Reconciliation agreement reached between British Columbia and Heiltsuk Nation
The B.C. government has signed a reconciliation agreement with the Heiltsuk Nation aimed at offering support for housing, language and economic development.
The $22.3-million agreement also provides a foundation for the implementation of Heiltsuk rights, title and self-government under a 2019 deal with the provincial and federal governments.
Chief Coun. Marilyn Slett says the funding will go toward a language centre, tourism business opportunities, a business plan for a lumber mill and a long-term care facility for community elders.
Slett adds that the agreement will help close the socio-economic gap the band's members face.
Indigenous Relations Minister Murray Rankin says he believes more similar agreements will be signed in the future.
Hereditary chief Harvey Humchitt says the agreement is a culmination of years of work between the government and previous band chiefs and councillors.
The agreement is a step in the right direction but the journey to recognizing Heiltsuk's rights will continue, Slett said.
“As our chiefs have said, it's been a long road. But it's not over,” she said.
Rankin said he's confident that the agreement will lead to further co-ordination between the nation and various levels of government.
“I honestly think we've done something for the history books,” he said.
Jennifer Rice, a New Democrat who represents North Coast in the legislature, said she hopes the commitment will lead to improvements in the quality of life for Heiltsuk members.
“No amount of financial contribution can ever right the wrongs of the past, but I'm hopeful that this commitment will help the Heiltsuk achieve your goal of closing the socio-economic gaps created by settler colonialism,” she said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.