Performance Plan

Treaties and other negotiated agreements establish greater certainty over British Columbia's land and natural resources. These agreements increase economic capacity within First Nations communities and their ability to participate in resource development sectors. The clarity achieved through negotiating these agreements improves the economic climate and facilitates closing the social and economic gaps between First Nations and other British Columbians.

Traditional agreements, such as agreements-in-principle or treaties are included in this goal, as well as more discrete agreements (e.g., Treaty Related Measures or other agreements). These discrete agreements build upon each other and incrementally lead to other long-term lasting agreements. By entering into these interim arrangements, we make positive inroads toward the ultimate goal of reconciliation while the complex treaty negotiations proceed. As capacity within First Nations communities increases, the Ministry anticipates that this climate will foster continued momentum for more treaties and lasting agreements with other First Nations.

Our relationships with First Nations and Canada are key to accomplishing this broad goal; however, economic and political change can influence these relationships. To mitigate this, the Ministry continues to strengthen its internal negotiating capacity to be able to respond effectively to changes in direction.

The conclusion of agreements facilitates economic investment on the provincial land base and allows for mutually beneficial governance arrangements, business relationships and land management processes.

• Provide leadership to agencies to support consultation and accommodation activities.
• Strengthen relationships between First Nations, local governments and business.
• Focus on key opportunities to conclude agreements with First Nations.
• Introduce improved practices related to the timely transfer of Crown land, resources and program responsibility to First Nations following treaties or other agreements.

These strategies shape the achievement of the objective by increasing economic opportunities for First Nations groups; providing greater stability for British Columbia businesses; and reducing the social and economic gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal British Columbians.

This goal speaks to the fact that British Columbia aims to position itself as the national leader in reconciliation with Aboriginal people. As outlined in the Transformative Change Accord, British Columbia has committed to establishing a ten-year plan, together with Aboriginal leaders, to eliminate the social and economic disparities between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians.

As a centre of excellence on Aboriginal issues, the Ministry provides leadership across government to develop and implement policies that will promote culturally responsive, coordinated and effective programs and services designed to reduce these gaps for Aboriginal people in British Columbia.

As other ministries have primary responsibility for implementing programs to close the socio-economic gaps, success will depend critically on their capacity. The Ministry undertakes measures to increase this capacity through relationship building. By encouraging ministries to work collaboratively together and with First Nations, we are able to realize creative and tangible solutions to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people.

This objective supports our goal of improving Aboriginal social and economic outcomes as it materially improves the quality of life of Aboriginal people and fosters healthier community relationships across the province.

• Develop and implement a cross government measurement framework for closing the socio-economic gap.
• Promote cross ministry coordination of initiatives directed toward serving Aboriginal people and closing the gap on key socio-economic indicators.
• Build partnerships with the federal government and Aboriginal organizations to improve social and economic programs and services.

These strategies influence achievement of the objective by improving program efficiencies and making the best use of provincial resources; leveraging increased federal resources to benefit Aboriginal people and communities in the province; reducing cross jurisdiction duplication of efforts; and, achieving improved outcomes.

The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation is committed to fulfilling its leadership responsibilities in achieving a new relationship and transforming the way in which ministries interact with Aboriginal people.

Key to the success of achieving this goal is the development of formal mechanisms for meaningful dialogue between government, Aboriginal leaders and communities. Initiatives and action items identified in the New Relationship document and the Transformative Change Accord will form the basis of this dialogue. Examples of these initiatives include: education, housing infrastructure, health, consultation and accommodation processes, First Nations capacity building, and institution development.

Key to the achievement of this goal is implementing a consistent whole-of-government approach to collaborating with Aboriginal people on these issues.

This objective supports our goal of building strong and respectful relationships between parties by collaborating on key policy issues.

• Engage with Aboriginal organizations and communities on a range of provincial policy topics including amendments to the Wildlife Act, consultation regarding the British Columbia Training Tax Credit Program and the Oil and Gas Consultation Process Agreements with Treaty 8 First Nations.
• Engage with Aboriginal organizations and communities to develop protocols and agreements that foster recognition and reconciliation.
• Provide leadership and support to ministries and provincial agencies involved in reconciliation activities.
• Undertake initiatives to increase public awareness and understanding to promote reconciliation.

These strategies influence achievement of the objective by establishing respectful engagement with Aboriginal people, organizations and leadership. It is important to increase the level of Aboriginal participation in advisory committees, steering committees and cross government processes.

This objective supports our goal of building strong and respectful relationships between parties by actively promoting meaningful opportunities to reconcile past history with the future of the New Relationship.

• Implementation of a new effective consultative and accommodation framework for government ministries.