Landmark B.C. treaty deal signed

A First Nation in northern B.C. has signed the first agreement under the B.C. government's treaty process, a deal worth about $73 million.

The Lheidli T'enneh signed the treaty deal with the provincial and federal governments at a ceremony in Prince George on Sunday.

The agreement, which follows 15 years of negotiations, includes self government.

This new treaty will provide more than 4,000 hectares of land and more than $13 millionin cash. It also includes timber and sockeye salmon harvesting rights.

It will be another year before the treaty can become final.

The 320 members of the Lheidli T'enneh bandstill have to ratify the agreement, which requires 70 per cent approval.

The band members would also give up their tax-exempt status if they ratify the deal.

It would then go to Victoria and Ottawa for legislative approvals.