WHEREAS Treaty 8 First Nations have entered into a memorandum of understanding with the federal government which acknowledges that Treaty 8 Nations are owed more land and those First Nations are now seeking land that is either in or around municipalities; AND WHEREAS local governments do not have the in-house expertise or financial capacity to effectively review the implications of urban reserve agreements: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM petition the federal government to consult with impacted municipalities and to either conduct those negotiations or provide municipalities with the financial resources to obtain the necessary expertise to undertake those negotiations on the establishing of urban reserves.
Aboriginal Affairs Northern Development Canada Consultation with local governments remains one of the objectives of Aboriginal Affairs Northern Development Canada under the Additions to ReservesNew Reserves Policy. The Department recognizes the need for First Nations to work with impacted municipalities to identify and resolve issues of common interest resulting from the process of setting lands aside as reserve. Although the First Nation has the primary role in leading these discussions, the Department is willing to provide technical support as required, to assist in these discussions. There is no federal funding currently available to assist local governments in these discussions. We could, however, work with the Union of BC Municipalities and the province to arrange for an information session to municipalities, if you think that would be helpful. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact Ms. Kathy Hankin, Manager of Lands, British Columbia Region, at 604-666-6682 or by e-mail at kathy.hankinaandc.gc.ca.