Tsay Keh Dene and Province Celebrate Conclusion of Deal

By 250 News

VICTORIA - The Tsay Keh Dene First Nation welcomed George Abbott, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Chris O'Riley, vice-president of BC Hydro to their village yesterday to celebrate the conclusion of a final agreement that addresses the longstanding grievances from the creation and operation of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and Williston Reservoir in the Peace River Valley region.

The final agreement provides benefits including a one-time payment totalling $20.9 million to the Tsay Keh Dene First Nation and annual payments, for as long as power is produced at the facilities, of approximately $2 million, with future adjustments for inflation. Most of the initial payments will establish an endowment fund that will be managed by investment professionals, offering Tsay Keh Dene First Nation the opportunity for financial returns in the future. The agreement also provides Tsay Keh Dene with business and employment opportunities and will ensure that they are informed about BC Hydro facilities and operations that could affect them. 

The Tsay Keh Dene community voted to ratify the final agreement in June 2009. The gathering at Tsay Keh Dene village allowed the Province and BC Hydro to mark the occasion with a cultural ceremony, exchange of gifts and a community meal. 

The final agreement addresses the past, present and future impacts created by the construction and operation of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and Williston Reservoir in northern B.C. The flooding destroyed traditional hunting grounds, gathering sites and burial grounds, and forced the First Nation to move elsewhere.

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us