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Canadian First Nations Give Gift of Friendship to ChinaJuly 6th, 2010 (Chengdu, People’s Republic of China) – First Nations from Canada have further strengthened ties with China and the Qiang Minority Peoples from Beichuan, the area most devastated by the May 12, 2008 earthquake. First Nations representatives from British Columbia including Grand Chief Edward John, Dan Smith, Stan Bevan and Wilfred Bennett along with Canada’s Governor General Michaelle Jean held a traditional ceremony and delivered the gift of a totem pole. Read the FNS Press Release [PDF, 41 kb] Governor General of Canada's Speech [PDF, 207 kb] Summit Elects New ExecutiveJune 10: News Release, First Nations Summit Elects New Executive
Newly elected First Nations Summit executive for June 2010 - June 2012. Pictured left to right; Grand Chief Edward John - Akile Ch'oh, FNS Task Group (Tl'azt'en Nation), Dan Smith - Haliakalas, FNS Task Group (Campbell River Indian Band of the Laich-Kwil-Tach Nation), Chief Douglas White III - Kwulasultun, FNS Task Group (Snuneymuxw First Nation), Leah George-Wilson - Sisi-ya-ama, FNS Co-Chair (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), Ray Harris - Shulqwilum (Chemainus First Nation) Independent human rights study details unjust B.C and federal mining lawsNews Release, June 14th: First Nations Call on BC to Work with First Nations to undertake major mining legislative and policy reforms The 200-page study was initiated and funded entirely by Harvard University’s International Human Rights Clinic and is its first involving indigenous peoples in Canada. It details how mining laws are stacked against Takla Lake First Nation and other First Nations in BC, describing them as in contravention of international and constitutional law, overly favourable to industry, lacking in fair compensation, and in need of “urgent law reform.” READ:
Canada’s endorsement of the UN Declaration must be consistent with human rightsMarch 18, 2010 — Indigenous Peoples and human rights and faith based organizations welcome the announcement in the Speech from the Throne that the Canadian government is taking steps to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We urge the government to embrace this vital human rights instrument without conditions or limitations. Read More… British Columbia All Chiefs’ Task ForceBC All Chiefs’ Task Force calls on Canadians to support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). BC ACTF Issues International Call to Action to Support the Families of Murdered and Missing Women BC ACTF Launches Coordinated Action Awareness Campaign All Chiefs' Task Force Fact Sheets: For further information on the BC All Chiefs’ Task Force visit: www.firstnationstaskforce.wordpress.com Nuu-chah-nulth Celebrate BC Supreme Court Fisheries DecisionNuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council Press Release [PDF, 79 kb] Joint Press Release from the FNS, BCAFN and UBCIC [PDF, 44 kb] First Nations Fisheries Council Press Release [PDF, 116 kb] Link to the Supreme Court Decision [opens in new window]
Nuu-chah-nulth celebrate on the steps of the BC Supreme Court First Nations Leadership Council sign Children and Families Protocol with BC
Read More: Link to News Release [pdf, 68 kb] “Clearing a Path to Justice” Forum
Grand Chief Edward John speaks on First Nations access to justice issues at Law Society forum –- More than 250 people attended the Law Society of BC’s latest public forum to hear top opinion leaders, including the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada, the Hon. Wally Oppal, Attorney General of BC, and Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit Political Executive talk about barriers to accessing the justice system and creative solutions to break down those obstacles. Related: Aboriginal Justice in Our Times, a March 3rd event that featured four prominent members of BC’s Aboriginal community, including Grand Chief Edward John, is now available online in video format at www.JusticeInOurTimes.ca. The Law Courts Education Society (LCES) coordinated the event, part of the organization’s 20th anniversary speakers’ series. “Indigenous Child at the Centre II” - BC First Nations Chiefs ForumThe First Nations Summit, Union of BC Indian Chiefs and BC Assembly of First Nations would like to express gratitude to those who everyone who attended and participated in the Indigenous Child at the Centre Forum II which was held in North Vancouver from July 21-23, 2008. For further information on outcomes of the forum or to download copies of the Draft Action Plan and Statement of Solidarity, please visit the Forum website here. [site opens in a new window]
Prime Minister Stephen Harper rose in the House of Commons in Ottawa to apologize to survivors of Canada’s Residential School System at 12 PM on Wednesday June 11, 2008.
In preparation for Prime Minister Harper’s apology to residential school survivors, the BC First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is working with the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) to ensure all survivors, the public and media in BC are aware of the apology, have the opportunity to witness the apology and can participate in an open dialogue. The apology will be webcast live on this website followed by comments and acknowledgments from survivors. Documents for Download:
Revised First Nations Economic Development Action Plan ReleasedBased on advice and feedback received from First Nations at the BC First Nations Economic Development Forum held in February 2008, the draft First Nations Economic Development Plan has been revised. The Plan is now available for further comment; we respectfully request that all proposed revisions be submitted no later than August 29, 2008. Read full Notice…
Government of Canada, Province of B.C. and First Nations Leadership Council sign First Nations Housing Memorandum of Understanding
"Nothing is more important to First Nations individuals than having a healthy, high-quality environment in which to live," said Chief Judith Sayers, First Nations Summit Task Group member. "For too long our people have lived in substandard, unhealthy homes which affect our physical and emotional well being. We need comprehensive, strategic action to address the critical housing crisis First Nations in BC are facing.”
First Nations of British Columbia Issue Declaration Affirming Aboriginal TitleNovember 30 —First Nations Leaders from across British Columbia have issued a declaration affirming Aboriginal Title to their respective traditional territories across British Columbia. The declaration entitled “All Our Relations”, celebrates the victory of the Tsilhqot’in and Xeni Gwet’in peoples in last week’s important BC Supreme Court decision in Tsilhqot’in Nation v. BC.
