Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

Honourable Michael de Jong



	HOSTING A TRADITIONAL POTLATCH – May 13, 2008 Victoria – Chief Frank Nelson from the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk (left) stands with members of the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation's Aboriginal Relations Committee (ARC) which organized a ""Hosting a Traditional Potlatch"" educational event for Ministry staff. Chief Frank Nelson hosted the festivities at Wawadit'la Mungo Martin Big House and educated guests with information about different potlatches, protocols, songs, and dances. Chief Nelson also talked about traditional kinship relationships and explained how hereditary rights, privileges and title are handed down. Click here for full-size photo

	Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation staff circle around a fire in Mungo Martin Big House and take part in a celebratory fun-dance. Click here for full-size photo



	B.C. HELPS ABORIGINAL HOCKEY PLAYERS REACH NATIONAL ICE – May 5, 2008 Richmond – Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong greets hockey players from Aboriginal Team BC at Vancouver International Airport as team members return from the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Ontario. The Province provided $10,000 to the Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Association of B.C. to help provide transportation for the players. The women's squad won a bronze medal at the event. [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	RENEWED RELATIONSHIP BENEFITS CLAYOQUOT SOUND – May 2, 2008 From Left: Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong, Central Region Chiefs co–chair Elmer Frank, Hesquiaht Nation Chief Joseph Tom Jr., Toquaht Nation Chief Bert Mack, and Simon Tom of the Tla–o–qui–aht Nation celebrate the renewal of an interim measures extension agreement that promotes collaborative management of Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island. [News release] [Video] Click here for full-size photo

	Chief Councillor Violet Mundy delivers remarks on behalf of the Ucluelet First Nation, one of five First Nations involved in the Clayoquot Sound IMEA. On stage, the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong (center) joins a large congregation of Chiefs, Hereditary Chiefs, representatives, Chief Negotiators and Councillors involved in the development of the agreement. Click here for full-size photo

	On the Esquimalt Nation waterfront, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong is asked by visiting Clayoquot Sound area First Nations to participate in a traditional drumming circle, a presentation in celebration of the signing of the 2008 Interim Measures Extension Agreement (IMEA). Click here for full-size photo



	$450,000 SUPPORTS IMPROVED RELATIONS WITH MÉTIS – April 24 Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong (left), with Métis Nation BC (MNBC) President Bruce Dumont (centre) and CEO Keith Henry (right), announced the Province is providing a grant of $450,000 to MNBC. The grant will help improve health, housing education and economic development opportunities for the Métis people around B.C. [News release] Click here for full-size photo

	Bruce Dumont, President of Métis Nation BC, presents Minister Michael de Jong with the Métis Sash, the cultural icon for Métis citizens. The Order of the Sash is a distinct award provided by Métis leadership to honor important work by an individual. Minister de Jong is one of only five recipients of the Order of the Sash in British Columbia. Click here for full-size photo

	Minister Michael de Jong applauds Madelaine McCallum, Youth Engagement Officer and professional Métis jigger for the MNBC. Click here for full-size photo

	Minister Michael de Jong with MNBC President Bruce Dumont following the Order of the Sash ceremony. Click here for full-size photo



	AGREEMENT PROVIDES BENEFITS, IMPROVED CO-OPERATION – March 18 Council of Western Treaty 8 Chiefs and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong celebrate the signing of an Economic Benefit Agreement March 18, 2008 in Fort St. John. From left to right: Chief Roland Willson (West Moberly First Nations and Vice-Tribal Chief, Council of Western Treaty 8 Chiefs), Minister Michael de Jong, Chief Liza Wolf (Prophet River First Nation), Chief Liz Logan (Fort Nelson First Nation and Tribal Chief, Council of Western Treaty 8 Chiefs), Chief Norman Davis (Doig River First Nation). [News release] Click here for full-size photo




