Policies & Reports Concerning Indigenous Rights

Indigenous rights, including title, are recognized and affirmed in Section 35 of Canada's Constitution Act, 1982. The effect of this recognition is that existing aboriginal rights must not be unjustifiably infringed upon by the resource development activities of the government or its licensees.

• Procedures for Meeting Legal Obligations When Consulting First Nations 

Reports

This document explores organizations, events and associated processes that will result in more effective ongoing forest policy discussions between the province and B.C.'s First Nations.

• British Columbia's First Nations Forest Policy Forum Discussion Paper (PDF)

Many First Nations groups in the coastal region use red and yellow cedar for traditional and cultural purposes. Guidelines have been developed to guide management of cedar for traditional and cultural use in the Coast Forest Region.

• Guidelines for Managing Cedar for Cultural Purposes (PDF)

​A forestry roundtable recommended First Nations should become full partners in the forest sector. A key government action for meeting this recommendation is to provide access to forest tenure opportunities through interim measures agreements.

• First Nations Direct Award Forest Tenure Opportunities Guidelines (PDF)