledge the need for a new approach to resolving and reconciling conflicts over land issues. The unselfish principles of the New Relationship need to be enacted if there is to be true economic certainty and a golden decade for all.

We have formally asked that the BC Government remove our Territories from the CCLRMP map and cease all discussions of any areas in our territory. We expect that this announcement does not refer to our Territories, as we believe that adequate and meaningful consultation has not occurred.

In November 2005, our Four Tribes sent out an Official Notification in regard to this process and again we are publicly stating any Land Resource Management Plan that conflicts, competes, or disregards our own Land Use Vision without direct consultations and proper protocol is an infringement of our Title and Rights.

We understand an Agreement-In-Principle is not the final agreement, nor legally binding. We hope that final agreements will be derived in the spirit and intent of the New Relationship.

We have stated our position for two years, prior to the Supreme Court of Canada’s historic Haida and Taku River Tlingit decisions and prior to the New Relationship. We continue to feel strongly and necessary to keep old policies in check, such as BC’s Consultation Policy, until transformative change occurs and old policy and attitudes cease desist. We hope, before 2010, that this will be the case.

Gilakasla,

Eric Joseph, TFN Chairman

(250) 974-3013


Our November Statement and Notification can be found on the Union of BC Indian Chiefs’ website at
http://w ww.ubcic.bc.ca/News_Releases/UBCICNews11010501.htm

UBCIC Resolution 2006-07, Support for the Four Tribes Opposition to Central Coast Land and Resource Management Plan¸ as presented and passed on January 31, 2006 at the last UBCIC Chiefs Council is available at:
http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/files/PDF/2006_0 ... Opposition CCLRMP.pdf

* Recent FRA not endorsed by UBCIC Chiefs Council

[Carved Canoe Celebration]

Carved Canoe Celebrates Culture and Cooperation, Commemorates Coastal Land Use Decision and Planning . . . (On Feb. 7, 2006, the Province, First Nations, conservationists, industry groups and local communities announced their agreement on land use decisions for the Central Coast and North Coast of B.C., including the home of the Province’s official mammal symbol, the Spirit Bear.)

George Hunt and Tim Alfred bless the cedar log
http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/cedar.jpg

June 7, 2007

News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas
Bob Kennedy, Oneida
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org

Cedar Canoe is a Powerful Symbol of First Nations and British Columbia Progress in Relationship-Building . . .

Worldwide recognition of the efforts to sustain the north and central coastal regions of BC can only grow bigger, when you consider the vision of Dallas Smith, and how it began taking further shape today in Port Hardy.

"We are inviting the province, stakeholders, local governments, industry , the environmentalists to join us in the paddle toward sustainability of the coast," said Smith, president of the Nanwakolas Council representing members from the Mamalilikulla-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Em, Tlowitsis, Da'naxda'xw Awaetlatla, Gwa'Sala-'Nakwaxda'xw, Kwiakah, and Comox First Nations.

The Nanwakolas Council president was joined by youth, elders, leaders - traditonal and elected and community members, at a blessing ceremony for a cedar log ( 50 feet x 6 feet at the butt end ) that will be carved into an ocean-going canoe ( approximately 39 feet long ).

"We came together to bless the log and the carvers* who are going to build this canoe, that will be an ongoing symbol of the collaboration that's necessary just to make life work, let alone the land use plan we've accomplished."

It will show the world the progress being made in BC to have a sustainable economy and sustainable resources. But it means a lot more than that to First Nations, according to Dalls Smith, "One of the reasons we felt it was important to build this canoe is, as First Nations people we've sat by for the last hundred years and watched the alienation of our lands and resources. What you see here is a symbol of us taking control of our own destiny".

The blessing ceremony today was rich in culture and tradition. Dallas Smith described it as "dramatic", as they sprinkled eagle down on the log. There was a blessing song, and hemlock branches were used to bless the log, prior to it being carved into its new life as a canoe. Actual carving begins next week in Port Hardy ( Tsulquate reserve ), for about five weeks, and then it will be transported to Victoria near the legislature for further work.

Dallas Smith further explained the purpose and significance of the canoe and the celebration, "We want to introduce our cultural values and principles into the decision making process, so that we can gain back some of that sustainability that we enjoyted since time imemorial before contact".

