The Canadian Constitution and various court decisions make it clear that treaties need to be negotiated with First Nations in order to build greater certainty over lands and resources.
In 1992, the B.C. Treaty Process was developed to provide a framework for treaty negotiations among First Nations, and the governments of British Columbia and Canada. The treaty process is managed by the B.C. Treaty Commission, an independent and neutral body that helps facilitate negotiations among the three negotiating parties.
Treaty-making is helping to build a New Relationship between First Nations and the Government of British Columbia based on the principles of mutual respect, reconciliation, and recognition of Aboriginal rights and title.
The Province of British Columbia is proud to lead the country in treaty negotiations and is committed to the treaty-making process as a way to improve the lives of First Nations and create prosperity for all British Columbians.
