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Ha-Shilth-Sa archive photo Jan. 12, 2018 MLA Scott Fraser (centre), who was also Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, signed a new agreement with the fi ve nations in the Maa-nulth treaty in Port Alberni. Maa-nulth Treaty nations mark 10th anniversary

By Melissa Renwick Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ten years ago, history was made when the Maa-nulth Treaty was signed on April 1, 2011. The government-to-government agreement between Canada, British Columbia and fi ve Nuu-chah-nulth nations was among the fi rst Final Agreements reached under B.C.’s treaty process. It established Huu-ay-aht, Uchucklesaht, Ucluelet, Toquaht and Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tl7et’h’ First Nations as self-governing nations. “On April 1, 2011, the citizens of the Maa-nulth First Nations marked the treaty coming into eff ect with a symbolic gesture - burning the Indian Act,” said Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, in a release. “The Maa-nulth First Nations regained control over lands and resources and governance of their own nations once again. Its 10-year anniversary was reason to celebrate, but as “virtual fatigue” sets in, Huu-ay-aht elected chief Robert J. Dennis Sr. said the nation will pay tribute to the occasion when they are allowed to gather again. Instead, the nations are preparing a video and booklet to commemorate the milestone. “The video will highlight where we came from, where we are and where we are going,” said Cynthia Blackstone, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nation (KCFN) chief administrative offi cer. “It has been a long process, and one that will still take time as we develop our relationship with B.C. and Canada, and as our citizens continue to prepare to participate fully in the growth of our nations.” In refl ecting on the benefi ts of the treaty, top of mind for Dennis was that it allowed Huu-ay-aht to develop their own set of laws that function in the best interest of its members. “We went into treaty to try to make things better for our people,” he said. “If we don’t like our laws, we can change them.” Jeff rey Cook was Huu-ay-aht’s fi rst elected chief under the treaty. As he recalled his time in offi ce, he echoed Dennis’ sentiments. “We’re responsible for our own decisions and our own life,” he said. Since signing the treaty, Dennis said the nation has been able to add 1,230 hectares of private land to their holdings. “The purchase of private land in the Bamfi eld Inlet has enabled Huu-ay-aht to participate in the local Bamfi eld economy,” said Dennis. Not only has it created employment opportunities, but it has allowed members to remain in their traditional territories. Similar to Huu-ay-aht, Blackstone said one of the major developments since signing the treaty was that KCFN now holds full ownership of their land. “[Our land] is no longer held reserved for us by the Crown,” she said. “The lands are registered in the name of KCFN.” As of April 1, KCFN has their own voting members on the Strathcona Regional District Board of Directors and on the Comox Strathcona Regional Hospital District Board, said Blackstone. Joining forces with other self-governing nations across Canada, Blackstone said KCFN are creating a new “need-based fi scal relationship with Canada.” “This would not have been realized without KCFN having become selfgoverning nations through the treaty,” she said. “This new fi scal relationship is fi nally aff ording us the ability to expand our staff , services [and] assets.” As the federal and provincial governments work “very cooperatively” with Huu-ay-aht, Dennis said the nation’s fi nancial position has increased “dramatically” since treaty. “It enabled us to participate in the economic development of our community,” he said. The Maa-nulth Treaty was a culmination of over 15 years of negotiations between the fi ve nations, the government of Canada and the province, said Rankin. “Treaties are an important pathway to meaningful reconciliation,” he said. “They help to support strong, healthy, thriving communities that benefi t people today and for generations to come. The Maa-nulth First Nations now share in the wealth of resources in their territories, and have legislative tools to strengthen their language, culture and heritage. The nations can pursue economic opportunities to benefi t their citizens and chart a course for the future they want.” According the BC Treaty Commission, there are seven First Nations implementing modern treaties, including the fi ve Maa-nulth First Nations. “In a nutshell, we are better off under the treaty,” said Dennis. “But there’s always a lot of work to do.” General Principles

1. Prior approval is required.

2. The client must: a. Be eligible for the NIHB Program; and b. Be currently enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in a provincial or territorial health insurance plan and continue to meet residency requirements for provincial/territorial health coverage.

3. For Transportation to Medical Services: For transportation to medical services outside of the country the client must be referred for provincially/territorially insured medical services by a provincial or territorial health care plan for treatment Shaganappi Plaza: wage change for Building Maintenance and Superintendent Windspeaker.com http://www.windspeaker.com/news/sweetgrass-news/building-maintenanceand-superintendent/ ammsa.com http://www.ammsa.com/content/careers/shaganappi-plaza-ltd-calgary outside of Canada.

4. For Supplemental Health Insurance Premiums: Full-time students enrolled in a post-secondary institution to study outside of Canada must provide a letter of confi rmation that tuition, which is not an eligible benefi t under the NIHB Program, has been paid.

What is covered?

For Supplemental Health Insurance Premiums: -

The cost of privately acquired health insurance premiums for approved students or migrant workers and their legal dependents will be reimbursed.

For Transportation to Medical Services: -

Transportation benefi ts when eligible clients are medically referred and approved for treatment outside of Canada by a provincial or territorial health care plan.

For further information on coverage outside of Country you are encouraged to call First Nations & Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Vancouver BC toll free @ 1-800-317-7878

What You Should Know- “Before” Leaving British Columbia

If you are leaving the province, you should be aware that your coverage may not pay all health care costs.

Health services provided outside Canada often cost more than the amount paid by the Ministry of Health Services. Sometimes the diff erence is substantial; for example, the amount we pay for emergency inpatient hospital care will not exceed $75 (Canadian) a day for United States of exceeds $1,000 (US) per day and can be as high as $10,000 a day for intensive care.

In addition, some items/services that may be a benefi t in BC are not covered outside the province; for example, prescription drugs and optometric services. Further, the Ministry does not subsidize fees charged for ambulance service obtained outside BC.

We advise you to buy additional health insurance to supplement your basic coverage before you leave the province, regardless of whether you’ll be in another part of Canada or outside the country – even if your company or travel agency can advise you about extra coverage to pay for any diff erence in fees and to provide benefi ts not covered by the Ministry. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you must mention this when purchasing additional insurance as most policies will not cover treatment of that condition outside the province.

In some cases you may purchase an insurance policy where the insurance company has a signed agreement with the Ministry. This permits the company to pay physician and hospital claims and receive reimbursement on your behalf thus eliminating the need for you to handle your own claims.

NOTE: Ambulance – If you require ambulance service while in another province or outside Canada, you will need to obtain service from an ambulance company in that jurisdiction and will be charged the fee established by the-out-of-province service provider. Fees range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

When purchasing additional out-of-province health insurance you are advised to obtain insurance that will cover emergency transportation while you are away and, if necessary the cost of transportation back to BC.