Core Business Areas

This core business area leads the provincial government in bringing about long-term reconciliation of Crown and Aboriginal interests through its participation in tripartite negotiation of treaties, interim and other workable arrangements with First Nations and the federal government. This includes consulting and engaging with third parties who may be affected by these negotiations. This core business area also supports the joint work with First Nations organizations such as the First Nations Leadership Council and other provincial agencies on developing policy, frameworks and protocols with respect to consultation, accommodation and Aboriginal rights and title.

Implementation of treaties and other agreements with First Nations are also coordinated to ensure provincial ministries and other agencies are aware of their associated responsibilities and government is able to meet its legal obligations. As with the Nisga'a Final Agreement, there is an ongoing requirement for cooperative implementation and relationship-building between the First Nations, Canada and British Columbia after negotiations have been concluded.

This core business area is accountable for facilitating cross government initiatives to close the socio-economic gap between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians. It is also accountable for the negotiation of socio-economic initiatives and interim and other similar arrangements with Aboriginal people. The area works in partnership with provincial ministries/agencies, Crown corporations, Aboriginal organizations and leaders, the private sector and the federal government to identify opportunities, remove barriers and support improved socio-economic capacity within Aboriginal communities.

This area supports engagement with the First Nations Leadership Council, as represented by the First Nations Summit Task Group, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs and the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, in our continued efforts to foster a new relationship with First Nations and to implement the Transformative Change Accord. It is responsible for leading government's approach to establishing a reconciliation framework with Aboriginal people which is guided by principles of trust, recognition and respect of Aboriginal rights and title. This engagement includes working collaboratively with First Nations and agencies to develop policies and approaches on socio-economic issues. This area engages with third party stakeholders, fostering partnerships and ensuring industry plays a key role in this process.

Aboriginal Relations supports the Native Economic Development Advisory Board and the First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council. It also administers the First Citizens Fund, a perpetual fund established by the provincial government to enhance cultural, educational and economic development opportunities for Aboriginal people in British Columbia.

In addition, this area coordinates the Ministry's strategic and business planning and reporting responsibilities as well as federal, provincial and territorial relations.

Executive and Support Services

This core business area is responsible for providing leadership and executive direction to the Ministry. This area also provides corporate administrative services to operating programs of the Ministry which include: financial administration and budget coordination, information privacy and records management, human resource management, accommodation and office management as well as information systems support.

The Ministry's Information Resource Management Plan may be accessed from the Ministry website at http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/reports/irmp/default.html.