Task Force Recommendations

In The Report of the British Columbia Claims Task Force, released in 1991, the task force recommended that:

  1. The First Nations, Canada, and British Columbia establish a new relationship based on mutual trust, respect, and understanding-through political negotiations.
  2. Each of the parties be at liberty to introduce any issue at the negotiation table which it views as significant to the new relationship.
  3. A British Columbia Treaty Commission be established by agreement among the First Nations, Canada, and British Columbia to facilitate the process of negotiations.
  4. The commission consist of a full-time chairperson and four commissioners-of whom two are appointed by First Nations, and one each by the federal and provincial governments.
  5. A six-stage process be followed in negotiating treaties.
  6. The treaty negotiation process be open to all First Nations in British Columbia.
  7. The organization of First Nations for the negotiations is a decision to be made by each First Nation.
  8. First Nations resolve issues related to overlapping traditional territories among themselves.
  9. Federal and provincial governments start negotiations as soon as First Nations are ready.
  10. Non-aboriginal interests be represented at the negotiating table by the federal and provincial governments.
  11. The First Nation, Canadian, and British Columbian negotiating teams be sufficiently funded to meet the requirements of the negotiations.
  12. The commission be responsible for allocating funds to the First Nations.
  13. The parties develop ratification procedures which are confirmed in the Framework Agreement and in the Agreement in Principle.
  14. The commission provide advice and assistance in dispute resolution as agreed by the parties.
  15. The parties select skilled negotiators and provide them with a clear mandate, and training as required.
  16. The parties negotiate interim measures agreements before or during the treaty negotiations when an interest is being affected which could undermine the process.
  17. Canada, British Columbia, and the First Nations jointly undertake public education and information programs.
  18. The parties in each negotiation jointly undertake a public information program.
  19. British Columbia, Canada, and the First Nations request the First Nations Education Secretariat, and various educational organizations in British Columbia, to prepare resource materials for use in the schools and by the public.