===== A message from the 'bceniplc' discussion list =====

Please excuse my gross negligence in not reporting on TNAC and NRAC meetings since last Spring. There was a July TNAC meeting, but it was mostly a hand-wringing session over the then impending initialing of the Nisga'a Treaty on Aug 04. The following notes are from the TNAC meeting on Oct 2nd, the first since that July session.
Steve

Notes on TNAC meeting of  02 OCT 1998 in Vancouver

Morning session included address by Honourable Dale Lovick, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs for BC. His comments were directed to a Nisga'a Treaty update. He made the following points:

The Nisga'a Treaty will remove fear and uncertainty in the Nass Valley.
BC is spending money on an information campaign (re: Nisga'a Treaty).
The ratification process anticipated to be completed by the end of 1999.

1. Nisga'a people (Nov 1998)
2. Province of BC
3. Government of Canada

BC has issued Consultation Guidelines to meet Delgamuukw decision requirement.
BC is developing Compensation Guidelines for Third Parties. (very difficult going)
BC intends to settle overlapping claims before signing any more new treaties.

Next session was a post-Delgamuukw update:

Consultation Requirement

1. The duty to consult with FNs applies only to the case of justified infringement of aboriginal title.
2. Consultation is composed of a spectrum of options: a. "mere" consultation - sharing information b. substantially addressing FNs' concerns c. involving FNs in shared decision making d. consent of FNs
3. Reasonableness applies to FNs as well as to governments.
4. BC Consultation Guidelines do not address capacity building, interim measures, or existing treaty negotiations.
5. Consultation Guidelines training sessions for line ministry managers are being conducted regionally throughout the province.
   

Federal Capacity Panel
This is a federal initiative in recognition of the many FNs groups who are lacking in manpower with the skills and abilities to negotiate and implement treaties. The panel is chaired by Wendy John (BC Associate Regional Director General for the Dept. of Indian Affairs & Northern Dev., and wife of Ed John - First Nations Summit), and includes five other FNs representatives. There are two panel members from TNAC - Duncan Barnett who is aboriginal affairs manager for the Cariboo Lumber Manufacturers' Association, and Clay Perry - representing the IWA (both very good and fair-minded people).
The mandate of the panel is to "recommend effective initiatives to enhance BC First Nations' capacity to deal with land and resource issues which will be an important part of future treaties." 

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