British Columbia All Chiefs’ Task Force

BC ACTF Issues International Call to Action to Support the Families of Murdered and Missing Women
Coast Salish Territory, February 8th, 2010—Today, the British Columbia All Chiefs’ Coordinated Action Working Group issued a call to action to Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples worldwide to support the families of murdered and missing women by joining the 19th Annual Women’s Memorial March on February 14th, 2010. Read Full Press Release [pdf, 86 kb]

BC ACTF Launches Coordinated Action Awareness Campaign
Coast Salish Territory, February 3, 2010—The British Columbia All Chiefs’ Task Force announced today that its Coordinated Action Working Group has launched an awareness campaign targeted at the national and international media attending the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympics Games to highlight Canada’s refusal to sign the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the consequences of this decision. Read Full Press Release [pdf, 78 kb]

All Chiefs' Task Force Fact Sheets:
Aboriginal Poverty in Canada [pdf, 115 kb]
Missing and Murdered Women [pdf, 108 kb]
Human Rights [pdf, 112 kb]
Title and Rights [pdf, 110 kb]

For further information on the BC All Chiefs’ Task Force visit: www.firstnationstaskforce.wordpress.com
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Nuu-chah-nulth Celebrate BC Supreme Court Fisheries Decision

Nuu-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]

Wickaninnish, Cliff Atleo Sr.

Wickaninnish, Cliff Atleo Sr., President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council speaks to Nuu-chah-nulth leadership and citizens at a morning briefing on the BC Supreme Court Decision.

Grand Chief Edward John

Grand Chief Edward John of the Fist Nations Summit Political Executive speaks to Nuu-chah-nulth leadership and citizens at a morning briefing on the BC Supreme Court Decision.

Grand Chief Doug Kelly

Grand Chief Doug Kelly of the Fist Nations Summit Political Executive speaks to Nuu-chah-nulth leadership and citizens at a morning briefing on the BC Supreme Court Decision.

Nuu-chah-nulth celebrate

Nuu-chah-nulth celebrate on the steps of the BC Supreme Court

First Nations Leadership Council sign Children and Families Protocol with BC

The political executives of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs who form the First Nations Leadership Council and the Ministry of Children and Family Development have signed a Recognition and Reconciliation Protocol on First Nations Children, Youth and Families, an agreement to establish a common vision for First Nations child and family wellness in B.C.

Read More:

Link to News Release [pdf, 68 kb]
Link to Protocol Document [pdf, 1.6 mb]

“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.

Speaking at Clearing the Path to Justice, held on January 28, 2009, Grand Chief Edward John, explained to the audience that First Nations in BC have long been concerned that even as they appear to make significant strides through the judicial system and in the international arena, they are still a long way from achieving the ability to protect and exercise their inherent rights in a meaningful way especially since Canada and the Province of British Columbia (“BC”) continue to deny the constitutionally-protected title and rights of First Nations in litigation and in modern treaty negotiations. (Click here to download the background paper to Grand Chief John’s Presentation)

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 Forum

The 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.

	Full text of the Apology [76 kb]
	FN Leadership Council Press Release: Canada’s Apology a Critical Step for Aboriginal People [64 kb]

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:

	Backgrounder: History of Canada's Residential Schools [66 kb]
	Backgrounder: Long-term Impacts of Canada's Residential Schools [62 kb]
	Backgrounder: Systematic Abuse in Canada's Residential Schools [64 kb]
	Map: BC Residential Schools [72 kb]
	Indian Residential School Survivor Society Bulletin, June 6th [151 kb]
	Residential Schools Apology Events Reimbursement Notice for First Nations [136 kb]

Revised First Nations Economic Development Action Plan Released

Based 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…

Draft BC First Nations Economic Development Plan [pdf, 109 kb]

Government of Canada, Province of B.C. and First Nations Leadership Council sign First Nations Housing Memorandum of Understanding

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.

"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.”

Read More from the FNLC Press Release [pdf, 56 kb]

First Nations Housing MOU [pdf, 250 kb]

First Nations of British Columbia Issue Declaration Affirming Aboriginal Title

November 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.
Read FNLC Press Release and Declaration [pdf, 66 kb]

2007 First Nations Economic Development Forum Report

Link to Report [pdf, 1.0 mb]

Seated left to right: Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, UBCIC; Hon. Tony Clement, Federal Minister of Health; Grand Chief Edward John, First Nations Summit Political Executive; Hon. Gordon Campbell, Premier of BC; Regional Chief Shawn Atleo, BC Assembly of First Nations; Standing left to right: Dave Porter, First Nations Summit Political Executive; Chief Judith Sayers, First Nations Summit Political Executive; Chief Robert Shintah, Vice President, UBCIC; Chief Lynda Price, UBCIC; Hon. George Abbott, Provincial Minister of Health.

Federal and Provincial Auditor General Reports on Treaty Negotiations

	Summit Press Release, 12/01/2006: "Summit calls on governments to immediately implement recommendations..."
	First Nations Unity Protocol Press Release
	The Auditor General of Canada's Report [430 kb]
	The Auditor General of British Columbia's Report [835 kb]

First Nations Health Plan Memorandum of Understanding

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.

Documents for download:

	First Nations Leadership Council Press Release re: First Nations Health Plan and MOU
	First Nations Leadership Council Backgrounder re: First Nations Health Plan and MOU
	The Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan – Supporting the Health and Wellness of First Nations in British Columbia
	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]

First Nations New Relationship Trust Fund

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

Tripartite Accord Signed in Kelowna

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]

First Nations Forestry Council

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

In the News: "A New Relationship"

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"

Upcoming Events INDIGENOUS CHILD AT THE CENTRE FORUM III March 2 & 3, 2010 Tsleil-Waututh Nation Recreation Centre, North Vancouver Download notice and registration form [174 kb] Editorials Vancouver Sun Dark Past. Hopeful Future. A Vancouver Sun series looking at First Nations in BC. Summit Editorial: "Problems plaguing treaty tallks not of First Nations Making" [pdf] The Tyee Summit Editorial: "A New Day for BC Native Claims" Publications Joint Executive Bulletins For Past Leadership Council Updates, go to the PDF Document Library Community to Community (C2C) Program C2C | Community Forums The 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. 2009/10 Program & Application Guide (Fall) [PDF] 2009/10 Regional C2C Forum Application Form (Fall) [WORD DOC] Guide to Commumity to Community Forums in BC [PDF, 579 kb] C2C Final Report Form [WORD DOC] C2C Connect Newsletter For Past Issues of C2C Connect, go to the PDF Document Library

Guide to Aboriginal Organizations and Services in British Columbia

Treaty Negotiations in BC

First Nations Summit and the Treaty Process The Six-Stage Process to Treaty-Making in BC "Cautious Optimism: The Summit Perspective on Treaty Negotiations" — published in February, 2003 Bartalk, a publication of the Canadian Bar Association [PDF, requires Acrobat Reader]. Treaties in British Columbia: A Timeline