	TRANSITION HOUSE FOR YOUNG ABORIGINAL WOMEN OPENS – March 17 Official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Spirit Bear Center in Abbotsford: The first project to open under the Province's new Aboriginal Housing Initiative. From Left: Jeannie, Peardonville House client; Angela Marshall, Alcohol and Drug Counsellor, Spirit Bear Center; Councillor John Smith, City of Abbotsford; Lester Ned, Grand Chief, Sto:lo Tribal Council; Ed Fast, MP for Abbotsford; Hon. Tom Christensen, Minister of Children and Family Development; Lynn Ned, Director/Founder, Spirit Bear Center Society; Hon. Rich Coleman, Minister responsible for Housing; Hon. Michael de Jong, MLA for Abbotsford-Mount Lehman and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation; Hon. John van Dongen, MLA for Abbotsford-Clayburn; Mayor of Abbotsford George Ferguson; and Gordon Gong, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association. [News release] Click here for full-size photo

	Official AHI print presentation at the opening of Spirit Bear Center in Abbotsford. From Left: Hon. Rich Coleman, Minister responsible for Housing; Hon. John van Dongen, MLA for Abbotsford-Clayburn; Lynn Ned, Director/Founder, Spirit Bear Center Society; Hon. Tom Christensen, Minister of Children and Family Development; and Hon. Michael de Jong, MLA for Abbotsford-Mount Lehman and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. Click here for full-size photo

	Close up of dignitaries with drums at Spirit Bear Center opening. From Left: Ed Fast, MP for Abbotsford; Hon. Michael de Jong, MLA for Abbotsford-Mount Lehman and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation; Hon. Rich Coleman, Minister responsible for Housing; Hon. John van Dongen, MLA for Abbotsford-Clayburn; Mayor of Abbotsford George Ferguson; and Gordon Gong, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association. Click here for full-size photo




	$3 MILLION SUPPORTS UNIQUE WELLNESS VILLAGE – March 14, 2008 Premier Gordon Campbell, Minister de Jong, Minister Les, Minister van Dongen and Minister Penner join Chief Frank Malloway and members of the Ch-ihl-kway-uhk Tribe Society at the official funding ceremony for the Stehiyáq Healing and Wellness Village. [News release] [Video] Click here for full-size photo


	Premier Gordon Campbell and Minister de Jong walk with Chief Frank Malloway and members of the Ch-ihl-kway-uhk Tribe Society at the future site of the Stehiyáq Healing and Wellness Village. Click here for full-size photo


	Minister Michael de Jong addresses the crowd during the official funding ceremony. Provincial funding will be used to renovate existing buildings at a former youth correctional facility at Centre Creek. The lands at Centre Creek will be transferred by the Province to the Tribe Society for the village. Click here for full-size photo



	RECONCILIATION, SETTLEMENT AND BENEFITS AGREEMENT PROVIDES NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE MUSQUEAM INDIAN BAND – March 11, 2008 Michael de Jong (right), Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, applauds Musqueam Indian Band Chief Ernest Campbell (left) as he holds a declaration celebrating the Musqueam Reconciliation, Settlement and Benefits Agreement. The agreement provides new economic opportunities for the Musqueam people and resolves many years of outstanding litigation. [News release] [Video] Click here for full-size photo

	Minister de Jong (left) shakes hands with Musqueam Indian Band Chief Ernest Campbell (right) after signing landmark Reconciliation, Settlement and Benefits Agreement. Click here for full-size photo



	NEW PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTED TO THE BC TREATY COMMISSION – February 28, 2008 Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong (right) congratulates Dave Haggard (left, with wife Ellen Haggard) on his appointment as the provincial representative to the BC Treaty Commission. [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	GROUND BREAKS ON CANADA'S 1ST ABORIGINAL SPORT GALLERY – February 15, 2008 Minister de Jong joined project partners and athletes at the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum to unveil the first artifact for Canada's first Aboriginal Sport Gallery and touring exhibit, the feather headdress of world-champion wrestler and Tsartlip hereditary chief Jean Baptiste Paul, known as Chief Thunderbird. The Province announced it will contribute $75,000 towards the Aboriginal Sport Gallery and touring exhibit. [News release] Minister Michael de Jong with (clockwise from left): Richard Peter, wheelchair basketball; Jason Terauchi-Loutitt, marathon; Lara Mussell, Ultimate; Georgina Wheatcroft, curling; Naomi Walser, lacrosse; Virginia Johnston, snowboarding; and Chief Ian Campbell, Squamish Nation. Click here for full-size photo

