First Nations Negotiations

First Nations engagement, through negotiation, is pivotal to the well being of First Nations interests, businesses and citizens.

Relationships

Government builds relationships and works with First Nations people and community leaders focusing collective efforts on closing the socio-economic gaps that separate Indigenous people from other British Columbians, and building a province where all citizens can participate in a prosperous economy.

Provincial role

The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation negotiates treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements to create economic certainty over Crown land and resources and to improve the lives of First Nations. These agreements and arrangements support reconciliation, shared decision-making, self-determination, implementation of treaties with Modern Treaty First Nations and economic independence for First Nations in British Columbia.

The Ministry leads the Province's participation in Final Agreement and advanced Agreement-in-Principle negotiations, interim measures and other agreements arrangements with First Nations and the federal government on lands and resources, governance, fiscal relations and capacity-building. It works with First Nations leaders and communities, government agencies, independent bodies, interest holders, industry, local government, the public and others to build support for negotiated agreements and coordinates the cross-government implementation of treaties and other agreements as they are concluded.

Agreements

Reconciliation requires government to listen and respond to the particular priorities of specific First Nations, as well as listen to other interested parties such as government agencies, the business community and others. A broad range of agreement types contribute to achieving reconciliation and creating economic opportunities for First Nations. 

Treaties and other agreements are important tools for First Nations to develop sustainable, healthy, resilient communities. These agreements help build relationships with First Nations, resolve conflicts and address concerns associated with development on traditional territories.

Agreements negotiated within British Columbia include:

• Treaties
  • Final Agreements
  • Agreements-in-Principle
  • Incremental Treaty Agreements
• Atmospheric Benefit Sharing Agreements
• Cut-off Claims
• Economic & Community Development Agreements
• Natural Gas Benefits Agreements
• Reconciliation Agreements
  • Accords
  • Memorandums of Understanding
• Revenue Sharing Agreements
  • First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund Revenue Sharing Agreements
  • Forest Consultation & Revenue Sharing Agreements
• Strategic Engagement Agreements