B.C. First Nation makes cash, land agreement in steps towards treaty

TERRACE, B.C. – The Kitselas First Nation has signed multimillion-dollar cash and land agreement-in-principle with the provincial government.

Aboriginal Relations Minister John Rustad and Kitselas Chief Joe Bevan signed the deal Tuesday during a ceremony in the First Nation community in the Skeena River valley.

The agreement provides for over 31,000 hectares of land east of Terrace and the transfer of almost $35 million.

The deal also covers governance, taxes and resources such as forestry, wildlife and water.

Bevan says getting to this stage took much longer than expected, but the First Nation is pleased to see the commitment from both the Canadian and B.C. governments.

Rustad says the Kitselas is an important partner with the province on a number of initiatives, and the agreement lays the groundwork for meaningful reconciliation and economic prosperity for the community.