	Minister Michael de Jong and the Aboriginal Sport Gallery partners gather around the headdress of the late Chief Jean Baptiste Paul, world champion wrestler known as Chief Thunderbird, circa 1940. From left: Sue Griffin, BC Sports Hall of Fame; Alex Nelson, Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association of B.C. ; Brian Dolsen, 2010 Legacies Now; Georgina Wheatcroft, Rona; Gary Youngman, VANOC; Chief Ian Campbell, Squamish Nation and Four Host First Nations. Click here for full-size photo

	Minister Michael de Jong presents an ActNow shirt to Jason Terauchi-Loutitt, marathon runner and member of Canada's mountain running team, at the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Click here for full-size photo



	SUSTAINABLE LAND–USE AGREEMENT REACHED FOR HAIDA GWAII – December 12, 2007 Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong attends the signing of the Haida Gwaii land-use agreement between the Province and Guujaaw, President of the Council of the Haida Nation. [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	TSAWWASSEN TREATY SIGNED IN OTTAWA – December 6, 2007 Minister or Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong (right) Chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation Kim Baird (centre) and federal Minister of Indian Affairs Chuck Strahl (left) signed the final agreement in Ottawa on December 6, 2007. The legislation was then introduced in the federal House of Commons and given first reading. Click here for full-size photo



	FIRST NATIONS STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM HISTORIC AGREEMENT – FIRST NATIONS EDUCATION STEERING COMMITTE – November 22, 2007 The Province introduced historic legislation recognizing First Nations' jurisdiction over education on First Nations land in British Columbia. The Province of B.C., the First Nations Education Steering Committee and Canada signed the Education Jurisdiction Framework Agreement in July 2006. Through this agreement, and subsequent federal enabling legislation, Canada has recognized First Nations' power to make laws over education on their own lands. B.C.'s legislation formally recognizes that right and enables boards of education and independent schools to enter into education agreements with participating First Nations. [News release] [Backgrounder] Click here for full-size photo

	Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong. Click here for full-size photo



	TREATY BUILDS FUTURE FOR FIVE FIRST NATIONS – November 21, 2007 Premier Gordon Campbell addresses a crowd of assembled Maa-nulth First Nations members, supporters, and media in the second floor rotunda of the BC Legislature. [News release] [Backgrounder] [Video] Click here for full-size photo



	Premier Gordon Campbell greets Maa-nulth First Nations members at the steps of the Provincial Legislature on November 21. Click here for full-size photo

	Premier Gordon Campbell greets Toquaht Nation Hereditary Chief Bert Mack at the Provincial Legislature. Click here for full-size photo

	Huu-ay-aht Chief Robert Dennis, Premier Gordon Campbell, and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong. Click here for full-size photo

	Left to Right: Premier Gordon Campbell, Toquaht First Nation Chief Bert Mack, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong, Ucluelet First Nation Chief Vi Mundy, Uchucklesaht Tribe Chief Charlie Cootes, Huu-ay-aht Chief Robert Dennis, Senator Gerry St. Germain, and Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h First Nations Chief Therese Smith. The canoe, carved by Nuu-chah-nulth master carver Joe Martin, was presented to the Maa-nulth First Nations on behalf of the people of British Columbia. Click here for full-size photo

	Toquaht Nation Chief Bert Mack; Premier Gordon Campbell, Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h First Nations Chief Therese Smith, Huu-ay-aht Chief Robert Dennis, Uchucklesaht Tribe Chief Charlie Cootes, Ucluelet Chief Vi Mundy, Senator Gerry St. Germain, and Minister Michael de Jong. Click here for full-size photo



	LASTING AGREEMENT ACHIEVED ON RAYLEIGH LANDS – November 13, 2007 The Province, Kamloops Indian Band and City of Kamloops announced an accommodation agreement regarding ownership of the former Rayleigh Correctional Camp property that will revitalize the land, expand recreational space and provide economic and social benefits. Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong (centre) presented baseball bats to City of Kamloops Mayor Terry Lake (right) and Kamloops Indian Band Chief Shane Gottfriedson (left) to recognize the future use of part of the site as a new softball facility. Click here for full-size photo

	Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong takes an opportunity to explain the lands within the proposed accommodation agreement. The City of Kamloops would acquire 112 hectares of the 132-hectare Rayleigh property from the Province for $240,000. The Kamloops Indian Band (KIB) would acquire the balance of the lands, about 20 hectares. KIB will also receive about 14-hectares of a separate Crown-owned parcel of land located across the North Thompson River. Click here for full-size photo



	FIRST CITIZENS' FORUM 2007 – ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOURISM – November 13, 2007 The Province and Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (ATBC) welcomed Aboriginal and tourism leaders from around the province to the 5th First Citizens’ Forum. The theme of this year’s Forum was Aboriginal Cultural Tourism. Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliations Minister Michael de Jong and Chief Sophie Pierre of the St. Mary’s Indian Band co-hosted the Forum. Honoured were nine Aboriginal youth from the Aboriginal Youth Ambassadorship training program. The Youth assisted delegates throughout the day. Tourism, Sports, and Arts Minister Stan Hagen presented closing remarks. The Province expects Aboriginal Cultural Tourism revenues to grow from $35 million a year to as much as $50 million by 2010, presenting unprecedented opportunities for B.C.’s Aboriginal communities. [Video] Click here for full-size photo




	RECONCILATION AGREEMENT REACHED WITH MUSQUEAM – November 9, 2007 Minister Michael de Jong, Premier Gordon Campbell, and Musqueam Band Indian Chief Ernie Campbell unveiled the details of a Reconciliation, Settlement and Benefits Agreement on November 9. Once finalized, the agreement will provide full and final settlement of outstanding litigation related to the 2003 sale of the University of British Columbia Golf Course lands, the relocation of the River Rock casino to Richmond’s Bridgepoint lands, and remediation for environmental damage to the Celtic Lands in South Vancouver. [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	LANDMARK TSAWWASSEN TREATY LEGISLATION INTRODUCED – October 15, 2007 Premier Gordon Campbell presented a carved yellow cedar door to the Tsawwassen First Nation, to celebrate introduction of legislation to ratify the Tsawwassen Final Agreement before the Legislature. The door was carved by Coast Salish artist Karl Morgan; it depicts two species important to British Columbians - the bald eagle and blue heron. From left to right, member of the First Nations Leadership Council and First Nations Summit executive member Chief Judith Sayers, member of the First Nations Leadership Council and Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo, Premier Gordon Campbell, Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Kim Baird, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong and federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Chuck Strahl. [News release] [Video] Click here for full-size photo



	MÉTIS NATION BC (MNBC) ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY – September 21 – 23, 2007 Minister Michael de Jong spoke at the MNBC’s 10th anniversary AGM in Kelowna where he announced $10,000 from the Province to support the event. Minister de Jong also announced that MNBC is the recipient of $600,000 to promote wellness and chronic disease prevention strategies and increasing physical activity options in communities. This funding is part of the $6-million ActNow BC Aboriginal program funding announced in March. [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	ABORIGINAL INTERNS WELCOMED INTO BC PUBLIC SERVICE – September 13, 2007 Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong and Community Services Minister Ida Chong welcomed 15 Aboriginal Youth to their new roles in the BC Public Service as part of the Aboriginal Youth Internship Program. Click here for full-size photo



	CELEBRATION OF HUU-AY-AHT TREATY RATIFICATION IN ANACLA – September 7, 2007 Premier Gordon Campbell and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong visited Anacla on September 7 to celebrate the Huu-ay-aht First Nations approval of the Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement on July 28. Premier Gordon Campbell joins a proud Elder at the Pawatts Centre. Click here for full-size photo

	Ron Cantelon, MLA for Nanaimo-Parksville, Minister de Jong and Premier Campbell look on as Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert Dennis speaks. Click here for full-size photo

	Premier Gordon Campbell tours the Anacla area with Chief Councillor Robert Dennis. Click here for full-size photo

	Premier Gordon Campbell joins in childrens' activities at the Pawatts Centre in Anacla. Click here for full-size photo



	PREMIER CONGRATULATES TSAWWASSEN FIRST NATION ON LANDMARK TREATY VOTE – July 26, 2007 Premier Gordon Campbell visited the Tsawwassen First Nation July 26 to congratulate Chief Kim Baird for her leadership following the landmark treaty vote in which the Tsawwassen First Nation ratified the Final Agreement. The 358 Coast Salish people who are members of the Tsawwassen Band occupy traditional lands on the Strait of Georgia near the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, about 25 km south of Vancouver. In the coming months, the Province will introduce Tsawwassen settlement legislation. Click here for full-size photo



