– $25 million will be spent on capacity building for the implementation of the agreement and continuing negotiations for a comprehensive long-term reconciliation agreement between First Nations and the provincial and federal governments; On April 2, 2015, the First Nations Company (NWSC) signed two innovative agreements with British Columbia, the Collaborative Agreement (CA) and the Environment and Socio-Cultural Engagement Agreement (CSIA). Stellat`en First Nation signatories Nadleh Whut`en, Ts`il Kaz Koh First Nation, Saik`uz First Nation, Nak`azdli Whut`en, Takla Nation and Tl`azt`en Nation celebrated the Agreement at the Uda Dune Baiyoh – House of Ancestors on Third Avenue, with Prime Minister John Horgan and other officials. This is a five-year extension of the Pathways Forward 1.0 contract signed in 2017. “Congratulations to Carrier Sekani First Nations and the provincial government for successfully negotiating this historic agreement. I hope that this agreement will build strong and healthy relationships and partnerships that will lead to a better community for all. Clan leader Mina Holmes of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council said the agreement was based on the principles of unity, justice, capacity and economic sustainability. “The Pathways Forward Agreement is a step in the right direction in the implementation of UNDRIP. This is a step forward in the darkness of the ugly history of the relationship we have had with governments. It is a step forward in restoring our rightful place in society as strong, living people in the power of our undecided and undeased countries. This is a step towards true reconciliation. The work doesn`t stop there – the lifting and hard work begins now. We will continue to work for security for all governments; We will continue to work towards strong regional economic stability. It is not only an asset to First Nations, it is an asset to the industry, B.C.
and to all Canadians. This agreement, together with future agreements, will be based on respect, unity, transparency and accountability for all, bearing in mind the economy, culture, responsibility and governance. To this end, $12.5 million has been released over five years to build on governance processes and structures for full autonomy. There is also $25 million to fund the implementation capacity of the agreement and to continue negotiations for a comprehensive long-term reconciliation agreement involving not only carrier Sekani First Nations and the province, but also the federal government. The Pathways Forward 2.0 agreement makes the funds available to members of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council in the Prince George area of central B.C.