*Chief Richard Dawson is the Kwakwaka'wakw master carver of this canoe who will be assisted by an apprentice hereditary chief and carver, Tim Alfred so that he can pass on the knowledge and skills to future generations.


In Photo: left to right
http://www.turtleisland.org/culture/cedar1.jpg
Port Hardy mayor Hank Bood, Port McNeill mayor Gerry Furney, Bc Minister of Agriculture and Lands, Pat Bell , Tim Alfred, George Hunt, master carver Richard (Dick) Dawson, Nanwakolas president Dallas Smith and Tlowitsis First Nation chief councillor John Smith at a traditional ceremony to bless the cedar log that is to be carved into a canoe commemorating the Coastal Land Use Decision.
- - - - - - -

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

June 7, 2007

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

Nanwakolas Council

BLESSING CEREMONY COMMEMORATES HISTORIC AGREEMENT

VICTORIA - A traditional First Nations blessing ceremony for a cedar log
destined to be carved into an ocean-going canoe commemorates the historic Coastal B.C. Land Use Decision announced in February 2006 and embodies the spirit of collaboration and principles of sustainability that characterize the agreement, Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell announced today.

"The intricately carved canoe will be an enduring symbol of our partnership with the Nanwakolas Council and speaks to the vision of their president, Dallas Smith who has been a driving force behind this project," said Bell. "The selected cedar tree was harvested incorporating the principles of ecosystem-based management, which is central to our goal of sustainable forestry in the Central and North coastal region."

"Our carvers are renowned the world over for the beauty and quality of their work. We are pleased to create a traditional canoe to commemorate the achievement of the coastal B.C. land use agreements" said Dallas W. Smith, president of the Nanwakolas Council. "This ocean going canoe will serve as a symbol of the partnerships necessary to make these agreements possible. The canoe will be an ongoing reminder that if we are not paddling together we will not get anywhere."

The Coast Land Use Decision, announced in February 2006, protects one of
the world's greatest ecological gems while balancing the needs of the
environment with the needs of the people who depend upon the land for their livelihoods and way of life. Vast areas of temperate rain forest are protected, while providing a unique framework called Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) for resource industries to work within.

EBM is a new adaptive approach to managing human activities that ensures the coexistence of healthy ecosystems and communities. The intent of EBM is to support a sustainable economy while protecting a healthy ecosystem. This will help ensure that monumental cedar trees such as the one harvested for the creation of the commemorative canoe will be available for future generations, helping to preserve First Nations culture.

After felling in late April, the canoe log was transported the week of May 14 by water to Port Hardy. A First Nations fisherman, James Walkus towed the log from near Smith Inlet on the mainland to its destination using the seine boat Canadian Joye.

Initial log preparation and carving will occur in the near future and the log will be transported to Victoria later this summer for completion of the carving and painting. The cedar tree is emblematic of British Columbia's coast rainforest ecosystem. Cedar plays a vital role in First Nations culture, the region's biodiversity and in the continued vitality of the forest products industry.

Since the original announcement of the agreement, the Province has created 65 new park conservancies, established proposed land use legal objectives, got the Plan Implementation Committees and an EBM working group organized and operational, and signed a ground-breaking agreement with the federal government and an alliance of philanthropic groups which sets aside $120 million for First Nation sustainability initiatives.

On May 9, 2007, the World Wildlife Federation gave its prestigious Gift to the Earth award to Premier Gordon Campbell, representing the many people and organizations who worked for more than a decade to conserve the ecologically sensitive areas of the Central and North Coast.

contact:

Dallas Smith
President
Nanwakolas Council
250 203-0280 (cell)

- - - - - - -

Also of interest . . .

Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest a “gift” to the Earth

Under land-use agreements, 1.8 million hectares of Canada's Great Bear Rainforest will be protected.

09 May 2007
Vancouver, British Columbia – WWF has recognized Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest as a Gift to the Earth, the global conservation organization’s highest accolade for globally significant conservation achievements.

The award goes to representatives from Canada’s indigenous communities, environmental groups, forest companies and the British Columbia government, who worked for more than a decade to conserve ecologically sensitive areas of the rainforest.

