Province offers big bucks

Page 4

The British Columbia Liberal government is offering $30 million to support First Nations involvement in businesses such as forestry, tourism and mining. But many leaders are suspicious of the fund, saying it's merely a withered carrot to entice Nations back to the treaty table after the referendum was finished on May 15.

"[B.C. Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations Geoff] Plant is trying to inject positives into the treaty process and they're trying to do damage control," said Hupacasath Chief Councillor Judy Sayers. "And now he's saying that the province will finally negotiate compensation, all in an attempt to lure First Nations back to the table," she said.

According to Sayers, the Hupacasath Nation is already being refused access to this new funding, as are many other nations in the province. "I was told we're not entitled because we're not in the treaty process according to the province," she said, obviously angered by the government's response.

The provincial government will dedicate $10 million a year for three years to economic measures in tourism and various resource extraction industries, and the federal government has promised $11 million this year for similar goals. The money replaces what used to be known as "interim measures" where governments would give grants to First Nations for community projects. "I hope it will be good for the treaty process," said Plant.