Volume 1 | Issue 1 | April 2006 “Let us faceThe it, we areNew all here Relationship to stay” Progressreport This is the first New Relationship Progress Report issued jointly by the Leadership Council and the provincial government. Throughout the coming year, you can expect to see quarterly reports that will chart the course of progress. Building a Road to a New Relationship “Let us face it, we are all here to stay” Justice Lamer, The , Delgamuukw vs. and Canada, December 11, 1997

In November 2004, the Supreme Court of Canada delivered two significant rulings in the Haida and Taku River Tlingit cases. These judgments made it clear that governments have an obligation to consult with First Nations when decisions related to Crown land may impact Aboriginal Premier Campbell,Minister Christensen and provincial government officials meet with the First Nations Leadership Council. Pictured back row left to rights and title. right;Grand Chief Doug Kelly,FNS Political Executive,Lorne Brownsey,Deputy Minister,Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation,Chief Mike Retasket,UBCIC Executive, Chief Robert Shintah,UBCIC Executive,Premier ,Dave Porter,FNS Political Executive, Tom Christensen,Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Don Bain,Executive Director,UBCIC.Front row left to right;Jessica McDonald,Deputy Minister to the Premier,Grand Chief Edward John,FNS Political Executive,Chief Stewart Phillip, These decisions echoed President,UBCIC, A-in-chut (Shawn Atleo),Regional Chief,BC AFN,Stacey Edzerza-Fox,Legal Counsel,FNS,Allen Edzerza,Special Advisor to the Premier. earlier judgments, including the landmark Delgamuukw In this spirit, in March 2005, Chiefs, and BC Assembly of First Nations interests. case, in which the courts senior provincial govern- First Nations talked about Together, they drafted instructed governments and ment officials and leaders how government is going to a vision for the First Nations to reconcile from the First Nations fulfill its obligation to New Relationship. these matters through Summit, Union of BC Indian consult and address negotiation, not litigation. Reconciliation involves IN THIS REPORT: $100 Million Trust...... 4 Message from the Provincial Government ...... 6 building a positive, enduring New Relationship Vision ...... 2 Forest & Range Agreement Revisions ...... 4 Message from the relationship based on trust First Nations Leadership Council ...... 6 and mutual respect. Leadership Council ...... 2 New Relationship Timeline....4 Plans for the Future...... 7 First Ministers’ Meeting...... 3 Speech from the Throne ...... 5 Calendar of Events ...... 8 Transformative Provincial Change Accord ...... 3 Budget Highlights...... 5 2 The New Relationship Progressreport

A Vision Guides the New Relationship

“The Province and Aboriginal leaders > Establishing joint processes and are taking bold steps to address failures institutions for shared decision-making of the past through a New Relationship,” about the lands and resources and said Tom Christensen, Minister for for revenue and benefit sharing; Aboriginal Relations and >Closing the gap in quality of life between Reconciliation. “This relationship is First Nations and British Columbians; guided by principles of trust, and by recognition and respect of Aboriginal >Creating a monitoring and evaluation rights and title.” process to measure the achievement of the Tom Christensen and Chief Stewart Phillip share a light moment New Relationship vision. while discussing the New Relationship on Voice of BC Work under the New Relationship will include:

The significant achievement that we have amongst First Nations here today is that for “the first time in many, many, many years all First Nations in British Columbia are working together in an alliance — the Union of B.C. Chiefs, the First Nations Summit Chiefs, the BC Assembly of First Nations — so that we are working for a common and collective purpose, and that’s for the well-being for our people in our respective communities. Gr”and Chief Edward John, Special Chiefs Assembly May 2005

The First Nations Leadership Council: Putting the Vision into Action The First Nations Leadership March 25, 2005. The will benefit all First Nations Robert Shintah and Chief Council is comprised of the Council works together to in British Columbia. Mike Retasket of the Union political executives of the represent the interests of of BC Indian Chiefs; and Current members of the First Nations Summit, the First Nations in British Grand Chief Doug Kelly, First Nations Leadership Union of BC Indian Columbia and develop Dave Porter, and Grand Council are: Regional Chief Chiefs and the BC Assembly strategies and actions to Chief Edward John of the Shawn Atleo, of the BC of First Nations, and bring about significant and First Nations Summit. Assembly of First Nations; was created through a substantive changes to Chief Stewart Phillip, Chief Leadership Accord signed on government policy that “Let us face it, we are all here to stay” 3