The Great Bear Rainforest — spanning 74,000km2 of British Columbia’s Pacific coast — is home to rich wildlife that includes wolves, black-tailed deer, moose, grizzlies and rare white-coated Kermode bears. It also contains the largest tracts of primary temperate rainforest on Earth.

“By conserving the Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia has demonstrated global leadership, while at the same time ensuring its local communities have a stake in the region’s future,” says James Leape, Director General of WWF International, who presented the award.

“The unprecedented agreements signed last year will preserve the area’s rich natural resources and serve as an inspiration to others embroiled in land-use conflicts.”

Under land-use agreements, finalized in 2006, 1.8 million hectares — or nearly one-third of the region — will be protected. Outside these protected areas, a new forest management system will be introduced to balance conservation with sustainable economic development opportunities, particularly for Canada’s First Nation communities.

Chris Elliott, Pacific Region vice-president for WWF-Canada, says the Great Bear Rainforest was one of four case studies examined to show how creative land-use planning can break through conflict and lead to solutions that respect the economic and social rights of local people while protecting the environment.

“British Columbia’s experience is an example of what can be achieved when diverse stakeholders involved in complex resource management issues step back to consider wider interests and test innovative approaches,” he adds. “The lessons learned here can be applied to other key areas for conservation across the planet.”

There have been more than 100 Gifts to the Earth since 1996, including two others in British Columbia — one for the expansion of the Muskwa-Kechika Special Management and Protected Areas in 1997, and another for certifying 87,000 hectares of temperate forests in the Clayoquot Sound region in 2001.

“We are proud that WWF is acknowledging the exceptional cooperation and teamwork needed to deliver land-use solutions that have received worldwide recognition,” says British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell.

“This Gift to the Earth recognizes the many people who worked so hard to achieve success, as well as all British Columbians who view the central and north coast regions as a gift to the Earth with immense value within our province and far beyond our borders.”

END NOTES:

• The Gift to the Earth is awarded to individuals, companies, institutions or governments who have demonstrated environmental leadership, and have made a globally significant contribution to the conservation of the natural world. Each award represents an important initiative within one or more of the global conservation priorities recognized by WWF including protection of forests, freshwater and ecosystems, endangered species, prevention of climate change and elimination of toxic chemicals.

• Once the Gift to the Earth is announced, WWF follows up to monitor progress and assist where possible. In several cases, the recognition of a government's conservation action as a Gift to the Earth has prompted the government to make further important conservation actions.

MORE. . .
http://assets.panda.org/downloads/gbr_f ... _bleed.pdf

- - - - - - -

Previous . . .

May 8, 2007
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
Ministry of Environment
Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts

PROVINCE, NANWAKOLAS FINALIZE CLEARINGHOUSE PLANS

VICTORIA – The Province is contributing $225,000 to the Nanwakolas Council to create a pilot project that will streamline First Nations referrals and consultation related to natural resource applications in their territories, Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell announced today.

“For anyone who is familiar with the FrontCounter BC concept of single-window access to natural resource authorizations, this is the First Nations equivalent,” said Bell. “I’d like to thank the First Nations Chiefs of the Nanwakolas Council for their leadership and vision in making this innovative pilot project a reality.”

The Nanwakolas “clearinghouse” will act as a single window for First Nations referrals related to natural resource applications in the Nanwakolas Council’s territories. Input from the appropriate First Nations will be collected, consolidated and provided to the Province. The clearinghouse gives the Council the staff and funding capacity they need in order to respond to queries in a timely fashion.

“This pilot project is going to help fill capacity gaps in our communities,” said Nanwakolas President Council Dallas Smith. “This project will help identify First Nation concerns with development and will build certainty as we collectively revitalize the economy on the coast.”

Resource agencies annually send hundreds of application referral letters for use of Crown land and resources to members of the Nanwakolas Council. The applications often need to be reviewed by three to four different member First Nations.

“Our commitment to a New Relationship with First Nations includes taking practical steps to close the gaps that separate them from other British Columbians,” said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong. “This project shows how the Province and Aboriginal communities can find innovative ways to create opportunities for a better future.”

The Nanwakolas Council and the Province celebrated today’s historic achievement with a signing ceremony that included First Nations singing and dancing. The project will help to pilot a new business model for agency referrals and responses.

