The B.C. government is encouraging all British Columbians to participate in their local National Aboriginal Day celebrations on June 21 as a means of fostering reconciliation through awareness of Aboriginal culture and achievements.

The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit have developed a path forward to improve and expedite treaty negotiations with First Nations in British Columbia.

British Columbia is working in partnership with the Wuikinuxv, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xaixais, Gitga’at, and Metlakatla First Nations toward the goal of establishing the cleanest LNG industry in the world.

Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad released the following statement, in response to members of Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ) voting in favour of ratifying their treaty Agreement-in-Principle:

Support for the liquefied natural gas industry is growing among First Nations in northern B.C. To date, the Province has signed a total of 62 pipeline benefits agreements with 29 of 32 eligible First Nations (more than 90%) that are located along four proposed natural gas pipeline projects: Pacific Trail Pipeline, Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project, Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project, and the Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission Project.

The McLeod Lake Indian Band, a Treaty 8 First Nation located 140 kilometres north of Prince George, has signed two agreements with the provincial government that will provide direct benefits to the community through further development of British Columbia’s emerging liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

West Moberly First Nations are partnering with the provincial government to ensure that their community benefits from the prosperity the emerging liquefied natural gas industry (LNG) is bringing to the North.

An agreement between the Province and Lake Babine Nation will help to guide collaboration on natural resource management and economic development opportunities across the First Nation’s traditional territory.

Finding the right career can be challenging at the best of times. The B.C. government’s new Career Guide for Aboriginal People is designed to help make searching for the in-demand jobs just a little bit easier.