Another B.C. treaty closer to ratification; deal enters the legislature

VICTORIA – The law that would ratify another B.C. treaty, giving thousands of hectares of land and millions of dollars to a Sunshine Coast First Nation has now been introduced into the legislature.

Youth of the Tla’amin (Sly-ah-mon) First Nation marked the event in Victoria by filling a time capsule with mementoes in the presence of Premier Christy Clark, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ida Chong and Tla’amin Chief Clint Williams.

In July 2012, band members approved the deal, which would give the Powell River nation $29.7 million, economic development funding of $6.9 million, a fishing vessel fund of $250,000 and more than 8,000 hectares of land.

But the vote did not pass without controversy, as protesters blocked the polling station and accused band leaders of bribery and registering ineligible voters.

The band ratified the deal, but provincial and federal politicians must still debate and pass the Tla’amin Final Agreement before it becomes law.

The provincial government says the treaty is the eighth to be introduced under the B.C. treaty process, and follows agreements with the Tsawwassen, Maa-nulth and Yale First Nations.