“One day, we will look back at the Nanwakolas Clearinghouse as a trailblazing pilot program that really changed the way B.C. and First Nations work together,” said Tourism, Sport and the Arts Minister Stan Hagen. “There are so many innovative developments happening with First Nations, particularly involving adventure tourism.”

The Nanwakolas Clearinghouse is a key deliverable of the Coast Land Use Decision.

On Feb. 7, 2006, the Province, First Nations, conservationists, industry groups and local communities announced their agreement on land use decisions for the Central Coast and North Coast of B.C., including the home of the Province’s official mammal symbol, the Spirit Bear. The Coast Land Use Decision area is approximately 6.4 million hectares, or more than twice the size of Belgium.

“In the months and years ahead, we will continue to work hard with our First Nation partners, local communities, and stakeholder groups,” said Environment Minister Barry Penner. “Our new vision for coastal B.C. is unique in the world and we have received the attention and support of many members of the international community.”

The Nanwakolas Council represents members from the Mamalilikulla-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Em, Tlowitsis, Da'naxda'xw Awaetlatla, Gwa'Sala-'Nakwaxda'xw, Kwiakah, and Comox First Nations who have come together on a regional basis to participate collectively on various land and resource management and planning issues, including participating in development and implementation of the Coast Land Use Decision.

- - - - - - -

Also of Interest . . .

BACKGROUND
http://www.mediaroom.gov.bc.ca/DisplayE ... eventId=36

- - - - - - -

Feb. 7, 2006
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
Office of the Premier

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES A NEW VISION FOR COASTAL B.C.


VANCOUVER – Provincial land use decisions for the Central Coast and the North Coast will preserve some of the most spectacular, ecologically diverse regions in the world, including critical Spirit Bear habitat, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.

The combined Central Coast and North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) areas are approximately 6.4 million hectares, or more than twice the size of Belgium. The total combined protected areas for these regions are approximately 1.8 million hectares, or more than three times the size of Prince Edward Island.

“The agreement reached on these areas represents an unprecedented collaboration between First Nations, industry, environmentalists, local governments and many other stakeholders in how we manage the vast richness of B.C.’s coast for the benefit of all British Columbians,” said Campbell. “The result is a strong marriage that balances the needs of the environment with the need for sustainable jobs and a strong economic future for coastal communities.

“Diverse interests have come together in a unique partnership that will support economic opportunity while preserving some of B.C.’s most spectacular wilderness areas and protecting habitat for a number of species, including the rare Spirit Bear. I want to thank all the groups who have shown vision, foresight and patience in bringing us to this historic day.”

These protected areas preserve some of the largest intact temperate rainforests in the world and conserve more than 200,000 hectares of the Spirit Bear’s habitat, including the more than 103,000 hectare Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy on Princess Royal Island. In short order, legislation will be introduced around these land use decisions to establish new protected areas and further sustainable logging practices in the region.

“This agreement brings an end to the long-standing resource-use conflicts over this land,” said KNT First Nations chairman Dallas Smith. “Now our people have a more active role in how and where business is done in our traditional territories, and we can move toward cultural, ecological and economic stability in this region.”

The decisions are particularly significant for the balance they bring between the environment and forest management. The land use decisions protect vast areas of temperate rain forest, while providing a unique framework called Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) for the industry to work in. These agreements set the stage for a collaborative model to fully implement EBM in these areas by 2009.

“I commend the provincial government for its commitment to this land use planning process,” said Heiltsuk Chief Ross Wilson “We’re looking forward to finalizing and implementing our land use agreements. Completion of the government-to-government land use agreements will ensure the well-being of the lands, waters and peoples within our Traditional Territories.”


The decisions pave the way for finalizing government-to-government land use agreements with First Nations. This will enable the formation of Land and Resource Forums allowing the Province and the First Nations to work together to finalize and implement land use plans that incorporate the cultural values and ecological and economic interests of the First Nations.

“For the past seven years Canadian Forest Products, Catalyst Paper Corporation, International Forest Products and Western Forest Products have worked with environmental groups, coastal stakeholders, First Nations, the Province and customers to achieve the outcome being announced today. This is a significant step forward, and increases certainty for all involved,” said Western Forest Products CEO Reynold Hert.

