How are we working together?
Nation-rebuilding and boundary resolution issues have been ongoing for many years. Leadership for this work rightfully belongs to First Nations, not to the Province. The Province is supporting the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) to engage with First Nations and subject matter experts to develop tools, mechanisms and supports for Nation rebuilding, governance development and shared territory resolution. These actions were committed to in the Declaration Act Action Plan, as well as the Joint Agenda: Implementing the Commitment Document [507KB PDF] agreed to by the Province and FNLC in 2018.
Are there challenges?
This complicated and necessary work will take time. To fully advance Action 1.01 close collaboration between Canada, First Nations and the Province is essential.
The lack of clarity on boundary and overlap issues has deep impacts for First Nations, and for B.C. as it relates to revenue sharing, treaty negotiations, and finalizing agreements and other constructive arrangements.
Highlights
A key aspect of Action 1.01 is that leadership and direction for Nation-rebuilding and boundary resolution issues come from First Nations, with the Province offering its support and partnership.
There is a renewed commitment and desire to move forward on work that began back in 2019 between FNLC and the Province. This renewed commitment is reflected in the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation’s 2025 mandate letter. In the last several months of the reporting year, FNLC and the Province reengaged in conversations related to this action and a plan was developed for the coming year to help guide the direction for moving forward with this important work.