On October 27, Tis’kwat will be the site of the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Province of BC and Tla’amin Nation.
Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons stated in a media release that the MOU recognizes Tla'amin's historic and undisputed ties to Tis’kwat, and affirms its right to have influence over the site's future use.
“Recently the federal government accepted the Tis’kwat site as part of Canada’s specific claims negotiation process, which triggers a process for Tla’amin and Canada to negotiate a settlement,” stated Simons.
“The [Catalyst Paper Tis'kwat] mill site has not been sold, but the involvement of all levels of government will make a transaction more likely and more imminent. All owners and businesses on the Tis’kwat site will be required to pay all taxes, as the land will be considered fee-simple, unless the City of Powell River consents to other arrangements.”
The nature of discussions between the province and Tla'amin, and between Catalyst Paper Tis'kwat owner Paper Excellence and businesses interested in the site, are all being negotiated and discussed under non-disclosure agreements, meaning that the city, qathet Regional District and Simons, as MLA, have received limited information, the release stated.
“Events this Friday are about celebrating the signing of the MOU, which represents a very positive step for the Tla'amin Nation, for our community, and for our entire region,” stated Simons. “This historic event celebrates a positive step toward economic and social reconciliation.”
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