Reconciliation in B.C.: Building a stronger province through partnership

B.C. leading national efforts to build the infrastructure, energy and resource projects needed to strengthen Canada's economic security in the face of global threats.

Nearly 40% of the major projects identified by the federal government as being of national importance are located in B.C.

Government, businesses and First Nations are working together to create jobs and grow our economy. Every major project moving forward in B.C. today has First Nations as partners, supporters or investors.

Learn how we're delivering major projects faster

B.C. has the resources the world needs, the ports to deliver them to market, and the people to make it all happen.

We’re using these strengths to find new trade partners and attract investment from around the world – like Ksi Lisims LNG, which secured a 20-year deal to supply natural gas to Germany and Australia.

Indigenous entrepreneurs and strong partnerships with First Nations are bringing more certainty for investors, new business opportunities, and good jobs for people across B.C.

Learn how we're building a stronger economy

B.C. has some of the cleanest and most affordable electricity in the world – 98% comes from renewable sources.

Job creators are looking for clean energy. As more companies switch to clean power, B.C. becomes a top choice to invest and do business with.

We are partnering with First Nations to expand our clean energy supply. This includes projects like the North Coast Transmission Line, 14 wind and solar projects, and clean energy powered natural gas projects like Cedar LNG – the world's first Indigenous majority owned LNG facility.

Learn how B.C is a clean energy superpower

Highlights of some of the ways working together with First Nations is helping to grow our economy and create jobs throughout B.C.

• Reopening the Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. The Province and the Tahltan Nation jointly approved the reopening of the mine through a Section 7 agreement under the Declaration Act (DRIPA). The mine will create thousands of jobs, generate over $1.19 billion in provincial revenue and meet high environmental standards.
• Advancing lower-emission LNG production. Through the Squamish Nation Environmental Assessment agreement, Woodfibre LNG is on track to be the world’s first net-zero liquified natural gas facility by 2027. It’s expected to produce nine times fewer emissions than conventional facilities, while supporting jobs and economic growth.
• Powering B.C. with the North Coast Transmission Line. BC Hydro is working with First Nations to develop and construct sections of the 340-kilometre 2,200-megawatt power project in northern B.C. It is expected to more than double electricity capacity in the area to power homes and industry and support over 9,700 full-time jobs.

B.C. is working with coastal First Nations to strengthen marine ecosystems, support food systems, reduce pollution and build more resilient coastlines.

Through the Great Bear Sea partnership, Canada, B.C. and 17 First Nations are investing $335 million in marine conservation, stewardship and sustainable economic development projects.

We're also working with First Nations to build a ship recycling industry in B.C. to protect our environment and create good jobs here.

Learn about B.C.'s coastal marine strategy

British Columbians are experiencing the direct impacts of more extreme weather and climate events like wildfires, floods and drought.

B.C.'s modernized Emergency and Disaster Management Act formally recognizes First Nations as partners in emergency planning, prevention, response and recovery.

Together, we can respond early, recover faster, and be more prepared for the future.

Learn about emergency management in B.C.

Over the last decade, B.C. has supported nearly 500 forest restoration projects, many involving First Nations. This means healthier forests that support the economy, recreation and tourism.

Indigenous people have also used fire to care for the land for thousands of years.

We're partnering with First Nations to support traditional and prescribed burning, where appropriate. This helps restore forests, improve wildlife habitats, and reduce wildfire risk.

Learn about managing our forests

We're working with First Nations, industry and communities to develop land-use plans that guide what activities can occur on the land base.

These plans help identify where responsible development can occur, while protecting important watersheds, wildlife habitat and cultural values.

By planning together, we create opportunities for sustainable economic growth, good jobs and strong local communities.

See current land use planning engagements

Highlights of some of the ways working together with First Nations is helping to protect the environment and support sustainable development.

• Conserving more land and water through 30x30 goal. A historic agreement between Canada, B.C. and the First Nations Leadership Council is advancing efforts to protect 30% of B.C.’s land by 2030. The commitment includes land-use planning in northwest B.C., protecting 76,000 hectares through Clayoquot Sound conservancies, and nearly 200,000 hectares through the Klinse-za/Twin Sisters conservation initiative.
• Protecting the Great Bear Rainforest. A land-use plan developed with Coastal First Nations and local communities is protecting some of B.C.’s most treasured land and watersheds, while supporting sustainable forestry, tourism and recreation opportunities.
• Planning for responsible development in northwest B.C. The Province is working with the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska, Gitanyow and Nisga'a Nations on land-use planning across roughly 16 million hectares in northwest B.C. The public were invited to provide input on the draft land-use plans that will guide future conservation and development decisions.
• Supporting First Nations Guardians. Guardian programs are helping First Nations steward and care for the land and water through environmental monitoring, public safety, education and knowledge sharing.
• Protecting endangered caribou habitat. About 45,000 hectares in northeastern B.C. have been protected to encourage ecological restoration to support healthy wildlife populations. Land-use planning with Doig River First Nation is underway to preserve significant cultural sites, while supporting appropriate economic opportunities.
• Protecting wetlands and wildlife. The Province is working with First Nations in northern B.C. to set up or expand wetland and wildlife management areas to protect important habitat for migratory birds, fish and other species. This includes the new Meteor Lake Wetland and the expanded Cranberry Marsh/Starratt Wildlife Management Area.

Housing partnerships between First Nations, non-profits and governments are building more rental and starter homes faster, on and off reserve.

By unlocking land, financing and development opportunities, we're increasing supply and making homes more affordable for everyone.

Leveraging First Nations and non-profit land, BC Builds has more than 5,200 new rental homes delivered or underway, many with rents capped at 20% below market rate.

Learn how we're delivering more homes in B.C.

People living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities have unique needs and challenges accessing health care.

B.C. is partnering with First Nations-led organizations to expand capacity and access to care, which helps everyone living in small communities.

This includes 15 First Nations Primary Care Centres, Virtual Care services, midwifery and maternity services, and GoHealth travel nurses.

Learn other ways we're strengthening health care

Nearly $15 billion in infrastructure projects are underway throughout B.C. in partnership with First Nations.

Together, we're investing in roads, bridges, clean energy, high-speed internet, water systems, schools, health care facilities, and other projects that support growing communities.

This improves access to services and creates jobs and economic opportunities for people and communities throughout B.C.

Learn about infrastructure projects

Learn about transportation projects

Learn about broadband connectivity

Through agreements and legislative changes, First Nations are increasingly taking ownership of child and family services for Indigenous kids and families.

This is keeping kids protected and connected to family and community, leading to greater stability and less likelihood of re-entering care.

In the first reporting year following changes, over 90% of Indigenous children who needed protection were able to return to living safely with their families after receiving supports.

Learn more about progress in Indigenous child and family development

Investments in First Nations language, arts, culture, and heritage are supporting critical language and culture preservation projects and programs.

For kids especially, studies have shown language and cultural revitalization can improve mental health, enhance educational performance, strengthen identity and social connection, and even improve physical health.

Learn about the work of B.C.'s First Peoples' Cultural Council, a provincial Crown Corporation formed in 1990

Through the Anti-Racism Act, Indigenous people in B.C. will face fewer systemic barriers when accessing public programs and services.

The act requires the Province to strengthen checks and balances in its programs and services in hospitals, schools, courts and other public spaces, making B.C. a welcoming place for all.

Learn more about B.C.'s anti-racism legislation

In partnership with First Nations, we're expanding access to trauma-informed legal and intervention services to help people get on a better path.

This includes 17 Indigenous Justice Centres, 58 Community Safety Situation Tables and Intervention Circles, and 8 new and expanded First Nations treatment and healing centres.

Learn other ways we're keeping people safe and communities strong

Highlights of some of the ways working together with First Nations is helping to expand access to housing, health care and community services.

• Higher wages for people in B.C. Studies show B.C.’s early modern treaties led to higher-than-average wage growth for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people as they increased economic growth in the area. As more agreements have been negotiated, B.C. continues to lead the country in wage growth.
• More attainable first homes for people. Thousands of homes are being built in partnership with First Nations and Indigenous organizations, including the Heather Lands Initiative with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. About 2,600 strata homes will be sold 40% below market to help young families in Vancouver buy their first home.
• More health care capacity and resources. Since 2017, B.C. has started or completed 30 hospital projects, 4 new cancer centres, and a new medical school with planning, design, and service delivery support from local First Nations and Indigenous communities.
• More affordable child care. Dozens of Indigenous child care providers are participating in ChildCareBC's fee reduction initiative, supporting thousands of families with high-quality, affordable child care.
• More modern infrastructure.
  • Thanks to their first urban treaty in B.C., Tsawwassen First Nation built Canada's largest non-resource development on First Nations land and invested over $100 million in regional infrastructure, including a $27 million sewage treatment plant.
  • Building on incremental treaty agreements, the K'ómoks First Nation and Comox Valley Regional District secured $30 million for modern wastewater treatment for residents of Royston and Union Bay.

• Reconciliation means working together under clear, public and accountable processes.
• Reconciliation is done through modern treaties, agreements, and legislative processes that are developed together, include public input and are published so everyone can track progress.
• Reconciliation helps the Province uphold the law, recognize Indigenous rights, and build agreements that create certainty for communities, businesses and workers.

• Reconciliation does not change ownership of your private land, home, farm or business. Private property rights are protected in agreements.
• Reconciliation does not create a First Nations veto over government decisions.

When the British Crown established itself in what is now Canada, it did not seek to violently conquer the millions of Indigenous Peoples who already owned and occupied these lands.

The Crown relied on them as trading partners and allies.

Through the Royal Proclamation of 1763, the Crown recognized Indigenous ownership and occupation of land. It authorized the negotiation of treaties and land purchase agreements – on a willing buyer, willing seller basis – to create early settlements.

Those agreements are fundamental to the existence of Canada and our rule of law. Courts have confirmed Aboriginal rights and title exist in common law, are affirmed by the Constitution, and must be respected.

But as wealthy colonists increasingly took an interest in Indigenous land and resources, recognition and cooperation gave way to corruption and human rights abuses.

• The reserve system forcibly confined Indigenous populations to the most economically non-viable land – as little as 0.2% of a nation’s territory.
• The Indian Act centralized control over Indigenous identity, governance and mobility.
• Residential schools sought to sever Indigenous children from their culture and create cheap labour pools for big business.
• Starvation was used as a pressure tactic to force Indigenous people to relocate to make way for corporate land tenures.
• Most telling, Section 141 of the Indian Act outlawed Indigenous people from hiring legal counsel or raising funds for land claims.

As a result, for decades, Canadian governments were able to ignore or misrepresent the terms of treaties and agreements with First Nations, while continuing human rights abuses with near impunity right up until the 1990s.

• Unlike much of Canada, most of B.C. was not covered by historical treaties.
• This means that a lot of the land the Crown recognized as Indigenous was never ceded.
• B.C. is required by Canadian law to recognize Indigenous rights and title on unceded land.
• Courts have repeatedly said rights and title exist in common law inherited from the British Crown and must be respected.

• Over the last 30 years, B.C. has been playing catch up with the rest of Canada to negotiate modern treaties and other agreements with First Nations to settle unresolved issues.
• Where treaties and other agreements do not yet exist, the Declaration Act on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (also known as the Declaration Act or DRIPA) provides a legislated framework to uphold these rights so government can make final decisions with confidence, transparency and predictability.
• The Declaration Act or DRIPA:
  • Is a law passed unanimously in 2019 by all members from all parties in the legislative assembly.
  • Recognizes that laws and decisions affecting Indigenous peoples should be made together with them, not without them.
  • Sets out legal and transparent processes for how this work is done.

• Negotiated agreements protect everyone by creating clearer rules for land use, resource development and service delivery that people can count on.
• The alternative to negotiated agreements is years of court battles that delay economic progress and where judges make the final decisions, not communities or elected governments.

• Private property rights are protected.
• Public lands are managed through clearer rules for access, resource development, conservation and shared decision-making.
• Businesses, workers and communities benefit from predictable public engagement, permitting and dispute-resolution processes.
• Governments and First Nations have clearer frameworks for working together on shared priorities.