The BC treaty negotiations process is an open, voluntary and inclusive framework for all First Nations in British Columbia. First Nations can negotiate treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements with the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the made-in-BC negotiations framework. Some First Nations prefer to negotiate incremental approaches to the recognition of their title and rights. This page contains examples of the range of agreements and other constructive arrangements.
There are 66 self-determining First Nations, representing over half of all Indian Act bands in BC, have participated in or completed treaties through this process. A “First Nation” is defined as a self-defined governing body mandated to enter negotiations with Canada and BC, and this principle of self-definition is consistent with First Nations’ inherent rights and consistent with the right to self-determination affirmed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Treaty Commission provides a common reference point by referring to Indian Act bands in its statistical reporting.
The documents below are recent transition agreements and memorandums signed by participating First Nations and the governments of Canada and British Columbia in the treaty negotiations process.
The Council of Haida Nation signed the GAAYHLLXID • GÍIHLAGALGANG “RISING TIDE” Haida Title Lands Agreement on April 14, 2024. The Parties are in Tripartite Reconciliation negotiations to recognize Haida Title through incremental and innovative approaches.
The Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations Transition to Stage 5 and Treaty Revitalization Agreement was signed on July 9, 2022, and the Parties are in Stage 5 negotiations.
The Council of Haida Nation signed the GayGahlda “Changing Tide” Framework for Reconciliation on August 13, 2021, and the Parties are in Tripartite Reconciliation.
The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs signed the Gitanyow Governance Accord on August 11, 2021, and the Parties are in Stage 4 negotiations.
The Snuneymuxw First Nation Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed on July 28, 2021, and the Parties are in Tripartite Reconciliation.
The Tlowitsis Nation Transition to Stage 5 Memorandum of Understanding was signed on February 26, 2021, and the Parties are in Stage 5 negotiations.
The Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group Transition to Stage 5 and Treaty Revitalization Agreement was signed on August 26, 2019, and the Parties are in Stage 5 negotiations.
The Wei Wai Kum First Nation (Campbell River Indian Band) / Kwiakah First Nation (Kwiakah Indian Band) Transition to Stage 5 and Treaty Revitalization Agreement was signed July 28, 2019, and the Parties are in Stage 5 negotiations.
The Tripartite Commitment Agreement: We Wai Kai Transition to Stage 5 Negotiations Under the BC Treaty Process was signed June 6, 2019, and the Laich-Kwil-Tach Treaty Society table advanced to Stage 5 negotiations.
The Metlakatla Transition to Stage 5 and Treaty Revitalization Agreement was signed on February 14, 2019, and the Parties are in Stage 5 negotiations.
The Ktunaxa Nation Rights Recognition & Core Treaty Memorandum of Understanding was signed on November 30, 2018, and the parties are in Stage 5 negotiations.
The Sto:lo Xwexwilmexw Stage 5 Treaty Negotiations Memorandum of Understanding was signed on October 12, 2018, and the Parties are in Stage 5 negotiations.
Please see the Negotiations Process page, which sets out the BC Treaty Commission policies and procedures for Stages 1 – 4 of the six-stage treaty negotiations process.
It also sets out the Treaty Commission basic policies on Dispute Resolution and Interim Measures.
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