First Nations

NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH FIRST NATIONS

British Columbia’s history has been marked by confrontation, litigation and failure to reconcile differences with Aboriginal people. For over 100 years, our relationships have more often been characterized by denial and confrontation than by recognition. This history has had a catastrophic effect on Aboriginal communities. Rampant poverty, prevalence of illness and chronic disease, inadequate housing, long-term unemployment, high levels of family violence, low high school completion rates and lower life expectancy are a reality in First Nations communities.

The government of British Columbia is developing a New Relationship with First Nations and Aboriginal people, guided by principles of trust, and by recognition and respect of rights and title. We have shared objectives of closing the social and economic gap between First Nations and non-First Nations over 10 years, reconciling Aboriginal rights and title with those of the Crown, and establishing a new relationship based on mutual respect and recognition.

The provincial government is committed to concluding treaties as full and formal expressions of reconciliation. Treaties give greater certainty over land and resources. They are a key means of advancing First Nations’ interests in developing their economies and having governance over their communities.

In 2006/07, First Nations, British Columbia and Canada reached the final agreement stage for three historic modern day treaties. Government is working with First Nations and the federal government to conclude more in 2007 and beyond.

TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE ACCORD

The Transformative Change Accord was signed by the government of British Columbia, the First Nations Leadership Council and the Government of Canada in November 2005. The accord sets out a priority to improve relationships between the parties through the reconciliation of Aboriginal rights and title. It also commits to close the social and economic gap that exists between First Nations and other British Columbians in health, housing, education and economic opportunities.

In November 2006, First Nations and the Province released the First Nations Health Plan – an agreed to set of actions that will be undertaken over the next 10 years. Under this plan, First Nations are improving their health governance structures and increasing their involvement in the planning and service delivery of health care for First Nations. Health outcomes will be closely monitored by an Aboriginal physician in the office of the Provincial Health Officer. First Nations, the Province and the federal government also signed a Memorandum of Understanding in November 2006 to work together to develop a tripartite health plan by May of 2007 to improve integration and co-ordination between the health programs of all three groups.

Another key priority for government is to support Aboriginal communities in establishing their own child and family service agencies with delegated child welfare authority in recognition of the importance of culture and heritage and the need to preserve ties to the community and family.

To close the gaps in housing and infrastructure, First Nations and government have agreed to devolve up to 2,600 social housing units to the Aboriginal Housing Management Association. Government will work with First Nations to help them to develop knowledge and capacity in building maintenance and standards, and the construction and the management of social housing. In the next two years, government will allocate approximately $51 million for the construction of 200 new off-reserve housing units and begin the construction of some of those units.

On July 5, 2006, the Province, the First Nations Education Steering Committee, and the Government of Canada signed a framework agreement that puts into place a process to recognize First Nations’ jurisdiction over First Nations’ education. It allows students to transfer between First Nations’ schools and public schools, and allows graduates from First Nations’ schools to be eligible for admission to post-secondary institutions.

First Nations are increasing their economic activity in the province. The Forest and Range Opportunity Agreements, and increased access to lands and resources through interim measures are creating new opportunities. Increased First Nations business development is being led by First Nations and supported by the government and private businesses in B.C. First Nations are working with government on other economic development initiatives that will support their economic independence and success.