First Nations Relations Branch

Vision

We are a dynamic team, excelling in First Nation relations with our clients in support of a vibrant, productive natural resource sector.

Mission

To purposely support First Nation interests in the natural resource sector balanced by crown and societal objectives.

Who We Are

The First Nations Branch provides leadership in the ministry to increase First Nations participation in the forest sector through the First Nations Forest Strategy, coordinates consulation processes in the Natural Resource Sector, coordinates the ministry's support to the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (MARR) in treaty and reconciliation initiatives and develops appropriate policy and legislation. Specifically, the branch has the following responsiblities:

• Devlops and implements aboriginal policy and legislation as it applies to the Natural Resource Sector in collaboration with other ministries;
• Collaborates with MARR to develop Natural Resource Sector policy in support of consultation, treaty and reconciliation initiatives;
• Coordinates the implementation of consultation policy, procedures and practices across the ministry;
• Develops and maintains the policy for the ministry's direct award forest tenure program;
• Develops and maintains the policy and procedures for forest revenue sharing allocations to support MARR's forest revenue sharing agreements; and
• Develops solutions to build First Nation capacity in the Natural Resource Sector by working with partners (e.g. FPInnovations), stakeholders, and other agencies

The branch works closely with First Nations and their organizations, Excutive, Divisions, Regions, BC Timber Sales, provincial and federal agencies, industry stakeholders and partners to help develop a better relationship with First Nations to advance their economic interests and ensure the Natural Resource Sector continues to provide benefits to the province.

Questions or Comments Contact us at: Forests.AboriginalAffairsBranchOffice@gov.bc.ca