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Negotiations Update

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The BC treaty negotiations process is voluntary and open to all First Nations in British Columbia. Currently, there are two pathways supported by the Treaty Commission for First Nations to pursue their rights and title: modern treaty and tripartite reconciliation.

There are 65 self-determining First Nations, representing 110 Indian Act bands in BC, that have entered and participated in, or have completed modern treaties or tripartite agreements through the treaty negotiations process. The treaty negotiations process includes modern treaty negotiations and tripartite reconciliation negotiations.

Currently, there are 37 self-determining First Nations, representing 65 current or former Indian Act bands that are in active or have concluded negotiations. For statistical counting, the Treaty Commission counts the number of Indian Act bands within First Nations to provide a reference point.

A “First Nation” in the BC treaty negotiations process is a self-defined governing body with traditional territory in BC, established and mandated by its people to enter into treaty negotiations with Canada and British Columbia. The British Columbia Treaty Commission Agreement and legislation affirm this principle of self-definition and nationhood. This is consistent with Article 3 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, affirming Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination.

For the most recent information on negotiations, please see the latest annual report.

modern treaty first nations

Seven First Nations are currently implementing modern treaties that have been successfully negotiated through the made-in-BC treaty negotiation process.

The five Maa-nulth First Nations, Tla’amin Nation and Tsawwassen First Nation established the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations (the Alliance) in July 2018 through the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation. In November 2019, Nisga’a Nation joined the Alliance, which now represents all eight modern treaty First Nations in BC. The Alliance collaboratively works to advance and advocate for areas of shared interest relating to the implementation of modern treaties in British Columbia at the provincial level.

First Nations in Stage 6: Implementation of the Treaty​​

Huu-ay-aht First Nations
[Maa-nulth]
Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’
First Nations
[Maa-nulth]
Tla’amin
Nation
Toquaht Nation
[Maa-nulth]
Tsawwassen
First Nation
Uchucklesaht Tribe

[Maa-nulth]
Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation
[Maa-nulth]

TRIPARTITE RECONCILIATION​

Through innovations in the negotiations process, some tables have been engaging in tripartite reconciliation discussions and negotiations to pursue their rights and title. Tripartite Reconciliation involves the governments of Canada, British Columbia, and participating First Nation(s) in BC.

Like modern treaties, these tripartite negotiations are grounded in the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and self-government. These are in line with the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia, committing to renewed tripartite engagement and reconciliation discussions in line with the new policy’s guiding principles.

First Nations in Tripartite Reconciliation​

Allied Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams
Council of the Haida Nation
Gitxaała Nation
Snuneymuxw First Nation

MODERN TREATIES

Modern treaties are constitutionally-protected agreements negotiated amongst the governments of Canada, British Columbia and First Nations in BC. 

Treaties are grounded in the recognition of the Indigenous title and rights, reconciling pre-existing Indigenous sovereignty with assumed Crown sovereignty. Modern treaties do not extinguish the rights, including title, in form or result; and are able to evolve over time based on the co-existence of Crown and Indigenous governments and the ongoing process of reconciliation.

First Nations in Stage 5: Negotiation to Finalize a Treaty​​

Ditidaht First Nation
Gwa’Sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations
Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group
K’ómoks First Nation
Ktunaxa Nation
Lheidli T’enneh First Nation
Northern Shuswap Tribal Council
Pacheedaht First Nation
Samahquam and Skatin
First Nations
Stó:lō Xwexwilmexw Government
Te’mexw Treaty Association
Tlowitsis Nation
Tsimshian First Nations
We Wai Kai Treaty Society
Wei Wai Kum Kwiakah
Wuikinuxv Nation
Yale First Nation
Yekooche
Nation

First Nations in Stage 4: Negotiation of an Agreement in Principle​​

‘Namgis Nation
Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Carrier Sekani Tribal Council
Champagne & Aishihik
First Nations
Da’naxda’xw Awaetlala Nation
Esk’etemc First Nation
Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs
Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs
Haisla First Nation
Heiltsuk Nation
Homalco First Nation
Hupacasath First Nation
Katzie First Nation
Klahoose First Nation
Kwakiutl Nation
Lake Babine Nation
Musqueam Nation
Nazko First Nation
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
Quatsino First Nation
Sechelt Indian Band
Taku River Tlingit First Nation
Teslin Tlingit Council
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations
Tlatlasikwala Nation
Tsay Keh Dene Nation
Tsleil-Waututh Nation
Westbank First Nation
Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs

First Nations in Stage 3: Negotiation of a Framework Agreement​​

Cheslatta Carrier Nation
Squamish Nation

First Nations in Stage 2: Readiness to Negotiate ​​

Acho Dene Koe First Nation
Liard First Nation
McLeod Lake Indian Band
Ross River Dena Council
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