Reconciliation & Other Agreements

B.C. works in collaboration with Indigenous leaders, government agencies, industry, local government and the public to support reconciliation and related agreements.

Reconciliation and related agreements focus on closing socio-economic gaps that separate Indigenous people from other British Columbians, and building a province where its citizens can participate in a prosperous economy.

Proposed Commitment Document 2015

On Sept.10, 2015, the Province reaffirmed its commitment to advancing reconciliation with First Nations through a proposed joint work plan with the First Nations Leadership Council. The Proposed Commitment Document sets out a draft agenda that, through working in partnership with First Nations, will seek to close economic and social gaps, provide for collaboration on land and resource decisions, and support First Nations being full partners in the economy of British Columbia. 

New Relationship Agreements

Three initiatives provide the foundation for improved relations between government, Indigenous people and communities throughout the province.

The New Relationship Vision Statement, the Transformative Change Accord and the Métis Nation Relationship Accord, establish mutually agreed upon objectives to achieve long-term societal change toward forging a path to dramatically improve the lives of Indigenous people and build healthier communities that benefit all British Columbians.

Collectively these initiatives embody government’s commitment to closing the socio-economic gaps that exist between Indigenous people and other British Columbians. 

Additionally, they reconcile Indigenous rights and title and establish new relationships based upon respect and recognition through setting mutual goals. These goals include collaborative efforts to close the gap in quality of life between First Nations, Métis and other British Columbians.

Reporting on Progress

The Province reports progress through the Annual Report on Progress: New Relationships with Indigenous People and Communities in British Columbia and through its companion document, Measuring Outcomes. Find out more about the progress of Indigenous people in B.C.

Reconciliation Agreements

In 2005, the Province and the First Nations Leadership Council entered into a New Relationship based on respect, recognition and accommodation of Indigenous title and rights; respect for each others’ laws and responsibilities; and for the reconciliation of Indigenous and Crown titles and jurisdictions.

The Province has completed several agreements with First Nations in B.C. that create the opportunity for comprehensive and lasting reconciliation.

Memorandums of Understanding

MOUs create a more collaborative, coordinated and efficient approach to the management of land and natural resources; and develop new economic opportunities and initiatives that enable First Nations to make progress toward their socio-economic objectives.

Off-Reserve Indigenous Action Plan

The Off-Reserve Indigenous Action Plan (ORAAP) outlines the partnership and principles that will guide the work of both parties as they develop and implement the plan. The ORAAP includes a multi-stakeholder, community-driven approach focused on better education and job training, healthier family life, and strengthened cultures and traditions for off-reserve Indigenous people in B.C.

Cut-off Claims

On November 4, 2008, the Province, Canada and First Nations celebrated the settlement of the remaining four cut-off claims in British Columbia. Cut-off claims were the direct result of lands being removed from, or cut off of, Indian reserves in British Columbia in the early days of European settlement. 

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