Modern Treaty Nations, such as the five Maa-nulth First Nations, are self-governing First Nations with established and constitutionally protected rights set out in modern treaties. The embodiment of living relationships, modern treaties are a comprehensive form of reconciliation between the governments of Canada, British Columbia and First Nations in B.C., which are grounded in the recognition of First Nations’ pre-existing, inherent rights.
Thank you to the Maa-nulth Treaty Society for allowing the use of this video to highlight how governments are working together on treaty implementation, blending cultural traditions with modern solutions.
Maa-nulth First Nations
Located on Vancouver Island, the First Nations of the Maa-nulth Treaty are: Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, Toquaht Nation, Uchucklesaht Tribe Government, Yuułu?ʔiłʔ?atḥ Government–Ucluelet First Nation. The Nations are five distinct self-governing Indigenous governments under a modern treaty with the federal and provincial governments, dated April 1, 2011.
Modern Treaty Nations & the Shared Priorities Framework
The Shared Priorities Framework was developed in 2022 out of multi-year collaborative discussions between the Province and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations to identify new pathways to renewing treaty relationships and advancing treaty implementation.
Implementing the Shared Priorities Framework demonstrates the Province’s ongoing commitment to modern treaty relationships and treaty implementation. This reinforces modern treaties as providing a blueprint for reconciliation and a foundation for government-to-government relationships based on mutual respect and established rights.
The Declaration Act Action Plan states that progress to achieve the outcomes of the Shared Priorities Framework will be included in Declaration Act annual reports.