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 Treaties are good for BC
Treaties will pump billions of dollars into the BC economy.
The financial benefits to First Nations could be as high as $10 billion*.
Those capital and investment dollars will make the biggest impact where the money is needed most – in the hands of First Nations and their neighbours throughout the province.
When a First Nation prospers with a modern-day treaty the whole region prospers.
*according to the PricewaterhouseCoopers analysis commissioned by the Treaty Commission

 Treaties

Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement
Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement
is effective April 3, 2009 following ratification by the First Nation and the governments of British Columbia and Canada.
Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement
Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement
is effective April 1, 2011 following ratification by the five First Nations and the governments of Canada and British Columbia.
Lheidli T'enneh First Nation Final Agreement
Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Final Agreement
was concluded but not ratified in a vote by the First Nation members in March 2007. A second vote is to be held.
Yale First Nation Final Agreement
Yale First Nation Final Agreement
was concluded in February 2010, ratified by Yale members on March 12, 2011 and ratified by the BC legislature on June 2, 2011. It now must be ratified by the Government Canada.
Yale First Nation Final Agreement
Tla'amin Final Agreement
was initialled on October 21, 2011 but is yet to be ratified. The Tla'amin vote will take place in June 2012.

 Agreements in Principle

In-SHUCK-ch Nation Agreement in Principle


In-SHUCK-ch Nation Agreement in Principle
was concluded in August 2007.

K’ómoks First Nation Agreement in Principle


K’ómoks First Nation Agreement in Principle
was concluded in March 2012.

Yekooche First Nation Agreement in Principle


Yekooche First Nation Agreement in Principle
was concluded in August 2005.






 Information

May 10, 2012

Career opportunity at Treaty Commission

The independent BC Treaty Commission is seeking a Communications Manager to handle all aspects of its public information and education activities in British Columbia. The start date is June 18. A full range of benefits is offered and salary is commensurate with your experience and abilities.
May 3, 2012

Report on treaty negotiations holds key to progress

Recommendations to accelerate treaty negotiations in British Columbia contained in a special report to the federal minister of aboriginal affairs will shake the status quo if accepted ...
April 17, 2012

Constitution Act, 1982 turns 30 today

Thirty years ago today the Constitution Act was passed into law. Section 35 of the act promises aboriginal rights recognition as the Supreme Court of Canada emphasized in the Haida court case. This makes treaty making ...
January 26, 2012

Treaty Commission Update January 2012

This issue of Update addresses the need for renewal in the BC Treaty process and highlights the treaty initialling event at Sliammon First Nation.
November 30, 2011

Human Resource Capacity Tool Kit

This is a tool First Nations can use to assess and develop their capacity to govern under a treaty.
October 25, 2011

Commissioners Address Senate and House Committees

Treaty commissioners appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples and the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development to urge federal action on treaty making in British Columbia.

Publications
What's In These Treaties? Why Treaties? Developing Intergovernmental Relationships Rights and Responsiblities What's the Deal With Treaties
A plain language guide to the Tsawwassen First Nation treaty and the Maa-nulth First Nations treaty. Legal reasons for treaty making are addressed and underscored in landmark Canadian court cases addressing aboriginal rights and title. The experience of Sliammon First Nation and the City of Powell River in developing a respectful and cooperative relationship is instructive for communities seeking to be good neighbours. A how-to manual for individual First Nations people who want to participate in the treaty negotiation process. This layperson's guide to treaty making, now in its fifth edition, was originally part of an educational kit for secondary schools, but is now in wide circulation.
 
Compelling reasons for treaties
Historic Reasons

Historic Reasons

The border of British Columbia is a relatively new line drawn across a land that has nurtured and sustained an amazing diversity of people, plants and animals for thousands of years.
More...
Legal Reasons

Legal Reasons

Before Confederation the British Crown had signed major treaties. The new Dominion of Canada continued this policy of making treaties before the west was opened up for settlement.
More...

Economic Reasons

Economic Reasons

Treaties will pump billions of dollars into the BC economy making the biggest impact where the money is needed most – in the hands of First Nations and their neighbours in small-town British Columbia.
More...

Governmental Reasons

Governmental Reasons

A 13-year study of indigenous nations in the United States has found economic success is closely linked to the power to make decisions.
More...

Videos
economic impact
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