Consulting First Nations
The Province is legally obligated to consult and accommodate (where required) First Nations on land and resource decisions that could impact their Aboriginal Interests.
When consulting, government officials are guided by the interim Updated Procedures for Meeting Legal Obligations When Consulting First Nations. These procedures provide a consistent and transparent process for provincial ministries and agencies, First Nations and proponents while safeguarding Aboriginal Interests in a manner consistent with the law. The procedures provide a baseline for government to meet its legal obligations. They do not replace or supersede the development of treaties, relationships, shared decision-making arrangements or other agreements.
The procedures were released in July 2010 as interim in order to review them with First Nations. They will be reviewed following one year of implementation in a process to be determined.
To view the document, click on Updated Procedures for Meeting Legal Obligations When Consulting First Nations: Interim
While the Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, proponents may be involved in the procedural aspects of consultation. Government officials are directed to the Guide to Involving Proponents When Consulting First Nations. This guide provides operational guidance to decision makers and staff respecting the role of proponents in consultation.
To view the document, click on Guide to Involving Proponents When Consulting First Nations.
To foster better relationships between business and First Nations, the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation has released a guide called Building Relationships with First Nations: Respecting Rights and Doing Good Business. This plain-language guide provides practical advice on strategies to help businesses develop strong working relationships with First Nations.
To view the document click on Building Relationships with First Nations: Respecting Rights and Doing Good Business (English), (Mandarin), (Japanese), (Korean)
