Maa-nulth, Canada and BC Take Important Step Toward Maa-nuulth Treaty on
Vancouver Island
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Subject: Maa-nulth, Canada and BC Take Important Step Toward Maa-nuulth Treaty
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April 9, 2009
Maa-nulth, Canada and BC Take Important Step Toward
Maa-nuulth Treaty on Vancouver Island
PORT ALBERNI, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - April 9,
2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, and the
Honourable Michael de Jong, BC's Minister of Aboriginal Relations and
Reconciliation today joined the five Maa-nulth First Nations
(http://www.maanulth.ca/) to complete the signing of the Maa-nulth First Nations
Final Agreement. This is the third Final Agreement in BC to be signed by Canada,
British Columbia and First Nations.

"There is no question of the importance that this
landmark final agreement will play in Maa-Nuulth's future," said Minister
Strahl. "This important step provides the basis for the Maa-nulth First Nations
to build a new future for and bring new economic opportunities to their
communities, as well as to the regions along the west coast of Vancouver Island.
It also clearly shows what can be accomplished when partners commit to finding
solutions to complex issues through dialogue."

"The occasion of this historic signing marks another
major milestone along the path of reconciliation between the Maa-nulth First
Nations, BC and Canada," said Minister de Jong. "I know the parties will now
bring the same spirit of cooperation and persistence to preparing for the day in
the near future when the Maa-nulth Agreement takes effect."

Today's signing of this Final Agreement
(http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/scr/bc/trts/agrmts/mna/index-eng.asp) by Canada
and Huu-ay-aht First Nations allows the federal government to formally proceed
with introducing legislation to ratify the Agreement in Parliament. The leaders
of the four other Maa-nulth First Nations -Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h,
Toquaht, Uchucklesaht and Ucluelet - who had earlier signed the agreement,
joined in the ceremony.

Treaty negotiations with the five Maa-nulth First
Nations concluded in December 2006. In July and October 2007, Maa-nulth
community members ratified the Agreement, with 80 percent of voting members
voting in favour. Subsequently, in November 2007, the Province of British
Columbia introduced, and subsequently passed, settlement legislation to ratify
this Final Agreement. In July 2008, British Columbia and leaders of four of the
Maa-nulth First Nations, other than Huu-ay-aht First Nations signed the Final
Agreement.

"The Hawiih and the people of
Ka:'yu':'k't'h'/Che:ktles7et'h' First Nations are extremely pleased on this
historic occasion that the Government of Canada is ratifying this important
Treaty so that our nations may embark on this journey of Self-governance and
Self sufficiency. We can once again take our rightful place as Stewards of our
lands and resources," said Chief Councillor Therese Smith of the
Ka:'yu':'k't'h'/Che:ktles7et'h' First Nation.

"We are one step closer to the visions of our ancestors
for the future of our children and generations to come," said Chief Bert Mack of
the Toquaht Nation.

"It is the greatest day in our history as we once again
will be able to practice our Nation's independence. We have a very bright and
productive future in front of us, thanks to co-operation by all three parties
working together to finalize this chapter of our lives, we can now move forward
and live in co-existence recognizing each others' governments," said Chief
Councillor Charlie Cootes Sr., of the Uchucklesaht Tribe.

"I am glad this day has arrived - now, we as UFN can
move forward in the goals we have set, to be ready for Effective Date," said
Chief Councillor Violet Mundy of the Ucluelet First Nations.

"Let us call to mind and remember Chief Arthur Peters
and Chief Spencer Peters, two great chiefs who built into this treaty the tools
necessary to realize our goals for the future of our great nation. This treaty
will assist us in our historic project to add to our rich history, recovery of
our ancestral language and create new economic opportunities for our people. The
Huu-ay-aht, one step at a time will work with Canada and BC to make this treaty
work for the benefit of all our people," said Chief Councillor Robert Dennis of
the Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British
Columbia, the five Maa-nulth First Nations belong to the Nuu-chah-nulth
linguistic group. The Maa-nulth communities are comprised of approximately 2,000
people. The Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement includes roughly 24,550
hectares of land, and a capital transfer of $73.1 million for the five First
Nations provided over a 10 year period. The costs will be shared by provincial
and federal governments. The Final Agreement defines the Maa-nulth First
Nations' rights regarding self-government and the ownership and management of
lands and resources, including rights with respect to the harvest of fish and
wildlife.

The Maa-nulth Final Agreement is available at:
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/scr/bc/trts/agrmts/mna/index-eng.asp

This release is also available on the Internet at
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/



CONTACT INFORMATION:
Minister's Office
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Nina Chiarelli
Press Secretary
819-997-0002

or

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Media Relations
819-953-1160

or

Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
Maria Wilkie
Director of Communications
250-888-8793 (cell)

or

Maa-nulth First Nation
Trudy Warner
250-724-1802



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