New Relationship

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 First Nations rights and title, we are building a stronger and healthier relationship between government and Aboriginal people. By working together, we will bring tangible social and economic benefits to Aboriginal people across the Province and narrow the gap between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians.

The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is working to support the New Relationship by developing programs that include training Aboriginal people, facilitating First Nations' employment in the energy, mineral and petroleum resource sectors, supporting treaty negotiations, and undertaking strategic initiatives in cooperation with other ministries. Examples include:

• the Mining and Minerals Protocol Agreement between the Ministry and the Upper Similkameen Indian Band;
• the Tahltan/B.C. Protocol Table led by the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation;
• the Treaty 8 Set Aside Negotiations also led by the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation;
• a Mining Consultation Agreement with the Ktunaxa Nation Council led by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources; and
• government-to-government discussions with regard to the Ruby Creek Project led by the Environmental Assessment Office.

Implementation of the New Relationship is a significant step in ensuring Aboriginal people benefit from the continued growth and development of British Columbia's resources.