First Nations in British Columbia are due for an extra $100 million over the next three years under the province's new budget.

The money will go to the First Nations New Relationships Fund to help First Nations in their treaty negotiations. Some of the money will be used to train Native experts in forestry, mining, and land use planning. Ed John. the Grand Chief of the First Nations Summit, praised the funding but said the province has a long way to go in its dealings with Native people.

B.C. never negotiated treaties with First Nations, leaving land, water, mineral and other issues unresolved. Only one treaty has been concluded with a First Nation but that occurred outside of the established negotiating process.

Get the Story:
First Nations, seniors gain from boom (The Times Colonist 9/15)
Seniors, aboriginals get breaks in B.C. budget (CP 9/15)
Seniors, First Nations reap budget benefits (24 Hours Vancover 9/15)
Seniors, aboriginals, businesses win in B.C. budget (CBC 9/14)

Relevant Links:
B.C. Budget - http://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/default.htm

Related Stories:
Native leaders say Canada's budget falls short (02/25)