One of the main principles of the treaty negotiations process is to balance the interests First Nations’ right to self-government with of non-First Nation residents. Provisions for self-government will vary from treaty to treaty, guided by these principles:
- Self-government will be exercised within the existing Canadian Constitution. Indigenous peoples will continue to be citizens of Canada and the province or territory where they live, but they may exercise varying degrees of jurisdiction and/or authority.
- The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Criminal Code of Canada will apply fully to Indigenous governments as it does to all other governments in Canada.
- First Nations will have the ability to make laws pertaining to treaty land and the provision of public service for their people, including health care, education and social services.
- Some local laws like zoning and transportation will apply to all residents on treaty lands, but the majority of treaty laws will apply only to treaty citizens.
- First Nations laws will prevail over certain core jurisdictions and core lands. Otherwise federal, provincial and territorial laws will be harmonized.
- First Nations will be required to consult with local residents on decisions that directly affect them (for example, health, school and police boards).