	PROVINCE AND SQUAMISH NATION REACH LAND-USE AGREEMENT – July 26, 2007 Minister of Agriculture and Lands Pat Bell, accompanied by Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong announced a strategic land-use agreement with the Squamish Nation in North Vancouver on July 26. The agreement protects cultural areas through the establishment of 11,000 hectares of new conservancies and creates a framework for collaborative and sustainable land management. It is an important component of the larger Sea-to-Sky Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP). From L to R: Minister of Agriculture and Lands Pat Bell, Squamish Chief Gibby Jacobs and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong. Click here for full-size photo



	MINISTER DE JONG VISITS THE NISGA´A LISIMS GOVERNMENT – July 17, 2007 Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong arrived in the Nisga ’a Nation on July 17, 2007 for a two-day tour to see first-hand what life is like for the Nisga ’a people since they signed British Columbia’s first modern-day treaty in 2000. Accompanying Minister de Jong were Chief Kim Baird of the Tsawwassen First Nation and Chief Robert Dennis of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, along with members from their respective communities. Warmly greeted by their Nisga’a hosts, the delegation followed an action–packed agenda that included a welcoming luncheon, informational workshop sessions; tours to see economic development, social programs and services; an evening cultural celebration showcasing the colour, song, and symbolism of the Nisga’a Nation’s rich cultural life. On July 18 the delegation had a historic opportunity to witness the Wilp Si’ayuukhl Nisga’a (the legislative arm of the Nisga’a Lisims Government) in session. The trip to the Nisga’a Nation provided an invaluable opportunity for the Tsawwassen and Huu-ay-aht representatives to see for themselves how the Nisga’a treaty has worked since taking effect, and to speak directly with Nisga’a people about their experience. The Tsawwassen First Nation is voting on ratification of their Final Agreement and approval of their Constitution on July 25. Huu-ay-aht First Nations have approved their Constitution and will vote on ratification of their Final Agreement on July 28. Minister de Jong speaks with a Nisga´a citizen who makes cultural regalia for Nisga´a dancers. Click here for full–size photo


	Minister de Jong speaks to members of the Nisga’a Lisims Government. Click here for full–size photo

	Minister de Jong shakes hands with Dr. Joe Gosnell. Click here for full–size photo

	Minister de Jong speaks to Nisga’a citizens and members of the Tsawwassen and Huu–ay–aht First Nations. Click here for full–size photo

	Minister de Jong watches the Nisga’a dancers, drummers and singers. Click here for full–size photo


	MINISTER'S CENTRAL AND NORTH COAST TOUR – July 3-9, 2007 Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong experienced some of the challenges and charms of life along British Columbia’s remote, rugged, and beautiful Central and North Coast when he visited six First Nations in six communities. The Minister’s itinerary included stops at Gitxaala Nation in Kitkatla, Gitga’at Nation in Hartley Bay, Kitasoo Band in Klemtu, Heiltsuk First Nation in Bella Bella, Wuikinuxv First Nation on River’s Inlet, and Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola. Minister de Jong visits with Kitkatla Chief Clifford White. Click here for full–size photo

	Minister de Jong visits with Gitga'at Chief Robert Hill. Click here for full–size photo

	Minister de Jong visits with Heiltsuk Chief William Gladstone. Click here for full–size photo

	Minister de Jong visits with Wuikinuxv First Nation Chief Frank Johnson and members. Click here for full–size photo



	FUNDING SUPPORTS FIRST NATIONS LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION - June 21, 2007 $1.2 million in funding to support the revitalization of First Nations languages and culture in B.C. was announced today at a National Aboriginal Day celebration that included a ceremonial paddle and traditional First Nations welcome into Victoria's Inner Harbour. Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong, Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief and member of the First Nations Leadership Council Executive Shawn Atleo, First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council Chair Tyrone McNeil and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Deputy Minister Lorne Brownsey paddle to the Inner Harbour. Executive Shawn Atleo, First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council Chair Tyrone McNeil, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Deputy Minister Lorne Brownsey and youth from the Cecilia Sara Canoe Club paddle to the Inner Harbour. Click here for full-size photo

