Treaty returns land to native Canadians

VICTORIA, British Columbia, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Five native Canadian communities from Vancouver Island initialed a $500 million treaty with the federal and provincial governments Saturday.

"This final agreement will define the rights and title of the Maa-nulth (First Nations) and provide them with the tools to become active participants in the economy," said British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell. "The benefits of this agreement will be felt throughout the region for generations to come."

The deal includes 100 square miles of land, including more than 60 miles of island waterfront, and millions of dollars in cash, with the total package valued at close to $500 million, The Victoria Times Colonist reported.

The treaty covers the Huu-ay-aht, Ucluelet, Uchucklesaht, Ka:'yu:k't'h', Che:k'tles7et'h' and Toquaht First Nations -- all on the island's west coast.

"Fundamentally, in a single stroke, it transforms the relationship between these communities and non-aboriginal societies and governments," Maa-nulth lead negotiator Gary Yabsley said.

The treaty will allow First Nations to govern their own lands in some areas while provincial and federal laws will apply in others, the newspaper said.