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Stay up-to-date with the most recent information on the negotiation status of each First Nation
Modern Treaties constitutionally-protect the recognition of the Indigenous rights and title and reconcile pre-existing Indigenous sovereignty with assumed Crown sovereignty.
They are living agreements capable of evolving over time based on the co-existence of Indigenous and Crown governments and the ongoing process of reconciliation. Treaties do not extinguish the rights, including title, in form or result.
To learn about why treaties are negotiated, visit the Why Treaties page.
The BC treaty negotiations process is voluntary and open to all First Nations in British Columbia. There are 66 self-determining First Nations, representing 113 Indian Act bands in BC, that have entered and participated in, or have completed treaties through the treaty negotiations process.
Currently there are 38 self-determining First Nations, representing 69 current or former Indian Act bands that are in active or completed negotiations.
For the most recent information on negotiations, please see the latest annual report and visit the Negotiations Update page.
The Treaty Commission and the made-in-BC treaty negotiations process were established in 1992 by agreement among Canada, British Columbia, and the First Nations Summit (the Principals). Negotiations are guided by those agreements and the Report of the British Columbia Claims Task Force 1991, which is the blueprint for the made-in-BC treaty process.
The Treaty Commission and the negotiations process were designed to advance negotiations and facilitate fair and durable treaties and agreements. Recent developments have improved and transformed negotiations, addressing outstanding issues around extinguishment, recognition, and living agreements.
For more information on the made-in-BC process, and negotiations pathways, see Negotiations Process.
There are three Principals to the BC treaty negotiations process: the government of Canada, the government of British Columbia, and the First Nations Summit.
At each negotiation table there are three Parties that participate in the negotiations: the federal government, the provincial government, and individual or collective First Nation(s).
Learn more information about the roles and responsibilities of the Principals and the Parties.
Discover the history of Aboriginal rights in Canada and recognition by the British Crown through treaties with First Nations.
Despite Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 affirming the existence of Aboriginal title and related rights, uncertainty remains surrounding their application in British Columbia. The BC treaty negotiations process seeks to provide clarity and resolution on issues related to the ownership of BC’s land and resources and is open to all BC First Nations.
To read more about Aboriginal rights and title, and landmark court cases, see Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.
Reconciliation is the collective responsibility of all Canadians. Everyone has a role in supporting reconciliation and learning about our shared history and current efforts to recognize and protect Indigenous rights. Treaty-making is an important part of the fabric of our country.
Visit our FAQ page for a collection of the most commonly asked questions about the negotiations process and the BC Treaty Commission.
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