First Ministers Meeting Takes the New Relationship to the National Stage

In November 2005, the Let us not take timid and tentative steps. Let us take bold and Prime Minister, Premiers, decisive actions to bridge the gaps that have left Aboriginal Territorial leaders and “ leaders of the five national people behind for far too long. Let us seize this promising Aboriginal organizations moment in our history to claim the full promise of Canada for attended a First Ministers’ all Canadians, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike. Meeting on Aboriginal Premier Gordon Campbell, addressing the First Ministers’ Meeting,” November 2005. Issues (FMM) in Kelowna. This gathering was the first of Aboriginal Peoples Aboriginal Organizations economic opportunities, in more than a decade to participate. to seek support and and relationships and between First Ministers and cooperation in advance accountability. More than Premier Gordon Campbell national Aboriginal Leaders. of the meeting. $5 billion was committed and the Westbank First to these efforts. The Prime Minister invited Nation hosted the meeting. The main outcome of the Premiers, Territorial Leaders In October and November FMM was an agreement by The Premier committed and Leaders of the Assembly 2005, Premier Campbell the participants to focus on to annual meetings to of First Nations, the Inuit travelled across Canada and making improvements in the take stock of the progress Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis met with the Prime Minister, lives of Aboriginal people made in achieving the goals National Council, the Native provincial Premiers, across Canada in the areas and objectives. Women’s Association of Territorial Leaders and of health, education, Canada and the Congress leaders of the five National housing and infrastructure,

Transformative Change Accord

Another major outcome of the First Ministers’ reconciling Aboriginal rights and title with those Meeting in Kelowna in November was the signing of the Crown, and of establishing a New of the Transformative Change Accord by Relationship based on mutual respect and representatives of the Government of British recognition. The Accord was designed to build Columbia, First Nations and the Government on, and complement, both the New Relationship of Canada. and the First Nations-Federal Crown Accord on the Recognition and Implementation of First The purpose of the Accord is to bring together Nations Governments. the Government of British Columbia, First Nations and the Government of Canada to A detailed implementation strategy to achieve achieve the goals of closing the social and the goals of the Transformative Change Accord is economic gap between First Nations and other in development, and will be completed by British Columbians over the next 10 years, of December 2006. 4 The New Relationship Progressreport

Creation of $100 Million Trust

Provincial legislation has Relationship within B.C., been passed (the New through effective partner- Relationship Trust Act) to ships in land and resource create the New Relationship consultations, advanced Trust Corporation. On training and skill develop- March 31, 2006, the ment, and improved social Province committed and economic well-being. $100 million to the Trust The Trust has been Corporation. Government established as a corporation Premier Gordon Campbell and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister Tom Christensen welcomed and First Nations worked (left to right) Dave Porter of the First Nations Summit,Chief Stewart Phillip,President of the Union of BC outside of government. It Indian Chiefs,and Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit to the legislature for the introduction of jointly to finalize the will have a strategic plan legislation establishing the New Relationship Trust. legislation for the Trust, with measurable outcomes Regional Chief, BC AFN; Nation;Chief Stewart incorporating advice from that will be informed by Dawn Farrell, Executive Phillip, President, First Nations, industry, local First Nations and others. Vice-President, BC Hydro; UBCIC; Dave Porter, government and others. It will produce annual Donald Hayes, President, Political Executive, First The legislation sets out the reports, audited financial Hayes Forest Services Nations Summit; Kathryn general principles and statements, and progress Limited; Chief Nathan Teneese, Chief Negotiator, purpose, board structure, reports available to First Matthew, Simpcw First Ktunaxa Nation. and accountabilities of Nations and the public. the Corporation. On April 4, 2006, the Revisions to Forest and This Trust is intended to provincial government Range Agreements assist First Nations appointed seven people to Forest and Range Agreements provide revenue-sharing and communities to enhance the board of the new access to timber volume to First Nations. Making changes their capacity to participate Relationship Trust. The to these agreements — changes that better meet the govern- in the processes and activi- seven appointees are: ment’s obligation to consult and accommodate First Nations ties that arise from the New A-in-chut (Shawn Atleo), — is a high priority under the New Relationship. A revised template agreement for Forest and Range Opportunities has New Relationship been developed, and final issues are being addressed. TIMELINE March 17, 2005: March 2005: April 15, 2005: May 20, 2005: Leadership Accord Joint First Nation-B.C. Union of BC Indian Chiefs Resolution of the Special creating the First Nations meetings lead to the Resolution #2005-01 Joint Assembly of First Leadership Council – development of the New supporting the further Nations Chiefs in British an ongoing working Relationship document. development and Columbia supporting the relationship between the implementation of further development and member organizations for the New Relationship implementation of the benefit of all First document. the New Relationship Nations in B.C. document. “Let us face it, we are all here to stay” 5

