The provincial government and Sechelt (shíshálh) First Nation appear to be on the same page when it comes to the direction of negotiations toward a reconciliation agreement.
In an emailed response provided by communications staff with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, the province confirmed Chief Calvin Craigan’s assertion that it was “committed” to coming to terms with Sechelt.
“The province is committed to achieving a government-to-government reconciliation agreement with Sechelt First Nation,” the email said. “Achieving reconciliation based on respect, recognition and accommodation of First Nations rights, title and socio-economic interests is important and a high priority for the province.”
While it would not confirm timeframes suggested by Craigan in a recent interview with Coast Reporter, the province did say it was “working diligently” on all components of the reconciliation agreement, including the dock management plan for Pender Harbour.
The province said it would not be involved in the public information meeting in Pender Harbour hosted by the band later this month (date to be announced Jan. 17).
“The province has no plans to engage with the public until further progress has been made between the parties,” the email said. If a consensus is reached, the two sides “will work together to undertake additional consultation” on the proposed dock management plan policy.
The dock plan will be the only component of the reconciliation agreement for which public consultation will take place, the province said, as it potentially affects third-party land-use interests.
“The reconciliation agreement itself is a government-to-government agreement and public consultation is not undertaken under these types of agreements.”
On the issue of the band’s request to complete a longhouse on privately owned parkland at Francis Point, the province did not confirm the claim by Francis Point Marine Park Society president Howard White, who said in a letter to the editor published in this week’s Coast Reporter that BC Parks has formally asked the band to remove the partially built structure.
“BC Parks is aware of the concerns of the Francis Point Marine Park Society, and that the society has shared these concerns with Sechelt First Nation,” the province said. “BC Parks is currently in discussion with the Sechelt First Nation towards an acceptable resolution.”
Powell River – Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons said he was hopeful that progress toward an agreement would continue. “If Chief Craigan feels things are going well, I’m pleased to hear it. But I think he would agree with me that most Sechelt Nation folks as well as the people in Pender Harbour would like to see some of the issues resolved,” Simons said.
