SHARED LEGACIES AGREEMENT

On November 2002, Squamish First Nations, Lil'wat Nation, Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation, and the Province of British Columbia signed the historically significant Shared Legacies Agreement. It outlines a package of benefits and legacies related to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games that recognizes the important contribution being made by the Nations to promote harmony, sharing, education, fairness, and partnership. Fourteen of the twenty events are scheduled to take place in the Nations’ shared territories - nine Olympic events and all five Paralympic events.

Under this Agreement, the Province agreed to give 300 acres of land for the Nations to pursue economic development opportunities within their shared territories, contribute $2.3 million for a skills and legacy training project, and contribute $3 million dollars toward the construction of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre.

The Province, in partnership with the Nations, initiated a Naming and Recognition Project to dual name places in the shared territory so traditional place names will be given wider recognition. The Squamish First Nations and Lil'wat Nation will be members of the Legacies Society, which will own, operate, and manage the Nordic Centre in the Callaghan Valley, the Sliding Centre for bobsled and luge on Blackcomb Mountain, and the Athlete Centre for ongoing training and hosting of world cup events. As members of the Legacies Society, the Nations will also co-direct the $110 million endowment fund established to operate the Nordic Centre and Sliding Centre facilities.

The Agreement also stipulates that 50 moveable houses from the Olympic villages will become the property of the Squamish Nation and Lil'wat Nation. In addition, the Bid Corporation guaranteed that there would be significant contracting opportunities in the Callaghan Valley for such projects as trail clearing and construction, timber processing, and supplying material and/or construction of a day lodge.

Outstanding opportunities for youth will be available through the Aboriginal youth sports legacy endowment fund, which will enable Aboriginal youth to pursue excellence in sports for years to come.

The Shared Legacy Agreement represents an unprecedented partnership between a provincial government, a private corporation, and two First Nations. It ensures that the Squamish Nation and the Lil'wat Nation will benefit from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games being held on our traditional territories and greatly contributes to the future economic well-being of both Nations.