WHEREAS local governments are encouraged to consult with First Nations on land use decisions; AND WHEREAS the Province has initiated Strategic Engagement Agreements with First Nations groups regarding resource support for undertaking consultations between provincial ministries and First Nations: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be lobbied to include local government within the Strategic Engagement Agreements with First Nations groups and that capacity funding under the agreements include referrals from local governments.
Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation As the provincial government develops new relationships with First Nations in British Columbia, Strategic Engagement Agreements SEAs have become effective tools which result in co-operative decision-making and complement the negotiation of treaties for long-term reconciliation. The Province, through the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation the Ministry, negotiates SEAs with First Nations. SEAs are complex agreements which provide capacity for First Nations to engage in consultation, and establish procedures to manage consultation for Crown natural resource authorizations. These agreements are designed to be continuously improving, with renewed agreements building on the merits of the initial engagement frameworks. The Ministry recognizes the continued interest of some local governments in SEA negotiations, and remains prepared to consider opportunities for potential local government participation on a pilot basis. The Ministry also acknowledges the capacity challenges faced by First Nations and some local governments when responding to referrals and participating in negotiations. While no new provincial funding is available at this time, the Ministry understands the importance of ongoing and timely communication between the Province, local governments and First Nations.