	Minister de Jong and Chief Atleo are greeted at the Inner Harbour by the Esquimalt Singers and Dancers. Click here for full-size photo

	Esquimalt Singers and Dancers. Click here for full-size photo

	Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong and Esquimalt Chief Andy Thomas watch traditional dancing at Mungo Martin House on National Aboriginal Day. Click here for full-size photo

	Chief Thomas, Minister de Jong, Chief Atleo, Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC Executive Director Monique Gray Smith and New Relationship Trust CEO Cliff Fregin at the Mungo Martin House for the language revitalization announcement. Click here for full-size photo



	MINISTER VISITS HUU-AY-AHT FIRST NATIONS – June 14, 2007 Minister Michael de Jong visited the Huu-ay-aht First Nations' Chief, Council and members on June 14. While there, Minister de Jong toured the Huu-ay-aht Abalone Project, the Spencer Creek Dryland Sort Yard and Huu-ay-aht traditional territory. Minister de Jong tours the Huu-ay-aht Abalone Project. Click here for full-size photo

	Minister de Jong tours the Spencer Creek Dryland Sort Yard. Click here for full-size photo


	Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert Dennis and Minister de Jong tour the Huu-ay-aht First Nations’ traditional territory by boat. Click here for full-size photo



	VIDEO SHARES THE BONAPARTE INDIAN BAND’S STORY - June 8, 2007 Members of the Bonaparte Indian Band, the Village of Cache Creek, First Nations Leadership Council and the Province of B.C. joined with local officials and special guests to celebrate the premiere of a pilot video, “Bonaparte Indian Band” created for the Telling Our Stories initiative. [News release] From L to R: Dave Porter, First Nations Leadership Council; Bonaparte Chief Retasket; Minister Michael de Jong, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation; and Minister Kevin Krueger, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. Click here for full-size photo



	MARR EMPLOYEE RECEIVES LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S SILVER MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION – June 7, 2007 Each year, the Vancouver and Victoria Regional Groups of Institute of Public Administration Canada partner to recognize a deserving B.C. public servant who has demonstrated exceptional achievement and distinctive leadership in public administration. The Silver Medal pays tribute to public sector practitioners who have exhibited the highest standards of excellence, dedication and accomplishment consistently throughout their careers. This year, Lisa Nye, Executive Director, Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation received this prestigious award. Congratulations Lisa! Click here for full-size photo



	GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR ABORIGINAL YOUTH – May 28, 2007 VICTORIA – Community Services Minister Ida Chong and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong, along with representatives of Métis Nation BC, the First Nations Leadership Council and the Unified Aboriginal Youth Collective, announced the Aboriginal Youth Internship Program. The program will provide new opportunities for 10 Aboriginal youth within the BC Public Service. From L to R: Dave Porter, First Nations Leadership Council; Minister Chong; Kelly L'Hirondelle, Executive Director, Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association; Minister de Jong; Maryanne Thomas, Esquimalt Nation Elder; Bruce Dumont, President, Métis Nation BC; and Tresley Tourond, Minister Responsible for Youth, Métis Nation BC. [News release] [Backgrounder] [Video] Click here for full-size photo

	Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong speaks at the program launch. Click here for full-size photo



	FUNDS SUPPORT LOCAL GOVERNMENT INTERESTS IN TREATIES – May 23, 2007 RICHMOND – The Province has provided $300,000 to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to support programming and information-sharing that will help local governments build awareness and further understanding of their role within the context of a final treaty. Minister Michael de Jong made the announcement at the Final Treaty Agreements: Examining Local Government Interests conference hosted by UBCM and was joined by Tsawwassen Chief Kim Baird and her daughter. [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	THE PROVINCE AND NANWAKOLAS COUNCIL FINALIZE 'CLEARINGHOUSE' PLANS – May 8, 2007 VICTORIA – The Province has contributed $225,000 to the Nanwakolas Council to create a pilot project – the Nanwakolas "clearinghouse" – which will act as a single window for First Nations referrals related to natural resource applications in the Nanwakolas Council’s territories. [News release] From L - R: Nanwakolas Council President Dallas Smith, Chief Paddy Walkus, Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell, Councillor Fred Glendale, Chief John Smith, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong, Grand Chief Ed John and Chief Harold Sewid. Click here for full-size photo



