RICHMOND - The Province has provided $300,000 to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to support programming and information-sharing that will help local governments build awareness and further understanding of their role within the context of a final treaty, announced Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong at the Final Treaty Agreements: Examining Local Government Interests conference hosted by UBCM today.

"It is important that municipalities and First Nations develop a mutual understanding about how a treaty will benefit their communities," said de Jong. "Many local governments around the province are interested and engaged in working with neighbouring First Nations, and this funding will go to support programs that will educate, inform and build a greater understanding about developing healthy intergovernmental relationships."

The funding will assist the UBCM in their information-sharing and relationship-building efforts with First Nations by:

* hosting forums that explain the governance chapters in the Final Agreements;
* organizing workshops to share information on successful initiatives;
* examining the scope, nature and requirements for implementing the governance provisions in the Final Agreements; and
* bringing together local governments and First Nations to share information, discuss issues of mutual interest and build stronger working relationships.

"The new funding provided by the government of British Columbia will be very helpful as we move toward final treaties and other new relationships between local governments and neighbouring First Nations," said UBCM president Brenda Binnie. "Local governments want to build on what they have learned through their treaty advisory committees to increase their understanding of treaties and the treaty negotiation process."

The Tsawwassen and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (one of five Maa-nulth First Nations located on the west coast of Vancouver Island) will conduct ratification votes on their Final Agreements this summer. The remaining four Maa-nulth First Nations will conduct ratification votes on their Final Agreements in the fall of 2007. Final agreement negotiations continue with Yale, Yekooche, Sliammon and In-SHUCK-ch First Nations.

The Province is building a new relationship with First Nations based on mutual respect, reconciliation and recognition of Aboriginal rights. This grant supports the Province's Pacific Leadership Agenda to conclude treaties and close gaps in health, housing, education, and economic opportunities.