First Nations Transportation Planning
Last updated on June 18, 2025Find resources to guide B.C.'s First Nations in the planning of transportation infrastructure in their communities.
Download Planning Guide (PDF, 2.4MB)
This guide is designed to support First Nation communities in B.C. as they navigate their own transportation project planning process and map out their specific transportation needs.
- First Nations Transportation Planning Tool (XLSM, 40KB)
This tool contains SWOT and SMART assessment tools.
SWOT is a strategic planning tool used to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to a particular project or initiative. It provides a view of both internal and external factors that can affect the success of a project. A SWOT analysis can provide directions for the next stages for a transportation project. It is about analyzing community data to form strategic decisions
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It’s used to guide the setting of clear and achievable goals by ensuring that objectives are well-defined, measurable, and realistic within a certain timeframe.
Engagement
In 2023, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit initiated ongoing engagement with over 70 First Nations and First Nation Organizations across British Columbia.
We engaged jointly on five initiatives to listen and gather a complete picture of the transportation gaps, barriers and challenges facing First Nations.
What We Heard Report (PDF, 4MB)
The five initiatives we engaged about were:
- Declaration Act Action Item 3.9 (PDF)
- PlanningTogether BC (integrated transportation planning)
- Clean and active transportation
- Rural, regional and intercity passenger transportation
- Transportation and sustainable communities
Find more opportunities to hear, get informed and speak up about transportation issues.
Further Information
Funding and grants
Various funding programs are available to support First Nation transportation projects. Programs are available through different provincial and federal programs to support active transportation, passenger transportation, marine infrastructure, or aerodrome development. Some sources of information include:
Data sources
The following links can help you find and source background information to support transportation planning projects.
Highway use permits
Required to construct, repair and maintain projects near or in the Ministry of Transportation and Transit's highway infrastructure.
First Nations Territorial, Rights and Reconciliation Acknowledgement
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect, the lands of First Nations peoples across British Columbia. We recognize the historical significance and cultural importance of First Nations peoples and communities, and their role as traditional stewards of these lands. We honour their connection to their territory and respect the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions and practices. We are committed to advancing lasting and meaningful reconciliation in partnership with all Indigenous People we serve, partner with, and work alongside.
Contact information
Friendly url for this page:
gov.bc.ca/firstnationstransportationplanning
For information about the guide contact: