Musqueam Indian Band Chief Ernest Campbell, left, and Hon. Michael de Jong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
A landmark agreement reached between the Province and the Musqueam Indian Band demonstrates the New Relationship is bringing meaningful, positive change to First Nations.
“This agreement allows the Province and Musqueam to build a new relationship and move beyond an era of litigation and confrontation,” said Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Michael de Jong. “We have negotiated a settlement that provides economic prosperity and stability for the lives of the Musqueam people and community – which is a benefit for the entire region.”
The Reconciliation, Settlement and Benefits Agreement settled three outstanding court cases: University Golf Course, Bridgepoint lands, and the Celtic Shipyards.
In 2005, the B.C. Court of Appeal ruled that the Province of British Columbia did not adequately consult the Musqueam Indian Band concerning decisions about the sale and use of the lands in question. The court-directed settlement allowed the Province and the Band to consult and reach agreement on accommodation.
Members of the Musqueam Indian Band ratified the agreement during a general membership meeting on March 10, 2008. A resounding 98 per cent of Musqueam voters endorsed the agreement.
About 200 Musqueam people attended a celebration and agreement signing event in the First People’s Gallery at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria on March 11, 2008. Chief Ernest Campbell told the gathering that the agreement demonstrated a strong spirit of collaboration between the Band and the provincial government.
“The Musqueam people have ratified a fair and honourable agreement, which validates the New Relationship as well as a new level of co-operation between the Band and the Province, based on respect and rightful consultation,” said Musqueam Indian Band Chief Ernest Campbell. “This agreement allows the Musqueam to achieve even greater independence for our people and for future generations.”
For more information about this agreement and the New Relationship, visit www.gov.bc.ca/arr.
Under terms of the agreement, the Musqueam Indian band receive:
- a cash payment of $20.3 million.
- ownership of the University Golf Course lands (59 hectares)
- ownership of Bridgepoint Casino lands (seven hectares)
- ownership of two parcels in Pacific Spirit Regional Park known as Block K (15.8 hectares) and Block F (8.5 hectares).