Treaty Commission welcomes appointment of MP John Duncan as Indian Affairs
minister

VANCOUVER, Aug. 6 /CNW/ - The BC Treaty Commission welcomes the appointment of Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan as minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

"As parliamentary secretary to the former minister Chuck Strahl and a resident of British Columbia, Minister Duncan understands the issues that he will have to address to deal with the many challenges First Nations are experiencing in this province," said Chief Commissioner Sophie Pierre.

Commissioners are anxious to meet with Minister Duncan this fall to discuss several outstanding treaty issues including, treaty negotiation loans, resolving territorial issues among First Nations, and human resource capacity for self government. The Treaty Commission will be seeking the minister's support to address these issues and to bring many more treaties to fruition.

The Treaty Commission has been encouraging all governments to make treaty completion a priority and First Nations to resolve their territorial issues and prepare for self government. Yale First Nation and Sliammon First Nation are preparing for ratification votes by their members. Nine First Nations are moving to conclude agreements in principle including K'omoks First Nation, Namgis Nation, Nazko First Nation, Northern Shuswap Treaty Society, Oweekeno Nation, Te'Mexw First Nation, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and two of the Tsimshian First Nations.

About the BC Treaty Commission

The Treaty Commission is the independent body responsible for overseeing treaty negotiations among the governments of Canada, BC and First Nations in BC. It has three roles: facilitation, funding, and public information and education.

For more information about the BC Treaty Commission, please visit bctreaty.net.

For further information: Brian Mitchell, Communications Manager, 604-482-9215 or cellular 604-788-5190, [email protected]