The BC treaty negotiations process is a process of reconciliation. It is a tripartite negotiations process among First Nations, Canada and BC, who are collectively negotiating a treaty. It is a voluntary process of political negotiations. In treaty negotiations, a First Nation does not have to prove aboriginal rights and title – these rights are already recognized and protected by the Canadian Constitution. This is the basis of the negotiations.
The BC treaty negotiations process comprises six stages, and is open to all First Nations in BC. For current information on First Nations in the process, please see Negotiations Update.
The Principals of the BC treaty negotiations process are the Government of Canada, as represented by the Prime Minster of Canada and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the Government of British Columbia, as represented by the Premier of British Columbia and the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and the First Nations Summit. The Parties to each negotiation table are the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, and the individual First Nation.
For more information, see Principals and Parties.