The spring of 2008 proved a busy season at the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. Through goodwill and perseverance, the Province, First Nations, and Aboriginal organizations continue to build the New Relationship, based on respect, reconciliation, and recognition.

The signing ceremony for the Reconciliation, Settlement and Benefits Agreement with the Musqueam Indian Band, held in Victoria on March 11, provided an excellent example of the progress we are making together.

The agreement respects the Musqueam people and their aspirations to build a secure future in a land they have called home since time immemorial. It will provide the Musqueam with resources to build self-reliance – $20.3 million in cash and ownership of almost 90 hectares of land in Vancouver. It reconciles the long-standing desire of the Musqueam to settle their land claims.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Chief Ernest Campbell linked this agreement with the Musqueam people to the New Relationship, citing a new level of co-operation with the Band, based on respect and consultation.

Co-operation and respect were also evident in the partnership between the Province and the Ch-ihl-kway-uhk Tribe Society that will make possible the opening of Stehiyáq Healing and Wellness Village, planned for later this year. I joined with Premier Campbell, Minister John van Dongen, Minister Barry Penner, MLA John Les and Yakweakwioose First Nation Chief Frank Malloway, chair of the Ch-ihl-kway-uhk Tribe Society, for a ceremony in March at a traditional village site near Chilliwack where the unique centre will be located.

The Province contributed $3 million and transferred land for the village, which will offer Aboriginal youth and families from across B.C. counselling and resources to overcome histories of trauma, addiction, and mental illness.

Also in March, I joined representatives of four Treaty 8 First Nations at a ceremony in Fort St. John to celebrate the signing of an economic benefits agreement between the Province and Doig River, Fort Nelson, Prophet River, and West Moberly First Nations.

The agreement will provide these First Nations in northeast British Columbia with a share of the financial benefits from natural resource development on their territory, as well as enhancing land-use collaboration in the region.

We have only to look to this spring’s successes with First Nations partners for a reminder of what we can accomplish together. There is much more to be done and I am looking forward to making further progress this year that will benefit Aboriginal people across British Columbia.