Land negotiation terms established by Tod Strachan Following the. official procession of Nisga’a natives in traditional costume, federal and provincial politicians, and three RCMP flag bearers — one for each party to the Nisga’a Comprehensive Land Claims Framework Agreement — the stage was set for the official Signing of the document at about 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 1991, First, however, Nisga’a Tribal Council executive director Rod Robinson called for a moment’s silence and a prayer by Bishop Hannon in remembrance of four key Nisga’a leaders, "We cannot forget the effort and contribution of four of our chieftains who have now gone," Robinson told the audience and dignitaries assembled in the Nisga’a Elementary-Secon- dary School in New Aiyansh. He then named Solomon Doolan, William David McKay, Roy Azak and James Gosnell. With that, the Nisga’a Compre- hensive Land Claims Framework Agreement was signed... first by Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Tom Sid- don on behalf of Canada, then by Minister of Native Affairs Jack Weisgerber for the province of B.C, and finally by ‘the Nisga’a Tribal Council leaders: Chief Alvin . McKay, Sim’oogit Daaxheet, NTC president; Chief Joseph Gosnell, Sim’oogit Hleekk, NTC chairman; Chief Herbert Morven (Gitlaxt’aamiks), Sim’oogit K’eexkw, NTC vice-president, Chief Henry Moore (Laxgalts’ap), NTC vice-president; Chief Harry Nyce (Gitwinksihlkw), Sim’oogit Gilsen, NTC: vice-president; and Chief Stuart Doolan (Gingoix), Sim’ooogit Baytsim’oogit, NTC vice-president. The importance of what the leaders signed was described in a number of ways. By Robinson prior to the signing: "Everything we do now is symbolic of the unity that now exists. The unity that we have been secking." After the signing by Siddon: "We are now able to welcome the prov- ince of British Columbia to this important process which I know will lead to a successful conclusion when we mect again in two years to sign the Agreement in Prin- ciple... A comprehensive agree- ment — a settlement of these matters — is the only and ultimate way to achieve the degree of inde- pendence and self-reliance that you want, that you are entitled to have for your people, to create a climate of social, and political, and eco- nomic stability in this wonderful, unspoiled part of your land for the -& benefit of all." Later by Weisgerber: "What we underiake, as we move from this framework agreement to a final resolution of issues, is of truly momentous importance... We are in the process of establishing a new and better relationship between the Nisga’a people and ourselves, a relationship which will create a brighter and more certain future for all of us." Then by McKay: "We call ita 9) sacred document because those understandings are very precious to us and, I hope, very precious to our counterparts... We look upon these understandings as the enabl- ing agents, or, if you want to call them the catalysts, to open up the Nisga’a land question that had been missing all these years. We are told that with this signing completed, the three parties can sit together. And it’s real negotiations. Serious: negotiations. And that’s good news for us." And finally by Tsimpsian Tribal Council president Art Sterriti: "I would like to thank you for the. leadership you are © providing on a Terrace Review — Wednesday, March 27, 1991 A3 Rod Robinson displays the signed framework document: now things can get serious. behalf of ail First Nations in the province. You walk with dignity. You walk with honour. And you have certainly made things much easier for all of the First Nations in this province with this signing today." Sterritt then read a motion passed unanimously by 127 First Nation Bands and 16 Tribal Councils at the First Nations Summit in Vancouver a day earlier, offering support and congratulations. Youth... {13 te 1797.) (Oto 12 yr.) It pays to package your ski equipment rental and lift ticket together-you can save $8 off the regular, combined midweek prices! And it's convenient too. You simply walk in and walk out with everything you need-skis, boots, poles and lift ticket. Our Mountain Rental Shop features brand-new ski equip- ment. A complete range of sizes. Plus certified technicians to ensure the best fit. Choose a midweek SkiSaver Package today. And save $8 in cold cash on our hot, new _ package — — Qh SkiSaver ee includes full- — rental of skis, boots and poles plus a full-day iift ticket. Adult. . Junior... "Midweek" [1 defined as Monday thru Friday lnciusive SKISAVER REGULAR PACKAGE SAVE PRICE PRICE $45 |e! $8 $35 |PEH) $s i $31 ZEEE ss Mastercard and Visa welcome. For 24-hour ski information, please call 638-8SKI (638-8754) QUAKE ADUT FULL DAY The eight-page document at the heart of all this reverence and praise, the Nisga’a Comprehensive Land Claims Framework Agree- ment, is deceptive in it’s simpli- city. But the agreement govems the conduct of land claims negoti- ations towards an agreement in principle between the three parties which in tum will set out the sub- jects, process and target dates for land claims negotiations. In other words, it is one of the closing phases of a question now, accord- ing to McKay, 130 years old. The agreement also sets a goal of two years for the three parties to reach an agreement in principle, provides a basis to explore options for the interim protection of resources for the benefit of all three parties, provides for public awareness, consultation and com- munication in ongoing negoti- ations, and lists 15 subjects for negotiations. Listed topics for negotiation are: Lands, renewable and non-renew- able resources, access, environ- mental issues, cultural artifacts and heritage, economic development, Nisga’a govemment, amendment procedure, certainty and finality, eligibility and initial enrotment procedure, compensation, direct and indirect taxation, approval and ratification process, implementation and dispute resolution process. In his post-signing speech, Sid- don placed a priority on one issue that involves resources, environ- mental issues, and perhaps eco- nomic development. The federal government and Nisga’a Tribal Council have been negotiating @ fisheries agreement since 1982. Now, umder provisions in the framework agreement, the province of B.C. will enter those negoti- ations. According to Siddon, the one- time federal fisheries minister: "I would like that fisheries com- ponent of this agreement which we’ve signed today to be a first and visible example to all British Columbians of what we can achieve together. Working honourably, as the Nisga’a people have always done in their search for a just settlement of these mat- ters."