Huu-Ay-Aht First Nations Approve Constitution
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2007ARR0007-000545
May 1, 2007
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
VICTORIA – The Province of British Columbia is pleased that the Huu-ay-aht First Nations have voted to approve their Constitution, announced Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Michael de Jong.“I would like to congratulate Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert Dennis, the Huu-ay-aht band council and Huu-ay-aht band members on the successful vote on their Constitution,” said de Jong. “Approving the Constitution is an important step in ratifying the Maa-nulth treaty and forms the cornerstone of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations government.”
Of the 214 eligible members who voted, 172 voted in favour, representing 80.4 per cent of the ballots cast. In order for the Constitution to be approved, 50 per cent of those who voted must have voted in favour of the Constitution.
“We are pleased with the outcome,” said Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Robert Dennis. “This is an important vote for the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. There is a need now to maintain the momentum and get on with the treaty ratification process.”
The Constitution forms the basis for a democratically accountable Huu-ay-aht First Nations government and includes a process for enacting laws, a system of financial administration and conflict of interest rules.
The Huu-ay-aht First Nations are one of five member bands belonging to the Maa-nulth First Nations on Vancouver Island. In December 2006, the Maa-nulth Final Agreement was initialled by the governments of Canada and British Columbia and the Maa-nulth First Nations. Each Maa-nulth First Nation, including the Huu-ay-aht, must approve their Constitution before a treaty ratification vote can proceed.
A treaty will bring certainty with respect to the Maa-nulth First Nations’ rights to use, own and manage lands and resources throughout its claimed traditional territory. It will provide the Maa-nulth First Nations with modern governance tools to build strong and workable relationships with federal, provincial and local governments.
The Province of British Columbic is committed to the Pacific Leadership Agenda to build a new relationship with First Nations and Aboriginal people, conclude treaties, and close gaps in health, housing, education, and economic opportunities.
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Media contact:
Deborah Bowman
Communications Director
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
250 953-3211
250 213-3489 (cell)
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