September 4, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED FOR FIRST NATIONS' TRUST FUND
A series of Regional Engagement meetings being carried out to determine the
future of the New Relationship Trust is now nearly at the half-way point, with
consultations completed in four out of 11 communities. Feedback received at the
meetings to date has identified a diverse array of spending priorities for
First Nations communities, including education, language and culture, healing,
job creation and economic development.
The New Relationship Trust is a not-for-profit organization that was
established last spring. Its purpose is to help First Nations in BC achieve
self-determination through the exercise of their aboriginal title, exercise
their jurisdiction over land and resources, and develop the capacity to address
socio-economic inequalities faced by their members. The Trust received an
initial contribution of $100 million from the Province under Premier Gordon
Campbell, and the first Board of Directors is seeking feedback from First
Nations communities to determine the top priorities for the fund.
To date, meetings have been held in Masset, Prince Rupert, Terrace and Port
Hardy. Some of the highlights from the meetings were as follows:
a.. Community leaders in Haida Gwaii (Masset) spoke of the need to encourage
their people to re-connect with their traditional lands and culture, as well as
the need for social and cultural programs;
b.. In Prince Rupert, a strong contingency of off-reserve First Nations
people spoke of the need to support those living in urban environments,
particularly through health care and employment programs;
c.. Just a few of the priorities identified by First Nations leaders in
Terrace were education and training, youth programs, and job creation.
d.. The Port Hardy meeting focused on the need for revenue-sharing with
industry and government, and the challenges that coastal Nations face with lack
of land resources and cash flow.
Six more meetings will take place in September, as follows:
Fort St. John
September 11
9 am - 3 pm
Treaty 8 Association Boardroom
Port Alberni
September 12
9 am - 3 pm
Maht Mahs Gym
Prince George
September 13
9 am - 3 pm
Native Friendship Centre
Vancouver
September 14
9 am - 3 pm
Aboriginal Friendship Centre
Kamloops
September 19
9 am - 3 pm
Sk'elep School of Excellence
Cranbrook
September 22
9 am - 3 pm
St. Eugene Mission Resort
Atlin
September 26
9 am - 3 pm
Atlin Inn
Attendees are requested to RSVP by telephone, toll free to 1-877-922-3338.
Summaries of the regional meetings are posted to the Trust web site,
www.newrelationshiptrust.ca, under ?Voices.? The complete schedule and Agenda
for the meetings can be found under ?Participate.?
Once all the meetings are completed, the Trust Board of Directors will use the
feedback gathered to create a 3-year strategic plan. The plan will outline the
priorities and operational objectives of the Trust, and define a spending vs.
investment strategy. It?s important that communities participate in the
process now, as the Trust is in its formative stage.
? 30 ?
General information:
Web site: www.newrelationshiptrust.ca
Toll free #: 1-877-922-3338
Members of the media are invited to attend a regional engagement meeting in
your area. Please join us for lunch for an interview with meeting facilitator
Jacob Beaton and / or a member of the Trust Board of Directors.
Nathan Matthew, Chair and Interim CEO, New Relationship Trust:
Tel: 250- 672-5652 Cel: 250 -851-6054
Jacob Beaton, President, CopperMoon Communications:
Cel: 250-480-8716
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