A New Relationship

In April 2005, the leadership of the main First Nation organizations in British Columbia – the First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the BC Assembly of First Nations – and BC Premier Gordon Campbell agreed to a five-page document, entitled "A New Relationship.” Based on the premise, "We are all here to stay,” the document outlines the basis for a new government to government relationship. A New Relationship commits the parties to: A review of existing Forest and Range Agreements, the creation of new structures to address shared decision-making regarding land use planning, management, tenuring and resource revenue and benefit sharing; and, a review of necessary institutional, legislative and policy changes to implement these actions items.

» Publication| New Relationship PDF

Transformative Change Accord

Tripartite Agreement between First Nations, BC and Canada outlines five priority areas to improve the lives of Aboriginal people in BC. These priority areas include: Improve

Crown & FN Relationships; Education & Lifelong Learning; Housing & Infrastructure; Health and Economic Opportunities.

» Publication| Transformative Change Accord PDF

UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

The UN Declaration establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, well-being and rights of the world's indigenous peoples. The Declaration addresses both individual and collective rights; cultural rights and identity; rights to education, health, employment, language, and others. It outlaws discrimination against indigenous peoples and promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them. It also ensures their right to remain distinct and to pursue their own priorities in economic, social and cultural development. The Declaration explicitly encourages harmonious and cooperative relations between States and indigenous peoples.

» Publication| UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples