New Relationship

The Government of British Columbia is leading Canada in developing a New Relationship with First Nations and Aboriginal people. Guided by principles of trust, and by recognition and respect of First Nations' rights and title, the Province is committed to building a stronger and healthier relationship between government and Aboriginal people. Working together will bring tangible social and economic benefits to Aboriginal people across the Province and narrow the gap between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians.

In order to improve the effectiveness of service delivery, the Ministry has worked with Aboriginal people and strengthened existing partnerships. As a part of this important work, the Ministry is supporting Aboriginal people in developing their own governance models for service delivery. As the first phase in this process, those Aboriginal planning committees that are ready to move forward to Interim Authorities will be supported to proceed as a ministry priority.

The Ministry works with a number of Aboriginal organizations to develop and deliver programs and services, such as child care and early childhood development. Collaborating with Aboriginal people will contribute to instilling cultural values in service providers' work and providing guidance for culturally appropriate service delivery.

The Ministry believes in reconnecting Aboriginal children in government care to their communities, culture and extended families. Aboriginal service delivery agencies are responsible for the direct delivery of child welfare services to Aboriginal people through 24 delegation agreements, serving approximately 31 per cent of Aboriginal children in care. The Ministry also works with First Nations and Aboriginal communities on approaches to improving child welfare service delivery and outcomes for ministry delivered services.

The Ministry is working closely with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada to provide a more effective approach to programs and services delivered on- and off-reserve for Aboriginal children and youth.