Public Information and Education

As 'the independent voice of treaty making in British Columbia', the Treaty Commission is uniquely positioned to analyze and demystify complex treaty issues. The governments of Canada and BC also share responsibility for public information. As well, the three parties in each set of negotiations—Canada, BC and First Nations—provide specific information on their negotiations.

Ongoing Communications Commitments

The governments of Canada and BC have funded the Treaty Commission to provide public information and education on treaty making in BC since 1997. To reach audiences throughout BC, the Treaty Commission produces a variety of communications tools, including a web site, www.bctreaty.net, annual reports, newsletters, special publications, videos and television documentaries. Commissioners regularly deliver presentations to special events, community forums, business organizations, schools and post-secondary institutions. In addition to providing up-to-date information on the current state of the treaty process, the Treaty Commission has an important role to play in supporting public information efforts by individual treaty tables. To assist with these efforts, commissioners and treaty advisors regularly attend information forums with First Nation constituents and with the broader non-aboriginal community.

Website

The Treaty Commission website is a one-stop shop for treaty information. It includes a newsroom section, video presentations, information on the issues in negotiations, 'Quick Facts' on the treaty process, teaching tools, and an easy-to-navigate resource directory.

The Treaty Commission's website, first launched in June 1997, has grown rapidly-both in the number of pages it hosts (approximately 900) and the number of visitors per month. The site averages approximately 15,000 unique site visits per month.

Teaching Tools

In Fall 2000 the Treaty Commission provided the What's the Deal with Treaties? educational kit to Social Studies 10 and First Nations 12 classes across BC. A second edition was produced in 2002 to accommodate demand, and a third edition was published in Fall 2003. The handbook and video are also available online.

The Treaty Commission worked with accomplished aboriginal author Diane Silvey and Pacific Edge Publishing to expand the Social Studies 4 Teachers Guide, From Time Immemorial: the First People of the Pacific Northwest Coast to include lesson plans and background information on treaty making and self government. In October 2002, one copy of the guide was provided to every elementary school in the province

Additional copies of the Teacher's Guide may be purchased from
Pacific Edge Publishing:

	Toll Free: 1800 668 8806
	email: orders@PacificEdgePublishing.com
	web site: www.classroomresources.com

Our Sacred Strength: Talking Circles Among Aboriginal Women

The Treaty Commission, working in concert with a steering committee of aboriginal women, is set to release a one-hour video, Our Sacred Strength: Talking Circles Among Aboriginal Women, which captures voices of aboriginal women across the province.

Featured in the video are five talking circles among Ktunaxa women in Cranbrook, Gitxsan women in Hazelton, Kaska women in Watson Lake, Yukon, Tsleil-Waututh women in North Vancouver and aboriginal women living in the Lower Mainland. The video is designed to reflect the many common concerns and challenges aboriginal women share, and the many different journeys each woman—and each nation—have taken in their pursuit of a better future. Click here>> to access an online clip.

The Treaty Commission will be promoting talking circles among aboriginal women as a means to engage more women in the treaty process, using the video as a catalyst for the discussions.

Partners in the project are Status of Women Canada and the BC Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services.

Please see p. 50 of the 2004 Annual Report for a more detailed overview of the Talking Circles Project.