Northeast

Regional Overview

The Northeast region is located in north-eastern British Columbia. The region is bordered by the Yukon and Northwest Territories to the north, the Rocky Mountains to the west and Alberta to the east. 

The Northeast region is a vast area of mountains, foothills, forests, lakes and the Peace River Valley.  Major rivers that flow through the region include the Peace River and the Liard River. Major cities within this region include Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Dawson Creek, Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd.

Activities and Trends

The region’s economy is based on natural resources, particularly mining and oil and gas activities. Other important industries in the region include forestry, agriculture and utilities. Linear corridors (roads, seismic lines, transmission lines, and pipeline corridors) associated with these activities are prominent throughout the region.

Additionally, many of the Northeast’s river systems (as well as Williston Lake) are major recreation corridors that are used by adventure recreation operators, guide-outfitters, trappers and outdoor enthusiasts to access the backcountry.

Work Underway

The Regional Strategic Environmental Initiative (RSEA) project is currently leading various cumulative effects projects in the Northeast region. These projects are in partnership with seven Treaty 8 First Nations (Blueberry River, Doig River, Halfway River, Prophet River, Saulteau, West Moberly and McLeod Lake) and the Province of B.C., under the Environmental Stewardship Initiative.

What is RSEA and why was it initiated?

The Regional Strategic Environmental Assessment (RSEA) was undertaken in the Northeast Region of British Columbia through the Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) and is currently leading various cumulative effects projects in the Northeast region. RSEA is a collaboration between seven Treaty 8 Nations and the Province of BC. The purpose of the collaboration is to generate trusted information about cumulative impacts of resource development in the Treaty 8 territory to inform the development of recommendations for appropriate management of potentially adverse impacts on the exercise of First Nations treaty rights.

RSEA was initiated to collaboratively address environmental issues of mutual interest to the Treaty 8 Nations and the Province, such as those resulting from natural resource activities, and implement the Provincial Cumulative Effects Framework (CEF) and Northeast Water Strategy.

RSEA Values

The RSEA Project Team selected values based on the interests of the Treaty 8 Nations and the Province.  It was important to select values that address the unique needs of Treaty 8 Nations and that were relevant to all Treaty 8 areas. There are five values selected for assessment: 

• Moose
• Old Forest
• Water
• Peaceful Enjoyment
• Environmental Livelihoods

Regional Reports & Information