Purpose of the Ministry
The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation is the centre of excellence for innovative approaches to Aboriginal policy and the Province’s representative for all treaty negotiations. Accordingly, the Ministry plays a vital role in leading the way forward in the New Relationship. The Ministry provides strategic advice across government and identifies opportunities to facilitate the removal of barriers to stimulate positive outcomes for Aboriginal peoples.
The New Relationship is a government priority and requires each ministry and Crown agency to include an Aboriginal component in reaching the Five Great Goals. As the government’s lead on the New Relationship, the Ministry is focusing its efforts in three key strategic areas:
“The province will fail to reach the Five Great Goals unless First Nations people achieve them.”
— Premier Gordon Campbell
- closing the socio-economic gaps between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians;
- building respectful relationships with Aboriginal people; and
- reconciliation of Aboriginal rights and title through treaties and other lasting agreements.
The Ministry supports achievement of these goals by recommending innovative policies and initiatives to government. The Ministry promotes creative and integrated cross government work that brings together partners from other ministries and Crown agencies, federal and local government and other sectors around Aboriginal initiatives. The Ministry does not direct the activities of other ministries or Crown agencies but instead builds and maintains relationships to achieve success on issues of shared interest.
The Ministry has collaboratively achieved a number of accomplishments toward closing the socio-economic gap and building respectful relationships with Aboriginal partners. Negotiations are ongoing throughout the province to conclude treaties and other lasting agreements.
Working with its partners the Ministry makes appointments to the BC Treaty Commission, First Peoples’ Advisory Committee, First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council, Native Economic Development Advisory Board and New Relationship Trust Board.
A list of statutes that fall under the responsibility of the Ministry can be found at: www.leg.bc.ca/procs/allacts/arr.htm.
 |
 |
 |