	PROVINCE SUPPORTS B.C. ABORIGINAL HOCKEY TEAM – April 28, 2007 VANCOUVER – The Province has contributed $5,000 to the Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Association of BC to help send 40 athletes to compete in this year’s National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. [News release] Click here for full-size photo

	Minister de Jong with Vancouver Giants star Wacey Rabbit. Click here for full-size photo



	MINISTER SPEAKS AT METIS VETERANS FORUM – April 21, 2007 SIDNEY – Michael de Jong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, addressed members of the Métis Veterans Association BC and Métis Nation British Columbia. Bob Ducharme, President, Métis Veterans Association; Minister de Jong; and Bruce Dumont, President, Métis Nation BC. Click here for full-size photo

	Minister de Jong and Bruce Dumont, President, Métis Nation BC. Click here for full-size photo



	RESOURCE AGREEMENTS BUILD CERTAINTY IN THE NORTHEAST – April 17, 2007 VICTORIA – The Province of British Columbia and the Blueberry River First Nations signed four land and resource management agreements, outlining how the Province and the Blueberry River First Nations will work together in the resource sectors. [News release] [Backgrounder] [Video] [Agreements] Click here for full-size photo



	PROVINCE AND HUPACASATH SIGN RECONCILIATION PROTOCOL – March 30, 2007 PORT ALBERNI – Hupacasath Chief Councillor Judith Sayers and Minister Michael de Jong sign the Hupacasath Reconciliation Protocol. [News release] [Backgrounder] Click here for full-size photo

	Minister Michael de Jong presents Hupacasath Chief Councillor Judith Sayers with a cheque to support economic development, community relations and treaty negotiations Click here for full-size photo

	Hupacasath Chief Councillor Judith Sayers speaks at the Hupacasath House of Gathering. Click here for full-size photo

	Minister Michael de Jong speaks at the Hupacasath House of Gathering. Click here for full-size photo



	FUNDING HELPS ABORIGINAL NOT-FOR-PROFITS BUILD CAPACITY - March 20th, 2007 VANCOUVER – The Province has provided $800,000 to the Centre for Sustainability for their Technical Assistance Program for Aboriginal Not-for-Profits. The purpose of the funding is to help identify and address existing organizational challenges in Aboriginal not-for-profits, thereby increasing their capacity to better serve their clients. From L to R: Kevin Ronaghan, Executive Director, Centre for Sustainability, Michael de Jong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Penny Irons, Executive Director, Aboriginal Mother Centre Society and Kelly L'Hirondelle, Executive Director, Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association. [News release] [Backgrounder] [Speech] Click here for full-size photo

	Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Micahel de Jong announces funding at the Aboriginal Mother Centre Society. Click here for full-size photo

	From L to R: Kelly L'Hirondelle, Executive Director, Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association, Penny Irons, Executive Director, Aboriginal Mother Centre Society and Michael de Jong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. Click here for full-size photo



	MINISTER PRESENTS CHEQUE AT 5th ANNUAL ABORIGINAL YOUTH, VIOLENCE, AND CHANGING TRAINING CONFERENCE – March 14th, 2007 VICTORIA – Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Michael de Jong presents a $10,000 cheque to organizer Edith Loring-Kuhang, at the 5th Annual Aboriginal Youth, Violence, and Changing Times Training Conference. [News release] Click here for full-size photo



	VICTORIA – Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Michael de Jong with guest speaker, marathon runner and Aboriginal role model Jason Louttit, at the 5th Annual Aboriginal Youth, Violence, and Changing Times Training Conference. Click here for full-size photo



	MINISTER SPEAKS AT MINING DAY 2007 AT THE LEGISLATURE – February 27th, 2007 VICTORIA – On February 26th, 2007 Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong addressed delegates at Mining Day 2007. Mining Day is co-sponsored by five groups: The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC), Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AMEBC), Mining Suppliers Contractors & Consultants Association (MSCCA), KPMG, and Fraser, Milner Casgrain).

Honourable Michael de Jong