“These land use decisions are a historic step towards a new level of co-operation in British Columbia’s forests,” said Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell. “Government, First Nations, environmentalists, resource industries and communities have found common ground, and this continued collaboration will play an important role in our work ahead to fully implement these LRMPs.”

Greenpeace, ForestEthics and the Sierra Club of Canada, BC Chapter, were intimately involved in building this collaborative solution for more than five years. These organizations are expressing strong support for the land use decisions reached between First Nations and the Province and are looking forward to its on-the-ground implementation.

The public planning process assessed ecological, social and economic values of the regions. Key elements of the planning decisions include identifying new protected areas, creating the Spirit Bear conservancy and adoption of ecosystem based management (EBM) that encourages conservation and sustainable land use practices. These elements demonstrate B.C.’s commitment to sustainable forest practices, something international markets are demanding.

The provincial government and First Nations have embarked on developing a new relationship based on mutual respect and the principles of recognition and reconciliation. Land and resource management plans and the opportunities they provide are an important part of that endeavour.

[BC/First Nations/Land Use]

North and Central Coast Land Use

First Nations and the BC Government agree to move forward with their mutually agreed-to process, for ecosystem-based management of large swath of land

"These land-use objectives are integral to ensuring our cultural values
are taken into consideration outside of the existing conservancies,"
said Dallas W. Smith, President of the Nanwakolas Council.

Ecological integrity and . . .

"This EBM framework is an important step forward that will protect key
elements of old growth forests, such as representative ecosystems,
freshwater ecosystems and critical grizzly bear habitat."

"A major component of the EBM framework is the recognition and management of important First Nations cultural and heritage resources, including
monumental cedar and culturally modified trees."
- - -

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Feb. 7, 2008

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
Integrated Land Management Bureau

MILESTONE REACHED: COASTAL BC ON TARGET FOR EBM BY 2009

VANCOUVER - Forest resource development on the Central and North Coast
of B.C. is now subject to a new legal framework that begins the process
of establishing ecosystem-based management (EBM), Agriculture and Lands
Minister Pat Bell announced today, along with First Nations, industry
representatives and environmentalists.

"The new legal framework covers an area of 6.4 million hectares," said Bell. "Plans are being finalized to ensure ecological integrity and improve human well-being in the region by March 31, 2009. This will ensure that ecosystems and critical wildlife habitat will be protected from resource development, including the protection of culturally significant 1,000-year-old cedars and salmon-rich streams."

This EBM framework is an important step forward that will protect key
elements of old growth forests, such as representative ecosystems,
freshwater ecosystems and critical grizzly bear habitat.

A major component of the EBM framework is the recognition and management of important First Nations cultural and heritage resources, including
monumental cedar and culturally modified trees.

The Province is committed to implementing ecosystem-based management in a way that maintains ecosystem integrity and improves human well-being as supported by a viable forest industry and a new conservation-based economy by March 2009.

"I am very pleased with progress that has been made on land-use planning
in the last two years," said Kitasoo Xaixais Chief Percy Starr. "I am
particularly happy with the Province's continued collaboration on this
work with First Nations and its continued commitment to work with First
Nations on the Central and North Coast to create a healthy coastal
economy."

The achievement of the EBM legal framework further highlights the New
Vision for Coastal B.C. announced on this day two years ago and is the
result of government-to-government negotiations between the Province and
First Nations, as well as collaboration from environmentalists and
industry. To mark this special anniversary, the Province and partner
organizations have reconvened at the site of the original announcement.

"These land-use objectives are integral to ensuring our cultural values
are taken into consideration outside of the existing conservancies,"
said Dallas W. Smith, President of the Nanwakolas Council.

"A great deal has been accomplished since the land-use agreements for
the Central and North Coast were ratified two years ago," said Reynold
Hert, CEO of Western Forest Products. "It has taken the collaborative
effort of stakeholders, First Nations and the Province, and the
committed participation of environmental groups and forest sector
partners WFP, Interfor, BCTS, Catalyst and Canfor to reach this point.
It will take this same effort in the months ahead to reach our goal of
full implementation and I am confident we will."

