Co-management agreement inked

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A ceremony at Bella Bella Sept. 28 marked a major co-management agreement between the Heiltsuk First Nation and the government of British Columbia.

The agreement, covering the 122,998 hectare Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area, is the first of its kind on the Central Coast.

The Heiltsuk people were represented by Chief Ross Wilson and Hereditary Chief Harvey Humchitt. Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection Joyce Murray signed the acreement for the province.

"Together we will safeguard our lands and explore new opportunities for our community, Wilson said.

The minister said, "We've made a commitment to bring in a new era of reconciliation, opportunity and shared purpose with First Nations. This agreement creates a clear framework for respecting and advancing First Nations' interests."

As co-managers, the Heiltsuk now have an equal say on environmental practices and will reap the benefits of tourism. The area is considered a gem of ecotourism; sport fishing is the main attraction, with six fishing lodges inside the protected area.

A board of two members each from the Heiltsuk Nation and the province will handle planning, economic development, capacity building, research and other matters.

The agreement signals the end of decades of wrangling over the Hakai area in the middle of Heiltsuk traditional territory, where First Nations people are 90 per cent of the population.

The conservancy is the largest protected marine area on the West Coast, and includes part of Hunter and Calvert Islands south of Bella Bella.

Canadian Parks and Wilderness conservation director for the B.C. chapter, Sabine Jessen, said "Not only will this benefit the long term management of the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area, but it will also serve as an example of the critical role of First Nations in the management of marine protected areas."

According to Indian Affairs statistics from 2001, the First Nation has 2,067 members living on 22 reserves comprising 1,369 hectares. Their main community is Waglisla on Campbell Island.