Ministry Overview and Core Business Areas

Treaties are constitutionally protected agreements negotiated between First Nations and the governments of British Columbia and Canada. They set out a new relationship between parties by defining their respective rights and responsibilities, creating certainty over Crown land and resources and by clearly defining land ownership and law-making jurisdiction across British Columbia.¹

The Treaty Negotiations Office is responsible for the negotiation of treaties and other agreements with First Nations.² In doing so, government helps to build economic strength and stability for all British Columbians. It is through the negotiation of treaties and other agreements that we work toward a stable climate that facilitates economic investment on the provincial land base and allows for mutually beneficial governance arrangements, business relationships and land management processes.

Efforts to foster economic development opportunities in First Nations communities continue through the negotiation of arrangements that will materially improve the quality of life of Aboriginal people and foster healthier community relationships across the province.

In keeping with these goals and responsibilities, the Treaty Negotiations Office has divided its core business areas into the following categories:

1. Negotiations

Negotiations includes the processes required to successfully conclude the negotiation of aboriginal rights and title claims in British Columbia, as well as support services required by the Office to carry out its responsibilities. This area provides leadership and coordination of the Crown's legal duty to consult, and when required, accommodate First Nations where constitutionally protected Aboriginal rights, such as hunting and fishing, may be affected by proposed economic development on Crown lands.

The area of Negotiations also includes executive services provided for the Treaty Negotiations Office, including salaries, benefits, and operating expenses. Core support services are also provided by the Ministry of Attorney General. For further information, see the Ministry of Attorney General Service Plan 2005/06–2007/08 at http://www.gov.bc.ca/ag.

2. Reconciliation

The Treaty Negotiations Office embraces reconciliation as a guiding principle under which all parties work together to resolve differences. By recognizing each other's respective rights and responsibilities, we are able to forge new relationships with First Nations and facilitate renewed efforts toward building a brighter future for all British Columbians. Resources for this area are provided from the Negotiations core business area.

3. Treaty Settlement and Implementation

Treaty Settlement and Implementation encompasses the Office's responsibility for treaty implementation planning, coordination of legal requirements for implementation of treaties across government and administration of treaty settlement funding arrangements.