The Summit’s mandate is to represent the interests of First Nations which have agreed to participate in treaty negotiations. The Summit’s role is not to negotiate treaties on behalf of First Nations, but to support local First Nations’ negotiations. In doing so, the Summit also recognizes that not all First Nations in the Province have chosen to participate in the treaty process. The Summit respects each First Nation’s right to determine its own course. The 1991 Report of the British Columbia Claims Task Force Report lays the foundation for the treaty process in BC.

The First Nations Summit adopted fundamental principles, which are the basis of our discussions with Canada and British Columbia. We at the Summit table are mindful that in our respective territories we are autonomous, and make decisions about our Nations that are important to our people in our respective territories. We come to the Summit table to share ideas and strategies on how to collectively reach negotiated treaty agreements and advance aboriginal rights.

For the current Status of Negotiations, the BC Treaty Commission web site posts a regular update.

The six stage process is set out in the BC Claims Task Force Report of 1991 and incorporated in the tripartite Treaty Commission Agreement of 1992.

In partnership with:

Learn More about the 6-stage process

Overview

The Treaty Commission is the independent body responsible for facilitating treaty negotiations among First Nations in BC and the governments of Canada and BC. The Treaty Commission does not negotiate treaties — that is done by the three parties at each negotiation table.

The Treaty Commission and the treaty negotiations process were established in 1992 by agreement among Canada, BC, and the First Nations Summit. They are guided by those agreements and the 1991 Report of the BC Claims Task Force, which is the blueprint for the made-in-BC treaty process. The Treaty Commission and the six-stage treaty negotiations process were designed to advance negotiations and facilitate fair and durable treaties.

The Treaty Commission’s primary role is to oversee the negotiation process to make sure that the parties are being effective and making progress in negotiations. In carrying out the recommendations of the BC Claims Task Force, the Treaty Commission has three roles: facilitation, funding and public information and education.

Mission Statement

The BCTC acts independently to:

Lobby and advocate for improvements to the treaty negotiation process
Educate and raise knowledge and comprehension levels regarding the benefits of treaty making
Allocate funds to First Nations to support negotiations
Dedicate energy and resources to treaty making through active and effective facilitation of government-government-government negotiations

The Road to Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia

From 1763 to present, a chronological timeline of key events.

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Treaty Facts

As of September 2001, there are 49 First Nations involved in 40* sets of negotiations, participating in the BC treaty process.

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Fiscal Relations Archive

The fiscal relationship that is negotiated as part of Treaty arrangements will determine a First Nation’s access to capital, whether it is able to receive its fair share of funding and the extent to which it is able enjoy the benefits of any jurisdiction, land or settlement cash.

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Treaty Negotiation

The First Nations Summit and the First Nations - Crown Treaty Negotiations in BC

The Six-Stage Negotiation Process

Highlights of the 1992 BCTC Agreement Signing Ceremony

Over Sight Body

British Columbia Treaty Commission

Overview

Mission Statement

The Road to Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia

Treaty Facts

Fiscal Relations Archive

Treaty News

FNS Congratulates David Eby and the BC NDP: Indigenous issues must continue to be at the forefront

First Nation Summit congratulates Kitselas First Nation and Kitsumkalum First Nation

FNS pleased with first-of-its-kind provincial legislation that recognizes Haida title throughout Haida Gwaii