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Explore our interactive map to learn about First Nations in British Columbia. This map includes Modern Treaty Nations and First Nations who have entered the BC treaty negotiations process. Use the tools to show traditional territories and shared areas.
The British Columbia Treaty Commission advocates for and facilitates the recognition and protection of First Nations rights and title, through the negotiation of modern treaties and tripartite agreements among the governments of Canada, British Columbia and First Nations in BC. The Treaty Commission is the independent facilitator; it is not a party to the negotiations.
The mandate of the Treaty Commission includes three main roles: facilitating treaty negotiations, including supporting the implementation of the UN Declaration; allocating funding to First Nations for negotiations; and educating the public and providing information about treaty negotiations.
For more information about the mandate and work of the Treaty Commission, visit the About Us page.
First Nations have inherent rights that continue today. The BC treaty negotiations process provides a framework for Canada, BC and First Nations (the Parties) to work towards the common goals of recognition and reconciliation. Modern treaties and tripartite agreements recognize and reconcile pre-existing Indigenous sovereignty with assumed Crown sovereignty. Through negotiations, the Principals seek to advance reconciliation and support self-governance through incremental approaches and comprehensive modern treaties and agreements.
Visit the Treaties and Agreements page to read agreements signed by the Parties.
Established in 1992 by agreement among Canada, British Columbia, and the First Nations Summit (commonly referred to as the “Principals”), and guided by the Report of the British Columbia Claims Task Force (1991), the Treaty Commission and the made-in-BC negotiations process facilitate fair and durable treaties and agreements, that will evolve over time while being implemented.
Recent advancements including the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia and both the federal and provincial UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples legislations have transformed negotiations.
Information on the negotiations processes and updates on negotiation tables are available on the Negotiations page.
The Treaty Commission produces resources and tools for First Nations, British Columbians and Canadians, including:
Visit our Resources page to access these tools and stay informed.
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