Principles for Building Relationships:
Be Respectful
Engage Early
Be Open and Transparent
Act with Honour
Listen
Be Willing to Adapt if You Can
Introduction
British Columbia is one of North America’s most competitive and dynamic places to do business. The province offers many economic opportunities thanks to a wealth of natural resources and a growing, skilled workforce.
The province is also home to a diversity of indigenous peoples (also known as First Nations or Aboriginal peoples) who have inhabited this land for many generations. As indigenous people were the original occupants of the land, they have certain legal rights (Aboriginal or treaty) that other British Columbians do not have. This shapes the provincial government’s relationship with indigenous people – it is a government-to-government relationship where First Nations are rights-holders not stakeholders.
The relationship between the Province and First Nations has evolved to include meaningful consultation with First Nations on Crown actions that impact land and resources and greater opportunities for First Nation participation in social and economic development. The B.C. Government takes an inclusive approach to land and resource management and increasingly seeks First Nations’ input into decision-making processes. Also, government shares revenues from resource development with First Nations in an effort to stimulate local economies and improve social conditions.
The motivation for a more inclusive approach is, in part, based on government’s desire to ensure a stable investment environment that allows business to tap B.C.’s full potential. As the Province develops its relationships with First Nations, companies looking for investment and growth opportunities in British Columbia have important relationships to consider building as well. These relationships include engaging First Nations as part of the Crown’s consultation process and perhaps creating business partnerships or opportunities with First Nations that are mutually beneficial.
Relationships between many companies and First Nations are evolving – many businesses understand an important component to succeeding in British Columbia is involving First Nations from initial stages of development. The business community is increasingly aware of the role responsible business practices can play in fostering stability for communities and business alike.
These efforts are not limited to B.C. but are happening around the globe as companies realize the benefits of working with indigenous peoples. In recent years, businesses world-wide have engaged with indigenous peoples in a way that builds and supports strong communities and fosters opportunities for people to pursue a living. Corporate engagement with First Nations in British Columbia is no different.
The purposes of this document are to: help companies understand the unique circumstances that frame the legal and business environment in British Columbia; and provide practical assistance and observations for building lasting relationships with First Nations. Relationship between proponents, as well as existing industries, and First Nations can provide solid foundations for effective consultation processes and business partnerships.
This document is divided into two broad sections. The first section provides an overview of the circumstances in the province and the role of proponents and/or existing industries in government’s consultation processes. The second section describes how some companies are building effective relationships with First Nations.
B.C. Provincial Government – 2013.
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