Speech from the Throne 2006

“The New Relationship your government hopes to build is a true partnership of opportunity. It obliges us to build on Canada’s First Nations heritage as a critical advantage in nation-building. It obliges us to forge a New Relationship based on mutual respect, recognition, and Aboriginals’ constitutional rights. British Columbia is determined to lead Canada and walk the path together to lasting reconciliation.” Speech from the Throne, February 14, 2006

The Speech from the Throne > establishment of an outlined the direction of the Aboriginal internship provincial government for program to provide this year, focusing on learning opportunities in improving the quality of life the public service, for all British Columbians. >recruiting of qualified Provincial Budget Highlights It identified a number of Aboriginal people in the priorities, including: On February 21, 2006, the Hon. , Minister of public sector, Finance, delivered the government’s budget. > regionalization of >providing new options Highlights include: Aboriginal child and for housing. family service delivery, > $100 million to enhance the child protection system, The Speech also described >modernization of > $31 million in additional support to implement five new courts for communities provincial curriculum to regional Aboriginal child and family development and First Nations, stating give students a better service authorities, that the provincial understanding of government will work with > $17 million for computer training and to create Aboriginal heritage Aboriginal leaders to computer access centres in First Nations communities, and culture, examine the potential for > $30 million to support coastal First Nations conservation >creation of new incentives correctional facilities that and economic development opportunities. to help Aboriginal students better meet Aboriginal complete high school, cultural needs.

June 17, 2005: June 17, 2005: September 12, 2005: September 14, 2005: First Nations Summit Creation of the provincial Speech from the Provincial Budget Update Resolution #0605.02 Ministry of Aboriginal Throne highlights B.C.’s announcement of a new supporting the further Relations and commitment to a New $100 million First Nations development and Reconciliation. Relationship based on New Relationship implementation of the mutual respect and Trust Fund. New Relationship recognition. document. 6 The New Relationship Progressreport

Message from the Message from the First Nations Provincial Government Leadership Council

It is my pleasure and privilege to serve as the We are honoured to represent BC First Nations, and carry out the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and mandate that they have given us – to work to effect changes in government Reconciliation, particularly at a time when we are policy that will benefit all First Nations in British Columbia, including breaking ground on such a promising and profound moving forward in developing and implementing the New Relationship. New Relationship. The ministry brings into focus the new relationships that we are building for There have been significant changes in the past year for the political British Columbia. climate of B.C. First Nations. The formation of the First Nations Leadership Council signalled a new era of unity and cooperation between Our overall goal is to ensure that First Nations all B.C. First Nations; and the New Relationship document illustrates a people in your communities share in the economic mutual First Nations-B.C. commitment to achieve strong governments, and social development of this province, in line social justice and economic self-sufficiency for First Nations. with the five great goals that we have set for British Columbia. We agree with Minister Christensen that one true measure of the success of this initiative will be a shift in the cultural reality of the province, to a It is our hope that the New Relationship will result cultural reality that recognizes the title and rights of B.C. First Nations, and in consultation and accommodation arrangements the need for government-to-government relationships between First Nations on lands and resources that work for the benefit of and other governments. Another measure of success will be a shift in the First Nations and all British Columbians. It will social reality of the province, and eventually closing the gap in quality of also result in social programs that are designed to life and socio-economic indicators between First Nations and other meet the needs of Aboriginal people. British Columbians.

