First of its kind First Nations conservation agreement in B.C.

A management agreement between Hanson Island First Nations and the British Columbia government will ensure First Nations are involved in future opportunities for Hanson Island. On July 31, 2003, B.C. Sustainable Resource Management Minister Stan Hagen and Dallas Smith, co-chair for the Joint Executive Kwakiutl District Council, Musgamagw Tsawataineuk Tribal Council and Tlowitsis First Nation announced the “ground-breaking” agreement.

Hanson Island is is approximately eight kilometres long and four kilometres wide and relatively undeveloped. Land resource management planning process, forest harvesting, mineral and energy development will not be allowed on the island.

The agreement, the first of its kind along B.C.’s Central Coast, is expected to help preserve First Nations history and culture by creating a reliable framework for economic development and conservation.

In formulating the new framewrok, discussions were held with the Mamalilikulla First Nation, the ‘Namgis First Nation, and the Tlowitsis First Nation. The agreement proposes that the three First Nations manage Land Act tenures for Hanson Island through a head lease on behalf of the provincial government.

For further information, contact Graham Currie at 250 356-2862