bc treaty commission the independent voice of treaty making in british columbia
home about us first nations and negotiations issues educational resources information publications
 

Surrey teachers develop on-line Nisga’a treaty classroom resource for BC Treaty Commission

Lessons and information on the Nisga’a treaty are now just a click away for teachers province-wide thanks to a free, online resource developed by Surrey school district teachers in partnership with the BC Treaty Commission.

Report to Parliament recommends action on treaties

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance is recommending to Parliament action on treaties following a plea by Treaty Commission.
January 11, 2010

Commissioner Haggard re-appointed

Commissioner Dave Haggard will serve a second, two-year term at the Treaty Commission following his re-appointment by the provincial government.
December 14, 2009

Commissioner Lampert re-appointed

Commissioner Jerry Lampert will serve a second, two-year term at the Treaty Commission following his re-appointment by the federal government.
November 26, 2009

New Commissioner Named

Shana Manson, Lahalawuts’aat, was elected by acclamation to a first term as commissioner at the First Nations Summit on November 25, 2009. She is a member of the Lyackson First Nation.
November 18, 2009 jd

Treaties will boost BC economy by over $10 billion

VANCOUVER — Completing treaties with First Nations could deliver more than $10 billion dollars in economic benefits to British Columbia's economy over the next 15 years, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers report..
October 28, 2009 jd

Treaty completions create economic stimulus effect

OTTAWA — The Treaty Commission today asked the House of Commons finance committee to consider the importance of achieving the economic stimulus effects that will result from completing treaties in British Columbia.
October 14, 2009 jd

Make treaty completion a priority

VICTORIA, BC — The Treaty Commission is pushing the federal and provincial governments to complete treaties and urging First Nations to resolve territorial issues.
 

Treaties

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
Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement

has been ratified by the five First Nations and the governments of Canada and British Columbia but not yet implemented.

lheidli
Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Final Agreement

was concluded but not ratified in a vote by the First Nation members in March 2007.



Agreements in Principle

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

Sliammon First Nation Agreement in Principle was concluded in October 2003.

Yale First Nation Agreement in Principle was concluded in March 2006.

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

Sechelt Indian Band Agreement in Principle was concluded in April 1999.



Compelling reasons for treaties

 

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

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

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

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...

 


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.


HOME | ABOUT US | FIRST NATIONS & NEGOTIATIONS | ISSUES | EDUCATION | INFORMATION | PUBLICATIONS | CONTACT US
SEARCH THIS WEBSITE:  
©2009 BCTreaty.net   Website designed by AMGmedia Works Inc