The true measure of the success of this initiative We look forward to continuing to build a New Relationship, with the will be a shift of the cultural reality of the province province of British Columbia, and with all British Columbians. so the contributions of First Nations are fully recognized and valued. Clearly, this is an historic First Nations Leadership Council opportunity for all British Columbians, Aboriginal BC Assembly of First Nations Union of BC Indian Chiefs and non-Aboriginal. A-in-chut, Shawn Atleo, Chief Stewart Phillip, President BC Regional Chief Chief Robert Shintah, Vice President Tom Christensen, Chief Mike Retasket, First Nations Summit Secretary Treasurer Minister of Aboriginal Relations Grand Chief Edward John, and Reconciliation FNS Political Executive Grand Chief Doug Kelly, FNS Political Executive New Relationship Dave Porter, FNS Political Executive TIMELINE (cont’d) September 19-20, 2005: Development of the BC October 19, 2005: November 24-25, 2005: First Nations Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan and BC Assembly of First First Ministers’ Meeting creation of the BC First Nations Interim Mountain Nations resolution # on Aboriginal Issues and Pine Beetle Working Group (Chief David Walkem, 18/2005 setting out prin- the Kelowna Accord. Chief Lynda Price and Chief Leonard Thomas). ciples for the terms of reference for the New Relationship Fund. “Let us face it, we are all here to stay” 7

Plans for the Future First Nations Leadership Council and Province Commit to Progress on Many Fronts

Regular joint meetings funding, to be completed Transformative The First Nations Leadership within the next month. Change Accord Council and provincial A Protocol between the The Province and the Deputy Ministers agreed Province and the First First Nations to dedicate one week in each Nations Leadership Council Leadership Council of the next four months to to guide their relationship are identifying meet and work to advance in responding to the projects that can be Engaging with the New Relationship. Mountain Pine Beetle is immediately implemented third parties in development. under the Accord as well as The Province and the First New consultation and developing an inclusive Nations Leadership Council accommodation Communications process for creating the are engaging with third framework Protocol implementation strategy due parties, such as business, The provincial government The First Nations Leadership by December 2006. industry, and others. and the First Nations Council and the Province Leadership Council are have agreed to develop a Review of the Provincial Organizational capacity beginning to set out “Telling First Nations Litigation Strategy development elements of a consultation Stories” project, as part of a There are approximately 40 The First Nations Leadership and accommodation broader Aboriginal public current court cases in B.C. Council and the Province framework. awareness project, to involving Aboriginal title, are working on increasing promote awareness of the rights and treaty rights. The the organizational capacity Mountain Pine Beetle New Relationship and the Province has committed to of the First Nations The BC First Nations significance of First Nations’ review its approach to organizations to Mountain Pine Beetle contributions to B.C. litigation, in particular the participate in work Interim Working Group defences advanced by the to advance the New and the Province provincial Crown to find Relationship. are drafting the more respectful approaches components and that are not premised on rationale for a denial of First Nations and request to their rights, and that are Canada for mountain consistent with the pine beetle New Relationship.

November 25, 2005: February 14, 2006: February 21, 2006: March 28, 2006: Transformative Change Speech from the Throne Provincial Budget Legislation receives Royal Accord signed between indicating B.C.’s ongoing Speech commits funding Assent establishing the the First Nations commitment to the New to children and families. corporate entity to Leadership Council, the Relationship through a house the $100 million Province of British variety of efforts. New Relationship Trust. Columbia, and Canada. 8 The New Relationship Progressreport

The challenge before all of us is to achieve an equitable distribution of land and “resources in B.C. between First Nations people, business and industry in order that First Nations may be in a position to develop healthy and prosperous communities. The desires of First Nations peoples are no different than anyone else. Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of” B.C. Indian Chiefs, Sun, July 29, 2005.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Calendar of Events March 31: First Citizens Forum; Morris J. Wosk Centre, Vancouver BC Assembly of First Nations www.bcafn.ca June 7-8: UBCIC Chiefs Council Union of BC Indian Chiefs www.ubcic.bc.ca meeting; Vancouver, location TBD First Nations Summit www.fns.bc.ca June: BCAFN Annual General Meeting, Government of British Columbia www.gov.bc.ca location TBD For more information on the New Relationship, click on “The New Relationship with Aboriginal People” June 14 – 16: First Nations Summit Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Meeting, Squamish Nation Recreation www.gov.bc.ca/arr Centre, North Vancouver BC First Nations Interim Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group June 21: National Aboriginal Day www.fnmpb.ca July 11 – 13: National AFN Annual The New Relationship document General Assembly, Vancouver www.gov.bc.ca/popt/the_new_relationship.htm Convention and Exhibition Centre September 20-22: UBCIC Annual General Meeting, Vancouver, location TBD September 27-29: First Nations Summit Meeting, Kamloops November 27-28: BC AFN General Assembly, Vancouver, location TBD

This Progress Report is published jointly by the First Nations Leadership Council and the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation