Declaration Act Engagement Fund

First Nations across B.C. are being supported to work in consultation and co-operation with the Province on implementing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, building a better future for all. Through the $200-million Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF), First Nations are eligible for approximately $1 million in funding to support government-to-government engagement with the Province on a number of priorities, helping to shape provincial laws, policies and programs.

The DAEF, which is administered by the New Relationship Trust, on behalf of the Province, reflects a significant shift in how engagement funding is provided, as First Nations are able to self-determine their engagement priorities based on their distinct needs and interests.

As of March 31, 2025, 95% of eligible First Nations in B.C. have been approved for funding through the DAEF since its first year in 2023. Learn more about how the Engagement Fund is supporting First Nations across B.C.

Chawathil First Nation

“The [Declaration Act Engagement Fund] is a game changer for First Nation communities,” says Aaron Pete, Chawathil First Nation Councillor. “The Declaration Act funding allows us to go in and say these are the priorities that our communities identified… It’s really important that we make sure we have a plan members embrace and are proud of, and that everything we do is driven by the culture of our community and the stories of our Elders.”

Discover the transformative journey of the Chawathil First Nation in this inspiring video.

Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation (Tobacco Plains Indian Band)

“No longer is Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it just a checkbox in a consultation process. Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it through this agreement and other work we’re doing, [the Nation’s] voice will be heard clearly. The Nation will be at the decision-making table,” says Scott Manjak, Tobacco Plains Indian Band, Chief Reconciliation Negotiator. “This Nation has set itself on a path to actually make a difference and how (the mining) industry operates in their territory and that is again tied back to the funding that we’ve received.”

Watch this video to learn how the DAEF is making a powerful impact on Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it’s territory.

Splatsin First Nation

“Each Indigenous community group should be free to find their own way,” says Michael Winstanley, Splatsin First Nation Title and Rights Department Director. “The whole idea of the Declaration Act is actually being part of administering the land because that’s Splatsin’s and all of Secwépemc people’s responsibility – is to look after not only the land but the animals, the plants, the birds, the fish. It’s everything.”

Watch this video to learn more about Splatsin First Nations’ participation in the DAEF.