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Westbank First Nation is celebrating April 1st as it marks 10 years of Self-Government.
It took many years of negotiations and community consultation, but eventually the WFN and its members received Royal Assent in Ottawa for the Westbank First Nation Self-Government Act. It officially became law on May 6th, 2004 and the Act came into force on April 1st, 2005.
“I am very proud of how far our community has come over the past ten years,” said Chief Robert Louie. “Self-Government has opened doors to opportunities that the community would not have seen if we were still governed by Canada. Not only has Self-Government increased the accountability and transparency of the WFN government as well as bringing a great sense of pride to our community, but it has also resulted in increased opportunities for our Members, increased property values and an improved standard of living.”
The WFN has experienced significant growth in the last 10 years and is ranked 61 out of all 162 B.C. municipalities for assessed property values. The assessed value of WFN lands has nearly quadrupled from $398 million in 2005 to over $1.4 billion now.
As of 2011, WFN had contributed $80 million annual fiscal revenue to Canada and B.C. through the generation of sales tax, personal income tax and corporate tax on Westbank First Nation Lands, $500 million annually to the local economy, and remains one of the largest employers on the Westside.
Photo Credits: WFN
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