The ministry is responsible for coordinating their policy and operational practices as they apply to aboriginal relations.

The functions include:

(1) Treaty Support:

• Ensure the ministry fulfills its obligations to support the treaty process;
• Provide policy advice and technical information to the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation negotiating teams; participate on ministry/agency line caucuses; and,
• Participate in the treaty process to ensure subsurface interests are correctly identified and clearly understood by all parties, and resources are accurately valued for decision-making purposes.

(2) Operational Support:

• Develop and implement operating guidelines, including procedures for consulting with First Nations on permit applications and other proposed activities on Crown lands, to ensure that operational decisions do not unjustifiably infringe constitutionally protected aboriginal rights, including aboriginal title and treaty rights, as defined by the courts.

(3) Initiatives with First Nations:

• Establishing more effective First Nation consultation policies and procedures;
• First Nations capacity-building to:
  • improve efficiencies in the consultation and permitting process;
  • to increase investment and job creation in BC;
  • support the provinces treaty negotiations and implementation; and,
  • enhance economic and community development.
• Promote First Nations - Industry partnerships.

(4) Policy Development:

• Developing the ministry's consultation policies and guidelines;
• Development of policies and practices related to interim measures and non-treaty initiatives with First Nations;
• Monitoring and analyzing litigation;
• Coordination with the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, the Integrated Land Management Bureau and other agencies; and,
• Liaison with First Nations and Industry, including advice to proponents on relationship building and consultation with First Nations.

(5) Environmental Assessment Office Liaison:

• Liaison with the Environmental Assessment Office on major projects for which the ministry has lead agency responsibility, including direct participation in negotiations with First Nations to secure their cooperation and support for the development of large projects in BC; and
• Participation in EAO workshops to develop and implement policies and processes related to First Nations participation in major project reviews.

(6) Crisis/Issues Management:

• Liaison with First Nations and Industry;
• Leading negotiations to resolve issues between First Nations and Industry;
• Coordinating branches/divisions, Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and other agencies; and,
• Communications planning.

Last updated: November 02, 2006