The IMEA allows for equal participation between the Central Region First Nations and provincial appointees in addressing land and resources in Clayoquot Sound. It is the intent of the agreement to conserve resources for future generations by implementing the recommendations of the Scientific Panel for Sustainable Forest Practices in Clayoquot Sound and by accepting and recognizing traditional ecological knowledge. The work of the CRB is guided by the objectives defined in the IMEA.
IMEA Objectives
The Parties agree that the following objectives will guide the agreement:
General Objectives
- To respect the Agreement and its implementation;
- To further the interests of the Parties;
- To consider options for treaty settlement for the First Nations, paying special attention to the need to preserve options for:
- treaty settlement with respect to the Clayoquot River Valley, Flores Island, Hesquiaht Point Creek Watershed, and Meares Island, as well as
- the expansion of the land and resource base for the First Nations;
- To develop an ongoing dialogue within and between the communities, and to develop better ways to determine the best uses of resources and the economic, social and cultural advantages of each use;
- To promote the conservation of resources in Clayoquot Sound, including the recommendations of the Scientific Panel; and
- To promote the full participation of Central Region First Nations in regional development.
Resource Management Objectives
- Continue working with existing programs and any new initiatives that may be introduced which are intended to restore and enhance levels of fish and wildlife and damaged stream and forest areas within Clayoquot Sound;
- To assess the implementation of sustainable ecosystem-based forest management in Clayoquot Sound;
- To continue working towards viable, sustainable resource industries, including but not limited to forestry, fisheries, tourism, mariculture and aquaculture;
- To continue working towards local economic initiatives that will enhance community benefits;
- To ensure that the maintenance of visual attractiveness and ecological integrity is given high priority in any proposed plans regarding resource extraction or development in Clayoquot Sound;
- To respect and protect aboriginal uses of resources in Clayoquot Sound;
- To continue working towards reconciliation between environmentalists, labour, industry, First Nations, recreational users, governments, and all others with concerns about Clayoquot Sound; and
- To encourage respect for aboriginal heritage including ensuring the protection of burial sites and physical artifacts of previous generations of First Nations, as well as any other notable historic sites.
Economic Objectives
- To continue working towards sustainability, economic development, and diversification for communities, including infrastructure within those communities;
- To continue working towards increasing employment levels within aboriginal communities to a level comparable to the employment rate in non-aboriginal communities;
- To continue to support an increase in local ownership within resource industries; and
- The Parties acknowledge that the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, on October 29, 1999, agreed in a speech to the First Nations Summit to discuss alternative treaty fiscal financing arrangements on the condition that the government of Canada participates in these discussions and that these discussions occur on a broader basis than table-by-table.
To view the IMA and IMEAs and attached schedules, click on the following:
Inerim Measures Agreement 2007
IMEA 2008 |
government-to-government negotiations on co-management of Clayoquot Sound in 1992. As part of these negotiations, an Interim Measures Agreement (IMA) was signed in March 1994. The IMA created the Clayoquot Sound Central Region Board (CRB). This IMA expired in March 1996 and has been subsequently extended twice (April 1996 and March 2000) to become the Interim Measures Extension Agreement: A Bridge to Treaty 28 March 2000 (IMEA).
