First Nations Release Critical Minerals Strategy in British Columbia to Facilitate Net Zero by 2050

March 4, 2024

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) – First Nations in B.C. have announced a proactive critical minerals strategy for their territories in British Columbia. The First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy was facilitated and prepared by the BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council and supported by the First Nations Leadership Council.

This strategy was developed at four half-day interactive webinars between October 2023 and January 2024 with more than 250 participants from First Nation communities throughout the province. Federal and Provincial Ministers also presented at these meetings, committing to working in partnership with First Nations toward net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This means implementing credible ways for industry and governments to transition their facilities and operations to reduce and eliminate their carbon emissions to fight climate change. The First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy sets a road map to achieve these goals through a series of 50 recommendations.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia have also developed critical minerals strategies to facilitate the global net zero carbon energy transition by 2050. British Columbia’s phase 1 critical minerals strategy commits to aligning their plan with the First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy.