Working with First Nations in areas of Shared or Overlapping Territories
Last updated on August 4, 2026On this page
Working directly with First Nations
What this work is about
The Province of British Columbia is working with First Nations to improve how it works in areas of shared or overlapping territories.
Shared or overlapping territories are areas where more than one First Nation has identified rights, title, treaty rights or interests. For many years, First Nations, provincial and federal governments, industry, local governments and others have recognized the complexity of consultation, engagement, negotiations, and decision-making in areas of shared or overlapping territories.
Why this work matters
How the Province makes decisions in areas of shared or overlapping territories can affect many people and interests in British Columbia. This includes: First Nations; provincial, federal and local governments; industry; communities; and anyone who is involved in or impacted by decisions about land and resources.
The Province has heard clearly there is a need to improve how the Province works in areas of shared or overlapping territories, and that more support is needed to help advance solutions that respect and uphold the rights and title of First Nations. This work is also important to support advancing reconciliation, stewardship objectives, economic development and greater clarity for people involved in provincial consultation, engagement, and decision-making processes.
Working directly with First Nations
In accordance with the Crown’s unique relationship and obligations with First Nations, the Province is developing this work through consultation and cooperation with First Nations governments consistent with section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The purpose of the Province’s initial dialogue with First Nations is to develop a shared understanding of the challenges, explore respective roles, and begin identifying constructive paths forward to improve how the Province works in areas of shared and overlapping territories.
The Province is engaging First Nations before developing policy options.
Expected Outcomes
Through consultation and cooperation with First Nations on this initiative, the Province will clarify and strengthen how the Province will consult, negotiate agreements with First Nations, and make decisions on land and resources in areas of shared or overlapping territory.
Information Sharing
This work is important to many people in British Columbia and the Province is committed to keeping the public and interested parties informed. The Province will continue to update this webpage as the work progresses.
While broad public engagement is not planned at this time, questions, comments, or feedback on this initiative can also be directed to MIRR.Strategic.Policy@gov.bc.ca.