Bell has now signed a second ministerial order to legally establish the
Central and North Coast Land Use Objectives. The order complements the
South Central Coast Land Use Objective Order announced on July 31, 2007
and means that, with both orders in effect, a major step has been taken
in covering the entire Central and North Coast area with a
groundbreaking EBM legal framework. The legal orders require forest
licensees to integrate EBM legal objectives into their forest
development operations in the plan area.

The order and a map outlining the areas where the objectives will be applied is available at:http://ilmbwww.gov.bc.ca/lup

The historic Coast Land Use Decision encompasses the North and Central
Coast plan areas and protects one of the world's greatest ecological
gems while balancing the needs of the environment with the people who
depend upon the land for their livelihoods and way of life. Greenpeace,
ForestEthics, Sierra Club BC, communities and the coastal forestry
industry, including the Coast Forest Conservation Initiative, were
integrally involved with the Province in building this collaborative
solution for more than five years.

The combined areas of the decision are approximately 6.4 million
hectares, which is more than twice the size of Vancouver Island. The
total combined protected areas for these regions are approximately 1.8
million hectares, or more than three times the size of Prince Edward
Island. Vast areas of temperate coastal rainforest that are home to
thousands of species of plants, birds and animals are now protected from
natural resource development. Ancient cedar trees and tall Sitka spruce
lined streams that weave through valley bottoms, providing food for
orcas, black bears, grizzlies and eagles will be preserved for
generations to come. The region is also home to the elusive Spirit Bear,
the Province's official mammal.


BACKGROUNDER

Feb. 7, 2008

Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
Integrated Land Management Bureau

NEW VISION FOR COASTAL B.C. - TWO YEARS LATER

Since the Feb. 7, 2006 announcement, the Province has followed through
on the following commitments:

Strategic Land-Use Planning Agreements

As an outcome of the Central and North Coast strategic land-use planning
processes, the Province signed strategic land-use planning agreements
with First Nations building on a Protocol signed with Coastal First
Nations and an agreement in principle signed with Nawakolas First
Nations.

The following First Nations have signed land use planning
agreements with the Province:

* Gitga'at
* Gitxaala
* Haisla
* Heiltsuk
* Homalco
* Kitasoo/Xaisxais
* Kitselas
* Kitsumkalum
* Metlakatla
* Wuikinuxv
* Mamalilikulla-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Em
* 'Namgis
* Tlowitsis
* Da'naxda'xw Awaetlatla
* Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw
* We Wai Kai
* We Wai Kum
* Kwiakah First Nation

Coast Opportunity Fund
* In January 2007, the provincial and federal governments joined with an
alliance of private philanthropic groups to establish the Coast
Opportunities Fund (COF). This fund grew out of the Conservation
Investments and Incentives Initiative (CIII) that was advanced during
the land use planning negotiations associated with the Central and North
Coast.
* The Province and the federal government each contributed $30 million,
while the philanthropic groups gave $60 million, for a total investment
of $120 million.
* The combined federal-provincial contribution to the COF is directed
toward economic development opportunities for First Nations businesses
involved in activities such as sustainable fisheries, forestry and
tourism. The matching private funding provides an endowment fund for
conservation management and research.

EBM Working Group
* Established and funded.

Land and Resource Forums
* In March 2006, the Province signed an Agreement in Principle with the
Nanwakolas First Nations and a protocol with the Coastal First Nations
(Turning Point).
* These government-to-government land-use and protocol agreements
include the formation of Land and Resource Forums that allow the
Province and First Nations to work together to finalize and implement
land-use plans for the Central Coast and North Coast and develop EBM
objectives.

Two-Thirds of New Conservancies Established
* Twenty-four conservancies, totalling approximately 541,000 hectares,
were established under the Park Act in July 2006.
* A second group of 41 conservancies, containing approximately 162,000
hectares, was established in May 2007.
* Forty-nine conservancies and additions to two existing conservancies
remain to be established and are proposed for the spring 2008 session of
the legislature.

Conservancy Management Agreements
Collaborative Management Agreements have been signed with 10 First
Nations and are being implemented. Agreements have been signed with the
following First Nations:
* Gitga'at
* Gitxaala
* Kitselas
* Kitsumkalum
* Kitasoo/Xaisxais
* Metlakatla
* Wuikinuxv
* Da'naxda'xw Awaetlatla
* Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw
* Mamalilikulla-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Em

Pre-existing collaborative agreements with the Heiltsuk (Hakai), Haisla
(Kitlope) and Gitsii (Khutzeymateen) remain in place.

