Skip to main content

Skip to navigation

The access keys for this page are:

Your B.C. Government

Your Voice

September 25, 2009
“But you know, this is it. We’re at a crossroads here my dear people. And when we get to a crossroads, we have to decide which way you’re going to go. And you know, our history is replete with conflict, misunderstanding, frustration, anger, a lot of the negative energies have been around our Aboriginal people. This is changing now. Not just in British Columbia, it’s changing all over the world.”
- Lieutenant Governor Steven Point, at the event at Government House honouring new artworks by First Nations artists

July 17, 2009
“First Nations have lived on this continent for thousands of years without using fossil fuels,.” said T’Sou-ke Nation Chief Gordon Planes. “Thanks to the enthusiasm and support of the whole community, we have used our ICE Fund project to demonstrate that First Nations can lead the way towards a renewable energy future.”
- Chief Gordon Planes, T’Sou-ke Nation, at the T’Sou-ke Solar Gathering

July 6, 2009
"This positive vote is a signal that our community wishes to close the door on the past and look to the future," said Tsay Keh Dene Chief Ella Pierre. "The benefits from this agreement will allow us to create a more secure and prosperous future for our people today and for our children tomorrow."
- Chief Ella Pierre, Tsay Keh Dene First Nation, following the vote affirming a final agreement with the Province and BC Hydro over the development of the Williston Reservoir and W.A.C. Bennett Dam

June 12, 2009
“The Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations are excited about the woodlot licence (near Gold River) and using traditional forestry management practices as a way to generate opportunities while managing and respecting the natural values of the area.”
- Corby Lamb, manager, Mowachaht/Muchalaht Forestry

Apr. 3, 2009
“Today, we have taken a huge leap forward in our journey of rebuilding our community to overcome the negative consequences of our past. We now are taking back our rightful place as a self-governing First Nation and will soon pass our first laws governing our new lands, resources, and funds.”
- Chief Kim Baird, Tsawwassen First Nation, on the effective date of B.C.’s first modern treaty negotiated under the British Columbia Treaty Commission process

Mar. 30, 2009
“We are very pleased that First Nations have created an interim First Nations Child and Family Wellness Council with the expertise and leadership to achieve real progress on this most urgent of issues. We are fully confident that this protocol, which establishes a true collaborative partnership between the interim Council and the Province, can result in transformative change for First Nations children, youth and families in B.C.”
- Grand Chief Doug Kelly of the First Nations Summit and member of the First Nations Leadership Council.

Nov. 27, 2008
“Despite the challenges we have faced (from the creation and operation of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and Williston Reservoir ) for the past 40 years, the Kwadacha will now move forward with improved relationships and the ability to focus on our community needs and priorities for the future.”
- Chief Van Somer, Kwadacha First Nation, following the ratification of a final agreement with BC Hydro and British Columbia

Nov. 13, 2008
“Although this (Incremental Treaty Agreement) is not a final treaty, it is one step towards our ultimate goal of self determination. Our community believes that creating opportunities today will greatly assist our Nation as we plan for the future.”
- Chief Francis Frank, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, following B.C.’s first Incremental Treaty Agreement

Nov. 4, 2008
“For nearly 100 years, over 20 First Nations have endeavoured to right the wrong of the cut-off claims. We are happy to stand with British Columbia and Canada today to celebrate the resolution of these claims, and to move forward now with greater certainty toward a shared future.”
- Chief Harold Leighton, Metlakatla Indian Band, on the resolution of B.C.’s cut-off claims disputes

Feb. 20, 2009
“We are extremely pleased with today’s funding announcement (another $8.3 million on top of the previous $22.5 million announcement to help bridge the digital divide for British Columbia’s First Nations) and the resulting positive impact it will have on our communities. We look forward to continuing to work with all of those involved to bring high-speed connectivity and related capacity-building to all First Nations communities in B.C.”
- Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Leadership Council

Nov. 22, 2007
“This legislation (First Nations Education Act) is a big step towards assisting First Nations students to be educated in their communities, learning their language, and retaining their culture.”
- Dawn McGuire-Reeves, principal of the Snuneymuxw First Nation’s Qwam Qwum Stalicut band-operated school in Nanaimo 

April 24, 2008
“Today’s announcement ($450,000 to support improved relations with Métis) continues to demonstrate the true commitment by the Provincial Government to support the Métis Nation Relationship Accord. Our Métis leadership and staff have worked hard to set an overall five-year strategy that will support the practical needs of our communities. This includes addressing such key issues as health, education, and others as an immediate priority. This investment will support work towards these objectives and continue to ensure the Métis Nation is able to support Métis families throughout British Columbia.”
- MNBC President Bruce Dumont 

May 30, 2008
“We have always stated that we are for development of our lands and resources, provided development is carried out in an environmentally friendly manner. These funds will assist the Nisga’a Nation in participating in resource development and eco-tourism, and being well armed with information from studies and assessments of our resources to ensure proposed developments are environmentally friendly.”
- President of the Nisga’a Lisims Government Nelson Leeson on $1 million for economic development in Nass Valley