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Summit Press Release, 12/01/2006: "Summit calls on governments to immediately implement recommendations..." |
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First Nations Unity Protocol Press Release |
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The Auditor General of Canada's Report [430 kb] |
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The Auditor General of British Columbia's Report [835 kb] |
November 27 - Today, the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs (collectively referred to as the First Nations Leadership Council) and federal and provincial governments signed a First Nations Health Plan Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The Leadership Council and Province of British Columbia also released a joint BC First Nations Health Plan (Health Plan). The purpose of these agreements is to close the gaps in health outcomes between First Nations and other British Columbians, through increasing collaboration and joint decision-making.
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First Nations Leadership Council Press Release re: First Nations Health Plan and MOU |
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First Nations Leadership Council Backgrounder re: First Nations Health Plan and MOU |
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The Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan – Supporting the Health and Wellness of First Nations in British Columbia |
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First Nations Health Plan Memorandum of Understanding |
Link to CBC radio series on Aboriginal health, “Closing the Gap”
UPDATE to EDUCATION AGREEMENT, DECEMBER 13th, 2006: Royal Assent of Bill C-34 will result in improved opportunities for First Nations learners in BC [Leadership Council Press release]
In the September 2005 Budget Update, the Province of British Columbia announced a $100 million First Nations New Relationship Trust Fund. The purpose of the fund is to assist First Nations to build their capacity to participate in activities under the New Relationship, such as land and resource management, land use planning processes, and social, economic and cultural initiatives. The New Relationship Trust Act was passed by the provincial legislature, and took effect on March 31, 2006.
This first New Relationship Trust Board of Directors served an eight-month term and, during that time, consulted with First Nations to develop a strategic plan, policies and procedures, and subsequent director criteria, for the Trust. A permanent Board is currently in the process of being named.
For further information on the New Relationship Trust,
visit their website at www.newrelationshiptrust.ca
At the conclusion of the November 2005 First Ministers Meeting in Kelowna, the First Nations Leadership Council secured a made-in-B.C. tripartite accord, the Transformative Change Accord, signed by the Leadership Council, Prime Minister Paul Martin and Premier Gordon Campbell.
Transformative Change Accord [PDF, 2.7 mb]
A First Nations Forestry Council (FNFC) has been created that will assist First Nations on forestry related issues at the local, regional, provincial, national and international level. Some examples of their role include: to ensure that First Nations in BC are included in the FNLC position paper on the Canada-US softwood lumber agreement; to perform an analysis of the Forest and Range Opportunities agreements; and to institute community access to federal and provincial mountain pine beetle emergency relief funds..
First Nations Forestry Council site
The result of discussions with senior provincial government officials on how to establish a new government-to-government relationship based on respect, recognition and accommodation of Aboriginal title and rights, this document was agreed to and signed by the Leadership Council (FNS, AFN, UBCIC)
Backgrounder: "A New Relationship"
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The First Nations Summit represents the interests of First Nations working to negotiate treaties throughout the province of British Columbia. Operating from its office in North Vancouver, the Summit does not carry out the actual negotiations, providing instead crucial support and resources to First Nations working to make treaties. The Summit recognizes that some B.C. First Nations have chosen not to participate in the treaty-making process. The Summit respects each First Nation's right to determine its own course of action. The 1991 Report of the British Columbia Claims Task Force Report lays the foundation for the treaty process in this province. The First Nations Summit adopted fundamental principles, which are the basis of our discussions with Canada and British Columbia. The Summit works hard to provide a friendly, inclusive environment where people can share ideas and strategies as they work to negotiate treaties in an effective and timely manner. |
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KLAHOWYA VILLAGE in STANLEY PARKNow open for Summer 2010! More Information [PDF] How will the HST impact First Nations?FNS/UBCIC BACKGROUNDER ON HARMONIZED SALES TAX AND BC FIRST NATIONS June 2010 FNS Resolution re: HST May 2010 CRA Info Sheet re: HST and First Nations in BC and Ontario May 2010 CRA Info Sheet re: HST and the FNGST BC Government Update on what is taxable under the HST
“The Declaration is a visionary step towards addressing the human rights of indigenous peoples” proclaimed United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “[I]t provides a momentous opportunity for States and indigenous peoples to ... promote reconciliation and ensure that the past is not repeated.” Contributors to this collection discuss the realization of the Declaration, and ways and means to implement it. For further information and to order a copy visit Purich Publishing Community to Community (C2C) ProgramC2C | Community ForumsThe Union of BC Municipalities and First Nations Summit are pleased to announce that funding for local government and First Nation regional Community to Community Forums is available again this fall with renewed financial support from the provincial and federal governments. Deadline for Applications: September 17th, 2010 2010/11 Program & Application Guide (Summer) [PDF] 2010/11 (Summer) Regional C2C Forum Application Form [WORD DOC]
C2C Final Report Form [WORD DOC] EditorialsVancouver SunDark Past. Hopeful Future. Summit Editorial: "Problems plaguing treaty tallks not of First Nations Making" [pdf] The TyeeSummit Editorial: "A New Day for BC Native Claims" PublicationsJoint Executive Bulletins For Past Leadership Council Updates, go to the PDF Document Library |
Guide to Aboriginal Organizations and Services in British Columbia
Treaty Negotiations in BC |
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All Rights reserved. Please send all comments to info@fns.bc.ca |
Draft BC First Nations Economic Development Plan
May 21, 2008 —The First Nations Leadership Council, Government of Canada, and Province of B.C. today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), agreeing to work together to develop a comprehensive approach to improve housing for First Nations communities, individuals and families both on and off reserve.
2007 First Nations Economic Development Forum Report
