Consulting with First Nations

Consulting with First Nations

This webpage contains historical, legacy documents that are intended for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon the material or information on this website as a basis for making any business, legal or any other decisions. Although references are made to government’s legal requirements arising from section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and section 3 of the Declaration Act on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act SBC 2019 c 44, and reconciliation commitments set by government, the content of this webpage should not be interpreted as legal instructions or legal advice.

For specific assistance and guidance, please contact the appropriate decision-making agency.

Proponents and First Nations

As the government develops its relationships with First Nations to advance reconciliation, companies looking for investment and growth opportunities in B.C. have important relationships to consider building as well. A key opportunity includes engaging First Nations early in the planning stages of a project prior to government’s formal consultation processes.

Engaging First Nations: Proponent Resources

• Building Relationships with First Nations: Respecting Rights and Doing Good Business (2014) (PDF, 442.4KB), available in English, Mandarin (PDF, 871.1KB), Japanese (PDF, 672.7KB), and Korean (PDF, 425.4): Provides advice and strategies to help businesses develop strong working relationships with First Nations.
• Guide to Involving Proponents When Consulting First Nations (2014) (PDF, 362.1KB): Assists the business sector with a better understanding of the range of proponent’s roles in First Nations consultation.
• Proponent: First Nations Engagement Communication Log (XLXS, 212KB): A sample tool for proponents to track First Nations engagement communications. 
• Updated Procedures for Meeting Legal Obligations When Consulting First Nations (2010) (PDF, 800KB): Describes the Province’s approach to consulting and accommodating First Nations where a proposed decision or activity by the Province may affect claimed or proven Aboriginal rights (including title) or treaty rights.  Proponents wanting more detailed information on the consultation process may consider reviewing this document in conjunction with the Guide to Involving Proponents When Consulting First Nations.

Sector-Specific Proponent Guides

Environmental Assessment

• For information on engaging First Nations in the environmental assessment process, please visit the Environmental Assessment Office’s website.

Major Mines

• Major Mines Authorizations Guide (2023), (PDF, 1.7MB)
  Sets out information for proponents of major mine projects preparing to apply for multiple permits, licences or other authorizations to construct and operate a mine in the Province of British Columbia.
• Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia's Aboriginal Engagement Guidebook: A Practical and Principled Approach for Mineral Explorers (2015) (PDF, 475KB)

Clean Energy Projects

• Clean Energy Production in B.C.: An Interagency Guide Book for Proponents (2016) (PDF, 4KB)
  Brings together statutory, regulatory, and procedural information from resource-based ministries and agencies involved with the review of Clean Energy Projects.