BC / Blueberry River First Nations 4 long-term agreements

[BlueberryRiverFirstNation]

Blueberry River First Nations and the BC Government announced four long-term agreements . . .

Strategic land-use planning agreement

Oil and gas agreement

Mining and minerals protocol agreement

Forestry access agreement

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NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

April 17, 2007

Office of the Premier
Blueberry River First Nations

RESOURCE AGREEMENTS BUILD CERTAINTY IN THE NORTHEAST

VICTORIA - The Province and Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) have achieved four long-term agreements that establish ways to work together and support economic certainty for the resource industry in B.C.'s northeast region, announced Premier Gordon Campbell today.

"The agreements announced today will help the Blueberry River First Nations create a sustainable future for their community," said Campbell. "These agreements will ensure that Blueberry River First Nations are engaged in resource and economic development in the region with us. We are committed to closing the gap that exists between Aboriginal and
non-Aboriginal British Columbians and providing opportunities for First Nations to participate in the mainstream economy."

The BRFN is a Treaty 8 First Nation. There are about 400 members and their reserve is located about 80 km northwest of Fort St. John. The four land and resource management agreements set out how the Province and the BRFN will consult in land-use planning, and the oil and gas, mining and mineral and forestry sectors. Details of the agreements include:

* A 13-year strategic land-use planning agreement that establishes how the Province and the BRFN will work together on land-use planning within the BRFN consultation area;

* A 13-year long-term oil and gas agreement that provides for a clear consultation process for the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources on tenure decisions, and a structured, measurable and
predictable consultation process for Oil and Gas Commission on operational decisions;

* A 13-year mining and minerals protocol agreement that defines a consultation process with the BRFN for new coal tenures and for operational decisions under the Mines Act; and

* A 5-year forestry agreement which provides access to 100,000 cubic metres of timber.

"These agreements are about increasing our say in our territory, on matters important to us. The Province recognizes our Treaty rights are important to us," said Chief Norman Yahey. "These agreements make sure
we are fully engaged, to ensure the sustainability of our territory, for our children and their children."

In June 2006, the Province also signed an Economic Benefits Agreement with the BRFN for members to share in the benefits of resource activity and play a greater role in the regional economy. To date, more than $6 million has been provided through the Economic Benefits Agreement.

The agreements with the BRFN support the Province's Pacific Leadership Agenda to build a new relationship with First Nations and Aboriginal people, conclude treaties, and close gaps in health, housing, education, and provide economic opportunities.

Howard Southwell
Chief Negotiator
Blueberry River First Nations
250 793-5564

BACKGROUNDER

April 17, 2007

Office of the Premier
Blueberry River First Nations

RESOURCE AGREEMENTS BUILD CERTAINTY IN THE NORTHEAST

The Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) is a member of the Treaty 8 First Nations. There are about 400 BRFN members and their reserve is located about 80 km northwest of Fort St. John.

The Province of British Columbia and the BRFN have signed four land and resource management agreements. These agreements outline how the Province and the BRFN will work in the resource sectors together.


Strategic Land-Use Planning Agreement

* Establishes a 13-year agreement, effective March 15, 2007 through March 31, 2020, between the Province and the BRFN to work together on land-use planning within the BRFN consultation area;

* Incorporates First Nation values and interests while focusing on land use and natural resource management;

* Allows for information sharing and for ongoing consultation undertaken by all Crown agencies;

* Recognizes the interests of the BRFN in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area;

* Provides for First Nation participation in land-use planning activities where their interests may be affected.


Long-Term Oil and Gas Agreement

* The 13-year agreement, effective April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2020, provides for a clear consultation process for the Ministry of Energy,
Mines and Petroleum Resources (MEMPR) on tenure decisions, and a structured, measurable and predictable consultation process for Oil and
Gas Commission (OGC) on operational decisions;

* A first-of-its-kind commitment to pursue a "BRFN Oil and Gas Protocol" in conjunction with industry;

* Clearly defines timelines and process for applications and permitting;

* Commits BRFN to provide specific geographic areas of importance, to better inform tenure and operational planning and permitting;

* Engages BRFN community members in educational and information sessions to encourage participation in the oil and gas sector; and

* Provides for BRFN input into major MEMPR policy and regulatory change and major OGC procedural change that may affect the BRFN.


Mining and Minerals Protocol Agreement

* The 13-year agreement, effective March 14, 2007 through March 31, 2020, defines a consultation process with the BRFN for new coal tenures, and for operational decisions under the Mines Act;

* Defines a BRFN Consultation Area within which the BRFN will be consulted; and

* Commits BRFN to provide specific geographic areas of importance to BRFN, to better inform planning and permitting.


Forestry Agreement

* The five-year forestry agreement, effective March 12, 2007 through March 12, 2012, provides access to 100,000 cubic metres of timber;

* The timber will come from the Fort St. John Timber Supply Area;

* The agreement increases the BRFN's participation in B.C.'s forest sector; and

* The agreement sets out specific forestry consultation requirements between B.C. and BRFN.

In June 2006, the Province and BRFN signed an Economic Benefits Agreement, which provided the First Nations with initial payments of about $3 million and annual payments up to $3.2 million which is linked
to the level of activity and revenue from resource development in the northeast region. To date, more than $6 million has been provided through the Economic Benefits Agreement.

Howard Southwell
Chief Negotiator
Blueberry River First Nations
250 793-5564