Message from the Deputy Minister
Treaty Negotiations Office

This past year marks a period of significant accomplishment for the Treaty Negotiations Office and the British Columbia Treaty Commission negotiations process.

This year's report lists progress at multiple negotiating tables. Approved Agreements-in-Principle were negotiated and signed at several different tables from different regions of the province in 2003/04.

Beginning with the Lheidli T'enneh near Prince George and moving to the Maa-Nulth of the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Sliammon near Powell River and the Tsawwassen of the Lower Mainland, the Treaty Negotiations Office completed four Agreements-in-Principle with Canada and First Nations in 2003/04. These agreements have paved the way for final agreement negotiations with the prospect of modern treaties in the not-too-distant future. This is the only time the parties have had final agreement negotiations since the Sechelt Agreement-in-Principle was signed in 1999 and the B.C. Treaty Commission six-stage process had its beginning in 1993.

This success has made it possible for the Office to make timely progress in other areas. Supporting our ministry partners in both non-treaty negotiations and economic development opportunities with First Nations, the Office continues to play an important role in revitalizing the economy as we work towards accomplishments that create certainty.

In 2003/04 the Treaty Negotiations Office has moved to build a foundation of trust between First Nations and the government. Through respectful negotiations we are contributing to a stronger British Columbia.

Sincerely,

Lorne Brownsey
Deputy Minister, Treaty Negotiations Office