Leaders of the BC Assembly of First Nations, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the First Nations Summit met with Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea September 24 and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Canadian government.
The MOU outlines a collaborative relationship intended to improve the socioeconomic conditions of First Nations in British Columbia and to promote recognition of pre-existing treaty rights.
“We are pleased that we have finally signed this important MOU, which has been in development for more than a year,” said Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit political executive.
“Fisheries issues are critical to First Nations in B.C. This MOU provides a much-needed mechanism that will provide opportunities to discuss key fisheries and aquaculture issues and will hopefully lead to collaborative efforts to achieve concrete outcomes that are not only mutually beneficial, but also address the aspirations and needs of First Nations in B.C.”
Under the MOU, the First Nations groups will meet with government representatives at least twice a year to discuss priorities, implementations of relevant court decisions and direct follow-up work.
The MOU takes effect immediately.
