Skip to main content

Skip to navigation

The access keys for this page are:

Your B.C. Government

For First Nations

Your B.C. Government is committed to building a New Relationship with First Nations in British Columbia, founded on respect, recognition, and reconciliation of aboriginal title and rights. The whole province benefits when we work together to close the socio-economic gaps that exist between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians.

mainimage
Aboriginal EducationAboriginal HealthFirst Nations Economic DevelopmentHeritage and CultureNew Relationship TreatiesYour Voice

What your B.C. Government is doing for First Nations:

  • Progress on B.C.’s relationship with First Nations is highlighted by initiatives that help close the socio-economic gaps that exist between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians. Highlights include:
    • In November 2005, the Province, the Government of Canada and the First Nations Leadership Council signed the Transformational Change Accord in Kelowna, a commitment to close the gaps in economic opportunities, education, health and housing by 2015.
    • As of today your B.C. Government has signed modern-day treaties with six First Nations, including the first urban treaty with the Tsawwassen First Nation, and a treaty with the five Maa-Nulth First Nations.
    • Incremental Treaty Agreements were introduced in November 2008 to allow First Nations and the Province to enjoy shared benefits in advance of a Final Agreement. To date, the Province has signed incremental treaties with the Tla-o-qui-aht and Klahoose First Nations.
    • Resolved cut-off claims disputes with the Seton Lake Indian Band, Gitwangak Band Council, Metlakatla Band and Lax Kw'alaams Indian Band – the remaining, nearly century old, disputes in B.C.
    • The Province and BC Hydro signed an historic final agreement with the Kwadacha First Nation that addresses historic damages from the creation and operation of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and Williston Reservoir and builds opportunities for Kwadacha to build a better future for current and future generations.
    • Your B.C. government hosted the first-ever National Summit on Aboriginal Health and released the First Nations Health Plan containing initiatives that allow the Province and First Nations to work together to close health gaps by 2015.
    • Established the $100-million New Relationship Trust. Managed by an independent board, the Trust supports programs in five key areas: education, capacity, culture and language, youth and elders, and economic development.
  • In the Throne Speech of August 2009, your B.C. Government pledged to continue working with First Nations to build on the New Relationship based on mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation.
  • Discussions continue with the First Nations Leadership Council and First Nations around the province to determine the way forward on our journey to reconciliation.

For more information:
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
The New Relationship

The New Relationship with First Nations and Aboriginal People

Treaty Information

Click here for more information about First Nations in BC

Aboriginal Youth Internship Program

Families First

ReadNowBC

Healthy Kids Program