Revenue-sharing agreement reached by BC gov and four Ktunaxa Nation communities

A revenue-sharing agreement has been reached by the government of BC and four Ktunaxa Nation communities. The agreement is the fourth Economic and Community Development Agreement (ECDA) in the province and fulfils the B.C. government’s commitment to reach 10 new non-treaty agreements under the BC Jobs Plan by 2015. The ECDA will enable the Ktunaxa Nation, comprised of the four communities of St. Mary’s, Tobacco Plains, Lower Kootenay and Akisq’nuk First Nation, to share revenues from new coal mine projects in the Elk Valley. The agreement also links to the Strategic Engagement Agreement between B.C. and Ktunaxa Nation, which provides for a decision-making and project-review process to ensure the Ktunaxa Nation continues to be involved in decision-making about new mine projects. The agreement replaces the Ktunaxa Nation Council’s existing Forest Revenue Sharing Agreement. The ECDA provides stability and greater certainty for coal mining operations in the Elk Valley. The agreement is one step toward addressing the Ktunaxa interest in being recognized as a government in the Ktunaxa Territory, being appropriately accommodated for potential impacts on Ktunaxa Nation’s asserted Aboriginal rights, including title, achieving a greater role in the regional economy and supporting Ktunaxa community development initiatives. “The Ktunaxa Nation is pleased that we have reached this agreement with the Province of B.C.,” said Ktunaxa Nation Chair Kathryn Teneese. †“It is one step toward the resource revenue-sharing arrangements that must be reached with all B.C. First Nations. This agreement will further our goal of achieving the Ktunaxa Nation’s vision statement, and provide current and future generations a benefit from the resources extracted within our territory. Through the provisions in the agreement, Ktunaxa will continue their stewardship obligations to manage the land within our territory, which includes consultation of future projects.” Said Ida Chong, B.C.’s minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, “Under the BC Jobs Plan, we made a commitment to deliver 10 non-treaty agreements that bring benefits more quickly to First Nations communities. Not only does today’s announcement fulfil that promise two years early, but we expect to see many more such agreements in the months and years ahead.”