PORT ALBERNI– On April 19, Tseshaht First Nation and Parks Canada will
sign a Memorandum of Agreement on cooperation concerning the planning and
management of the Broken Group Islands that has been under negotiation since
2007.
The memorandum officially acknowledges the Tseshaht First Nation and the
Maa-nulth Accord, and reaffirms Tseshaht-asserted aboriginal title in the Broken
Group Islands.
“Along with ensuring that Tseshaht has active involvement in managing what
goes on in the Broken Group Islands,” says chief councilor Les Sam, “this
agreement will enable Tseshaht to develop aboriginal tourism opportunities
through the exposure of our culture to Park visitors.”
Parks Canada announced the closure of its campsite on Benson Island in May
2009. Tseshaht lauded this action and quickly saw the hire of a Patrol Person,
Tseshaht Ed Ross, to work directly in and oversee the Broken Group Islands. In
2011, Patrol People were renamed Beach Keepers, and more Tseshaht employees
were hired.
The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve was created in 1970 and is managed today
as a national park reserve under the Canada National Parks Act until the
unresolved aboriginal claim to rights and title are resolved.
The Memorandum of Agreement signing will start at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April
19, in the Great Room at Tseshaht First Nation administration building, located
at Tsuma-as Drive, Port Alberni. Refreshments scheduled to accompany the
event.