Summary

• In 2020, the Tahltan Central Government and B.C. signed a shared prosperity agreement, committing to work together on an approach to long-term reconciliation, land-use planning and economic opportunity, including discussions on a potential foundation agreement
• Since 2020, the parties have been working collaboratively, including environmental assessments and positive consent-based decisions for the Eskay Creek mine revitalization and the Red Chris mine expansion
• The Province is now launching communications with First Nations, local governments, tenure holders, the public and other interested parties as discussions advance toward a potential foundation agreement

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The Government of British Columbia and Tahltan have been working together on a foundation agreement to continue to advance reconciliation and to support economic development in northwestern B.C.

This work will strengthen the government-to-government relationship, advance shared mining interests by providing greater clarity and predictability about where exploration and mining should occur, collectively protect and manage the environment, and help remote communities thrive by improving access to the same essential services available elsewhere in B.C.

Discussions regarding a potential foundation agreement have been underway for several years and have been publicly identified through agreements, announcements and ongoing discussions between the Province and Tahltan Nation.

As with other reconciliation agreements, the Province’s negotiation approach ensures private property rights are protected. Discussions to date have focused on economic opportunities and environmental stewardship. Future discussions could include clarity regarding title and jurisdiction.

The Province will be talking with the public, local governments, tenure holders, neighbouring First Nations and others, considering a range of interests throughout the process as B.C. continues to work with the Tahltan Central Government on a potential foundation agreement.

Advancing work together since shared prosperity agreement

In 2020, the Province and Tahltan Central Government entered into a shared prosperity agreement to advance reconciliation and land-use predictability.

The agreement commits the parties to work together toward a long-term vision for reconciliation laid out in a step-by-step phased approach, which helps all parties work toward making B.C. a world-class mining jurisdiction. This includes advancing discussions on a foundation agreement and seeking federal participation in those negotiations. Additionally, the agreement sets a path for formalizing recognition of Tahltan rights and title and for co-designed, phased land-use planning in Tahltan Territory.

The Province will continue to work collaboratively with First Nations and engage with industry and stakeholders throughout the land-use planning process. Additional engagements and updates regarding the land-use planning processes will take place in the coming weeks and months.

Engagement and the development of land-use planning recommendations are expected to conclude by December 2026.

The Province is working with partners on highway corridor improvements that will improve safety from the increased industrial traffic in the region. In 2024, the B.C. government and Energy and Natural Resources Canada announced an investment of $195 million to enhance highways 37 and 51 in Tahltan Territory.

As part of delivering on shared prosperity, B.C. and the Tahltan Central Government have advanced several agreements, including two consent-based decision-making agreements for the environmental assessments of the Eskay Creek and Red Chris mines.

Discussing a foundation agreement

Discussions on the principles and core elements of a potential foundation agreement have moved forward over the past six years. These discussions are focused on shared priorities that align with the Province’s northwest strategy related to reconciliation, development, conservation, mining partnerships and social and cultural well-being.

A potential foundation agreement would support Tahltan economic aspirations and create community benefits in the region, not only for the Tahltan but for all those living in the northwest.

In July 2026, B.C. and Canada advanced collective work on a number of fronts through the Canada-British Columbia Co-operative Prosperity Agreement. In that agreement, Canada and British Columbia recognize how reconciliation work strengthens the country and how First Nations partnership is the foundation of responsible resource development in B.C.

In support of this work, the federal government will determine ways to participate in and contribute to the potential foundation agreement.

Engagement opportunities

From now through fall 2026, the B.C. government will inform a range of groups, including local governments, tenure and licence holders, provincial agencies, the public and others to ensure everyone can understand a potential foundation agreement and the work ahead. Consistent with legal obligations, the Province will notify and consult with First Nations with overlapping interests.

Understanding public and industry interests is an important part of the engagement process.

Engagement opportunities will include:

• notification letters and emails to local, regional and provincial interest holders and groups
• meetings with local, regional and provincial interest holders and groups

Learn More:

• Tahltan Central Government: https://tahltan.org/
• Tahltan Band Council: https://tahltan.ca/
• Iskut Band: https://iskut.org/nation/  
• Land and Water Planning in British Columbia: https://planninginpartnership.ca/
• Canada-British Columbia Co-operative Prosperity Agreement: https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2026/07/02/canada-british-columbia-cooperative-prosperity-agreement
• Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger B.C. and Canada

Two backgrounders follow.