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INAC BC - Who we are & how we work

Engagement with BC First Nations

Joint Planning and Policy Development Forums

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) BC Region is committed to working in partnership with First Nations people and organisations, the private sector and other governments to accomplish our goal of improving the quality of life for First Nations in BC. We work on a number of fronts with our partners, including governance, land management, education, treaty negotiations, and social and economic development.

Our commitment to working with BC First Nations goes back many years. In November 1999 an unprecedented event took place which marked a change in the relationship between BC First Nations and INAC.

For two days, First Nations representatives met with representatives from INAC in a Joint Forum, to discuss and make recommendations for departmental planning and policy development.

The attendees agreed that the Joint Forum was a powerful tool that provides an opportunity for incorporating First Nations priorities into departmental plans, priorities and policy development. This approach also promotes a stronger relationship between INAC and First Nations through on-going dialogue and a partnership approach to addressing issues, identifying priorities, and planning to achieve progress towards the common goal of improved qualify of life for First Nations in BC.

The Joint Forum provides a venue for First Nations to make recommendations regarding the department's regional planning, programs and service delivery. INAC also works closely with First Nations organisations such as the Assembly of First Nations External link to a non-government of Canada site - A new browser window will open. , the First Nations Summit External link to a non-government of Canada site - A new browser window will open. , the Union of BC Indian Chiefs External link to a non-government of Canada site - A new browser window will open., the BC Treaty Commission External link to a non-government of Canada site - A new browser window will open. and the BC provincial Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconcilliation External link to a non-government of Canada site - A new browser window will open. to lead regional initiatives.

Through these various partnership initiatives, and the combined efforts of INAC and First Nations to align and coordinate our priorities, it is hoped that we will have greater success in achieving the long-term results for which First Nation communities are striving.

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  Last Updated: 2006-08-21 top of page Important Notices