WHEREAS four Agreements in Principle AIP negotiated with First Nations in 2003 by the provincial and federal governments have been ratified by all three parties; AND WHEREAS only one of these AIPs required the parties to take into account the interests of the regional district in cases where a proposal is made to add land that is within the regional district but outside a municipality to First Nations treaty settlement lands post-treaty: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that all treaties and Agreements in Principle negotiated with First Nations by the provincial and federal governments require that, in addition to the current requirements with respect to municipalities, regional districts and local trust committees also be consulted and accommodated before lands are added to First Nations treaty settlement land post-treaty.
TREATY NEGOTIATIONS OFFICE The province is aware of Regional Districts interest in additions to Treaty Settlement Lands post-Final Agreement. Government is considering an appropriate means whereby these interests can be taken into account in the provincial decision-making process on future addition to Treaty Settlement Lands. This will not be a veto and will be directed towards providing an opportunity for the provincial government to work with the Regional Districts and consider their interests, where applicable.
INDIAN AFFAIRS AND NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT It is critical to the success of treaties for First Nations and local governments to develop healthy and productive relationships. The appropriate approach, which takes into account the significant variety of local government structures and authorities in the Province, must be worked out at the negotiating table and agreed to by the three parties. The Government of Canada is dedicated to addressing the treaty interests of local governments at the treaty table. Over the past few years, federal officials have played a significant role in facilitating a dialogue between First Nations and local governments, most notably through the community-to-community forum initiative.