Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

I am pleased to present the Treaty Negotiations Office 2004/05 Annual Service Plan Report on the Office's achievements during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005.

This report reflects our continued efforts to fulfil our mission: to provide leadership in concluding agreements to support strong and healthy First Nation communities and prosperity for all British Columbians.

The Treaty Negotiations Office works collaboratively with provincial ministries, First Nation organizations, the federal government and other partners to establish workable arrangements with First Nations and increase certainty with respect to the use of Crown lands and resources in British Columbia.

Over the past year, the Office has worked hard to achieve its goals and has achieved success in many areas.

Negotiators continue to work with the Lheidli T'enneh, Maa-nulth, Sliammon and Tsawwassen First Nations to achieve Final Agreements. An Agreement-in-Principle was initialed with the Yekooche First Nation and significant progress was made in concluding Agreements-in-Principle with the Yale and In-Shuck First Nations.

Our government has worked hard to improve relations with First Nations both in and out of the treaty process. A government to government dialogue has been established with First Nations' leadership in order that we can jointly seek approaches to reconcile our respective interests and aspirations. An improved relationship, founded on trust and respect, will benefit not only First Nations, but all British Columbians, for future generations.

The 2004/05 Treaty Negotiations Office Annual Service Plan Report compares the actual results to the expected results identified in the Office's 2004/05 Service Plan. I am accountable for those results as reported.

Honourable Geoff Plant
Attorney General and
Minister Responsible for Treaty Negotiations

June 15, 2005