test

Print

Treaty

Under the BC Treaty Commission (BCTC) process, Kaska Dena Council (KDC), on behalf of the Kaska Dena, commenced tripartite treaty negotiations with the governments of British Columbia and Canada in 1995.  Good progress was made in negotiating the various sub-agreements of an “Agreement in Principle” and in implementing a variety of interim measures and treaty related measures.   In March 2003, Canada formally withdrew from the treaty negotiations, citing as their reason their “negotiate or litigate” policy.

In the spring of 2008, Canada agreed to re-engage in negotiations.  Kaska Dena Council was given the mandate to resume treaty negotiations and tripartite treaty negotiations recommenced.  Kaska Dena Council is currently at Stage 4 in the Treaty Process.

Six Stages of Treaty Negotiations

    • First Nations start the negotiation process when they file a statement of intent to negotiate a treaty.
    • At stage 2 of the process, federal and provincial governments and the First Nation ready themselves for negotiation by establishing negotiating teams, preparing background information, identifying preliminary topics for negotiation and setting up consultation mechanisms.
    • The three parties negotiate a framework agreement – an agenda that sets out the topics, process and timing for negotiations.
    • At stage 4, the three parties negotiate an agreement-in-principle (AIP) – negotiators discuss each topic listed in the framework agreement.  An AIP forms the basis of the treaty.
    • The parties conclude a final agreement. Negotiators work out final legal and technical details and wording on the provisions contained in the agreement-in-principle.

        BC Treaty Commission

        For more detailed information with respect to the treaty process and the history of Aboriginal people and the Government of Canada, please refer to:
        http://www.bctreaty.net/