Wuikinuxv First Nation
(formerly Oweekeno Nation)

Background

Negotiating status

Negotiating affiliation

Location

Total band members

Negotiations

The Wuikinuxv First Nation entered the treaty process in December 1993 and is currently in Stage 4 of the treaty process, negotiating an agreement in principle (AIP).

Other Activities

Reconciliation Agreements

• $12.5-million provincial funding and $12.5-million federal stimulus funding will be provided to build a new, larger ferry terminal at Klemtu.
• An estimated 150 jobs will be created to build the new ferry terminal at Klemtu.
• A shared-decision process will be established for resource and land use that will create certainties for process and timelines in decision-making through the involvement of First Nations.
• The Coastal First Nations will receive a total of $3.2 million over six years to fund their participation in the shared-decision making process.
• The Province is including potential carbon offsets for the first time. As carbon offsets are determined, the Coastal First Nations will receive a portion of the carbon offsets within their traditional territories.
• An Alternative Energy Action Plan will be created by both parties to advance alternative energy projects on the central and north coast.
• A commitment on the part of the Province to work with the First Nations to ensure they receive an equitable portion of commercial recreation permits and tenures.

Land and Resource Agreements

In February 2004, the Wuikinuxv First Nation joined three other mid and north-coast First Nations - Haisla, Heiltsuk and Kitasoo/Xai’xais - in signing a forest and range agreement. The agreement provides revenue sharing tenure opportunities over five years. The Wuikinuxv’s share of the agreement includes $625,000 in forest revenues and access to 60,000 cubic metres of timber in the Mid-Coast Timber Supply Area.

In January 2007, the province signed government-to-government agreements with the Wuikinuxv and Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nations for the collaborative management of new and existing conservancies and protected areas on the central coast of British Columbia.  The Wuikinuxv and Kitasoo territories lie in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest on the central coast of British Columbia. Wuikinuxv territory encompasses two existing and 11 new conservancies. There are five existing protected areas in Kitasoo/Xai'xais territory, and 10 new conservancies, including the Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy on Princess Royal Island.  New and existing protected areas will total about 20 per cent of the Wuikinuxv Nation territory and over 50 per cent of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais Nation territory.

Both Collaborative Management Agreements for conservancies and protected areas focus on park planning, identifying and developing economic activities, building capacity, and creating a forum for both parties to discuss issues of common interest. Through agreements like this, B.C. works together with First Nations to ensure the long-term ecological and cultural integrity of the lands and resources in First Nations’ traditional territories.

Planned Meetings