Canada and 'Namgis First Nation advance reconciliation with signing of Memorandum of Understanding

ALERT BAY, BC, Feb. 18, 2019 /CNW/ - Renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership is key to achieving reconciliation.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the 'Namgis First Nation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines areas for discussion and serves as the basis for negotiations of a reconciliation agreement between Canada and the First Nation.

Areas for discussion will include: governance; fiscal relations and funding; community health and well-being; economic development; language and culture; infrastructure (marine and terrestrial); federal lands; natural resources ('Namgis jurisdiction, planning, management and stewardship); and fisheries (water, marine and aquatic resources, and salmon enhancement).

Quotes

"Congratulations 'Namgis First Nation on all the hard work your community has done to start the journey to self-determination. Our new more flexible approach will allow us to make real progress on the issues most important to you."

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

"The 'Namgis are very happy to have Minister Bennett come to our community to meet with us and see who we are. We see this as a demonstration of the federal government's commitment to the first step of reconciliation. The 'Namgis look forward to working with Canada to be recognized once again as a self-determining people."

Chief Don Svanvik
'Namgis First Nation

Quick Facts

• 'Namgis First Nation is a British Columbia First Nation located on the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island.
• The First Nation has eight reserves, with its main community situated at Cormorant Island and Alert Bay.

Associated Links

• 'Namgis First Nation
• Exploring New Ways of Working Together

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)

media may contact: Matthew Dillon-Leitch, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Media Relations, 819-934-2302, [e-mail]; Gina Wadhams, Executive Assistant, 'Namgis First Nation, 250-974-5556 #3115