A new agreement between the B.C. government and the Ktunaxa Nation Council will support economic development and job creation in the West Kootenay and provide benefits to the Ktunaxa Nation in advance of a treaty.

Under the Incremental Treaty Agreement (ITA), the Ktunaxa will receive approximately 242 hectares of Crown land. The transfer of the land, located outside the Village of Nakusp in the Wensley Bench area, will create new opportunities for local businesses interested in partnering with the Ktunaxa to develop the lands and expand their businesses. This agreement and the business partnerships it will foster, will provide economic benefits and employment opportunities to the local community.

The early transfer of lands under ITAs supports the treaty negotiation process in British Columbia by demonstrating the significant benefits that treaties can bring to First Nations and to businesses and local communities. This agreement, which builds upon the existing Strategic Engagement, and Economic and Community Development agreements, is another example of B.C.’s commitment to further its relationship with the Ktunaxa Nation.

“This parcel represents a sound business opportunity, which can be managed with social, cultural and environmental standards that are consistent with Ktunaxa stewardship principles. We look forward to developing a strong working relationship with other governments and business partners, to provide a positive economic impact throughout the Ktunaxa Traditional Territory,” stated Ktunaxa Nation Chair Kathryn Teneese.

“This agreement will bring significant benefits to the Ktunaxa communities and enable them to benefit from business partnerships and land development opportunities within their traditional territory. The Ktunaxa Nation has demonstrated its commitment to pursuing partnerships with local businesses which will benefit local businesses and families, and this agreement opens the door for further opportunities,” said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Ida Chong.

B.C. is a partner with the Ktunaxa Nation in more than 10 agreements, initiatives and protocols.

Earlier this year, B.C. and Ktunaxa signed an Economic and Community Development Agreement (ECDA) that will enable the Ktunaxa Nation, comprised of the four communities of St. Mary’s, Tobacco Plains, Lower Kootenay and Akisq’nuk, to share revenues from new coal mine projects in the Elk Valley.

Ktunaxa Nation Council represents over 1,500 Ktunaxa Nation members in four Ktunaxa communities within the British Columbia portion of their traditional territory.

A recent analysis by Ktunaxa Nation of its business interests suggests the Ktunaxa inject more than $30 million annually into the regional economy.

For more information about the Incremental Treaty Agreement (Wensley Bench), please visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/treaty/key/default.html

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