Conservancy Management Planning and Field Operations Management planning
is underway for 20 conservancies, with the first plan approvals expected
in the summer of 2008. Conservancy field operations were undertaken in
2007 for all established conservancies. Eight First Nation park rangers
from coastal communities were employed during the field season.

Focal Species Inventory and Mapping
Extensive focal species inventory, mapping and legal designations have
been implemented in support of implementing the legal objectives. This
work is planned to continue through 2008. Work includes grizzly bear
critical habitat mapping, marbled murrelet suitability mapping, northern
goshawk surveys and tailed frog surveys. As well, a number of wildlife
habitat areas have been designated for grizzly bear and marbled
murrelet, and ungulate winter ranges established for mountain goat.

MORE: http://ilmbwww.gov.bc.ca/lup

- - -

Also of interest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2008

Forests Are Not the Crown’s to Sell

Privatization Proposals Would Create Chaos, Not Certainty

Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver – The industrial privatization of BC Forests
through outright sales or long-term leases of large tracts of land cannot be one of the outcomes of the latest initiative from Premier Gordon Campbell, the province’s First Nations leaders warned today.

In the absence of the settlement of the outstanding land question in the province, proceeding with certain industry proposals for such privatization or forest tenure reform would be a massive act of bad faith that will only add to legal conflicts and the province’s current land title quagmire, First Nations leaders warned.

"We welcome Premier Gordon Campbell's announcement of a roundtable to review government forestry regulations in a bid to find ways to rejuvenate the ailing industry," said Shawn Atleo, Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations.

"We know the urgency of the situation and are willing to explore options for
addressing our respective interests through government-to-government talks.
Rejuvenation must occur through the reconciliation of First Nations and Crown
titles as required by section 35(1) of the Constitution Act. Attempting this through the Premier's Roundtable process alone would be inconsistent with numerous Supreme Court of Canada rulings and with the recent Tsilhqot'in decision rendered by Mr. Justice Vickers of the BC Supreme Court on November 18, 2007", said Chief Atleo.

“Some industry advocates have proposed selling off Crown land to raise revenues and give industry security of tenure and the province’s chief forester has publicly raised the idea as a possibility – and this is definitely a non-starter due to the unresolved land question in this province,” added Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit political executive.

“Rather than creating any certainty, privatization would clearly increase uncertainty and add to the legal issues that now exist. It would leave both the taxpayer and industry on the hook for unrealized investment and future compensation costs,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the union of BC Indian Chiefs.

The recent BC Supreme Court decision in Tsilhqot’in v. BC made this evident yet
again. The Xeni’ Gwetin First Nation in central BC challenged the Crown’s authority to provide a forest license to a third party within their territory and Justice Vickers ruled that it has sufficient evidence to prove title to at least 50% of their territory.

The Tsilhqot’in also questioned the authority of the BC Forest Act and stated it
does not apply to Aboriginal title lands. In our opinion the Crown cannot sell lands or even provide tenure without the free, prior, and informed consent of the First Nation whose territory is impacted.

Resource development projects are now being stalled or quashed in British Columbia because of unresolved title issues, with recent examples including the Kemess North mine proposal, the Enbridge Gateway pipeline, and the Pembina pipeline. All of these stalled projects involved land privatization or the granting of tenure that amounted to several thousand hectares or less.

New privatization proposals could involve areas encompassing hundreds of thousands or perhaps millions of hectares of land where ownership has yet to be resolved. First Nations will not discuss privatization until their title and rights issues have been addressed in a meaningful and effective way. BC’s First Nations recognize the importance of certainty and encourage government and industry to work with First Nations to achieve this laudable goal.
-30-

The First Nations Leadership Council is comprised of the political executives of the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. The Council works together to politically represent the interests of First Nations in British Columbia and develop strategies and actions to bring about significant and substantive changes to government policy that will benefit all First Nations in British Columbia. For more information please contact: Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
President, UBCIC: 250-490-5314

Ryneld Starr
BC Assembly of First Nations: 604-922-7733

Colin Braker
Communications Director Office: 604-926-9903
First Nations Summit: Cell: 604-328-4094