Ministry Overview
The Government of British Columbia is leading the nation in developing a new relationship with First Nations and Aboriginal people. Guided by principles of trust, and by recognition and respect of Aboriginal rights and title, we are building a stronger and healthier relationship between government and Aboriginal people which will benefit all British Columbians.
We are committed to working with Aboriginal leaders, and the Government of Canada, over the next decade to eliminate the gaps in health, education, housing and living standards for Aboriginal people on and off reserve.
The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation will work with ministries and agencies across government to coordinate efforts in two key areas: practical steps to narrow social and economic gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal British Columbians, and long-term reconciliation through treaties and other lasting agreements.
History
Past relationships between Aboriginal people and the provincial government have been marked by confrontation, litigation and a failure to reconcile differences. To truly understand why our government is committed to improving these relations, it is important to reflect on our province’s history.
Pre-confederation, the federal government signed treaties with many First Nations in eastern Canada and that process continued west to the Rockies in advance of European settlement. From 1850 to 1854, 14 settlements were reached with First Nations on Vancouver Island (known as the Douglas Treaties). In 1899, treaties were also reached in northeastern British Columbia, known today as the Treaty 8 Nations. But the colonial and federal governments did not attempt to conclude treaties elsewhere in this province.
When British Columbia joined Canada in 1871, Aboriginal people had no recognized role in political decision-making beyond limited and diminishing governance in their communities. Although they comprised the majority of the population at that time, their rights went unrecognized by the provincial and federal governments. They were subject to federal control under the Indian Act. Traditional potlatches — a key component of the social, cultural and political structure of many First Nations — were outlawed. Children were taken from their families and communities, placed in residential schools and forbidden from speaking their languages. Aboriginal people were denied the right to vote and effectively prevented from taking legal action to advance their interests with government. This consistent denial of rights and authority led to the demise of many Aboriginal communities and created a state of dependency.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, First Nations pursued the recognition of their rights and interests into the 1900s and through to contemporary times.
In 1982, Aboriginal rights were recognized and affirmed in the Canadian Constitution. A number of subsequent court decisions placed an obligation on governments to consider Aboriginal interests in decision-making processes. The matter of recognizing Aboriginal rights was established, but a clear definition of those rights was not. This lack of clarity resulted in confrontations, blockades and more court cases as government continued to make decisions about Crown lands and resources.
The resulting uncertainty has limited investors who want to develop resources, and has prevented First Nations from participating in and deriving benefits from land and resource activities.
It was abundantly clear that we needed a way to move beyond the impasse created by the uncertainty caused by undefined rights to the land and resources. We needed treaties and lasting agreements that would set out the respective rights and responsibilities of First Nations and the provincial government. The treaty process was established in 1992 through the British Columbia Treaty Commission to negotiate these issues. However, it was less clear how to go about establishing the trusting and mutually respectful relationships needed to conclude lasting agreements.
Treaty negotiations with First Nations have been a core element of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to establish an improved relationship with Aboriginal people in British Columbia. However, negotiating a comprehensive treaty is complex and takes many years to reach an agreement of this magnitude. While negotiations proceed, the social and economic disparity between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians continues. The Aboriginal population has a shorter life expectancy; rates of diabetes, infant mortality and suicide are higher; graduation rates from high school, college and university are lower; and housing and public works are too often substandard.
In November 2004, the need for a new relationship was reinforced by two Supreme Court of Canada judgments: Haida Nation and Taku River Tlingit First Nation. The judgments made it clear that governments have an obligation to consult with First Nations when decisions about activities on Crown land could impact their Aboriginal rights and title. The court urged governments and the First Nations to reconcile their differences through negotiation and agreement, as opposed to confrontation and litigation.
Purpose of Ministry
The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation plays a key role in accomplishing the Five Great Goals set out by the Government of British Columbia for the next decade: leading the nation in education, health care, social supports, environmental management and job creation. However, we will only reach these goals when First Nations and Aboriginal people are full participants in the province’s development.
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, the provincial government will work collaboratively with First Nations, Métis and Aboriginal organizations to ensure that Aboriginal people are included in the realization of these goals.
The ministry has a leadership role in developing and implementing the ten-year plan to bridge the social and economic gaps that Aboriginal people face. It is developing concrete action plans in collaboration with Aboriginal leaders and provincial government ministries and agencies. These include identifying opportunities to enhance Aboriginal participation in the economy and building capacity in Aboriginal communities.
Provincial legislation will be introduced in the spring of 2006 to create a $100 million New Relationship Fund. The ministry is working with Aboriginal leaders and reflecting on advice from industry, local government and others to finalize the terms of reference for the fund. Once established, this fund will support building capacity within First Nations and among Aboriginal British Columbians to allow them to engage more fully and effectively in the province’s economic and social development.
During the term of this Service Plan, the ministry will also focus its resources on concluding treaties and other lasting agreements. It will guide the development of a new and effective consultation framework. Together, these measures will bring us closer to reconciling Crown and Aboriginal interests over land and resources. They will also bring tangible social and economic benefits to First Nations, and advance government’s Five Great Goals for all British Columbians.
Vision, Mission and Values
Vision
Guided by principles of trust, recognition, respect and reconciliation of Aboriginal rights and title, we will build a healthy and prosperous future for the benefit of Aboriginal people and all British Columbians.
Mission
The ministry provides leadership across the provincial government that will, over the next decade, bridge the social and economic gaps that many Aboriginal people face in British Columbia. While working collaboratively with Aboriginal organizations, the federal government and other partners to support the goals of the new relationship, the ministry will continue to negotiate and implement treaties and other lasting agreements with First Nations.
Values
The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation values are based on recognition, respect and reconciliation of the historical, cultural and political contributions of Aboriginal people in our province. While balancing the interests of all British Columbians with those of Aboriginal people, the ministry seeks bold and innovative solutions, promotes leadership, fosters creative problem-solving and encourages respect and integrity through all levels of the organization. The ministry recognizes the importance of upholding its commitment to the public by conducting open, accountable and transparent business practices.
