First Nations Engagement Throughout the SLRP Planning Phases
Phase |
First Nations Engagement in Strategic Land and Resource Planning |
I |
Regional land use plans developed under CORE invited First Nations to participate, but only Clayoquot Sound was able to achieve a G2G process. |
II & III |
First Nations groups were invited to participate in strategic land use planning, but often chose to just be observers. A new provision of funding for the Central Coast encouraged First Nations to become more involved in that LRMP late in this phase. |
IV |
Start of increased First Nations activity through further provision of funding – in the North and Central Coast, Morice, Sea-to-Sky and Lillooet LRMPs. This phase is characterized by capacity building, joint initiatives, economic measures, etc. |
V |
New Relationship with First Nations signals government’s commitment to engage with First Nations on a G2G basis. |
First Nations are now playing an increasingly important role in strategic land and resource planning in BC, consistent with the Province’s commitment to forge a New Relationship with First Nations that involves opportunity for “processes and institutions for shared decision-making about land and resources”.
This goes beyond conventional consultation with First Nations on proposed SLRP products. Rather, it involves meaningful engagement with First Nations in all SLRP phases. Often this means:
- dialogue and agreement at the outset of a SLRP or coordinated engagement process to confirm, in writing, the protocol that will be followed for engagement.
- joint delivery of planning processes through the creation of special forums or committees to facilitate collaborative dialogue.
- provision of funding to First Nations so they can participate in SLRP processes, by developing relevant information for incorporation into the process, liaising with community members, and participating in discussions at planning meetings.
- collaborative decision making in search of consensus recommendations on land use and resource management.
- consideration and development of plan products that meet specific First Nations interests for resource protection, stewardship or access.
