The provincial government has renewed its commitment to effective implementation of Modern Treaties in B.C. in partnership with The Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations.
In a joint announcement on May 24, the first of its kind Shared Priorities Framework was celebrated as a “critically important pathway to meaningful reconciliation that help support strong, healthy, thriving communities that benefit people today and for generations to come.”
“Modern Treaties create the blueprint for Indigenous self-governance and effective government-to-government relationships. However, you can’t live in a blueprint. You still need to build the house, and then you need to maintain it and expand it as the family grows,” said Toquaht First Nation Chief Anne Mack. “That’s why Treaty implementation is always a work in progress – it requires ongoing efforts and attention. We are pleased with the renewed commitment to Treaty implementation outlined in the Shared Priorities Framework and we look forward to continuing this important reconciliation work with the Province of B.C.”
The Shared Priorities Framework is focused on three key priorities: establishing fiscal arrangements to fulfill Treaty Rights and obligations, establishing meaningful participation and collaboration and establishing organizational and policy changes.
“The Shared Priorities Framework is B.C.’s commitment to Modern Treaty Nations to create and strengthen relationships that are dynamic, evolving and improving over time,” Premier John Horgan said through the announcement. “Treaties are important living documents that provide a foundation for renewed relationships and certainty for all First Nations in the Treaty process. Upholding these sacred agreements through a whole-of-government approach, with engagement and support from all ministries, is paramount in meeting our shared commitments.”
The Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations was formed in 2018 and is a collective of eight First Nations, including all five Maa-nulth Treaty Nations.
“Advancing bilateral Treaty implementation, the framework aims to increase trust between government and Treaty Nations, improve Treaty outcomes and promote Treaties as a tangible action to achieve reconciliation and create prosperity for all British Columbians,” the announcement reads.
The framework was signed in March and is the first agreement between the Province and the Alliance as a collective.
“I am confident the shared priority framework, established by the Alliance and the Province, will further enhance government-to-government relations for Modern Treaty Nations in B.C.,” said Ucluelet First Nation president Charles McCarthy. “This is a working step to strengthen Indigenous rights in the path towards reconciliation.”
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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