New Relationship

The Government of British Columbia is leading the nation 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, we are building a stronger and healthier relationship between government and Aboriginal people. By working together, we will bring tangible social and economic benefits to Aboriginal people across the province and narrow the gap between Aboriginal people and other British Columbians.

Vast economic opportunities exist amongst Aboriginal people, within their communities, and in the broader regional and provincial economies. The Ministry of Economic Development is supporting the New Relationship by working with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (MARR) to increase Aboriginal participation and prosperity in British Columbia's economy, as well as work towards developing a business climate that provides more certainty and clarity to proponents when addressing First Nation interests and legal requirements. The Ministry is taking an active role in several areas including:

  • directly supporting the Four Host Nations Olympic Secretariat to facilitate the participation and inclusion of First Nations in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games;
  • assisting Aboriginal people in developing economic opportunities on their own or in conjunction with non-Aboriginal proponents;
  • facilitating and coordinating a range of economic development initiatives, including effective economic opportunity partnerships and relationships that will directly or indirectly benefit Aboriginal people;
  • working with other ministries on major projects to ensure that Aboriginal interests are addressed in a timely and efficient manner;
  • working with MARR, the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts, Aboriginal Tourism B.C., Tourism B.C. and other stakeholders to facilitate partnerships and support the implementation of an integrated Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Blueprint Strategy for B.C.;
  • participating in the development of the New Relationship policy framework; and
  • assisting companies in developing ways to effectively engage First Nations in the development and review of their project initiatives.
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