British Columbia Treaty Commission: Minister Penner Faces Many Challenges in Aboriginal Relations
October 25 2010 - 5:14PM
Marketwired
The Treaty Commission expects Chilliwack MLA and former environment
Minister Barry Penner to continue the pace set by his predecessor
George Abbott in reaching agreements that provide immediate
benefits to First Nations and are linked to comprehensive treaties.
The Treaty Commission welcomes Penner to his new role as
minister of aboriginal relations and reconciliation which was
announced earlier today. He was environment minister for five years
and the MLA for Chilliwack-Hope since 1996.
"We were surprised to see minister Abbott moved from the
ministry of aboriginal relations and reconciliation after less than
18 months in the role," said Chief Commissioner Sophie Pierre. "We
had an excellent working relationship with the minister, are
completing treaties and getting results with innovative solutions
on the path to treaties."
"As environment minister, Minister Penner has an understanding
of the many challenges facing First Nations on their traditional
territories," said Pierre.
The Treaty Commission will meet with the minister at his
earliest opportunity to discuss the many initiatives in the treaty
process that are underway to improve the lives of aboriginal people
in the province.
The current Treaty Commission status report shows there are six
ratified final agreements - one with Tsawwassen and five with
Maa-nulth First Nations, three completed final agreements yet to be
ratified and two final agreements close to completion for a total
of 11. There are seven First Nations close to concluding agreements
in principle and another 27 First Nations that remain active in
treaty negotiations, a total of 41 of the 60 First Nations in the
treaty process. The 60 First Nations represent 110 Indian Act bands
and 67% of the registered Indian population in the province.
Contacts: British Columbia Treaty Commission Brian Mitchell
Communications Manager Mobile: 604-788-5190 bmitchell@bctreaty.ca
www.bctreaty.net