Six stages of treaty negotiations in British Columbia

Used by 'Namgis, BC & Canada, and 57 other BC First Nations

Stage 1: Statement of Intent to Negotiate

First Nation files Statement of Intent to negotiate a treaty with Canada and BC.

Stage 2: Readiness To Negotiate

Treaty Commission calls an initial meeting of the three parties. Everyone must demonstrate a commitment to negotiate, a qualified negotiator, sufficient resources, a mandate and a "ratification process."

Stage 3: Negotiation Of a Framework Agreement

The Framework Agreement is, in effect, the "table of contents" of a comprehensive treaty. The three parties agree on subjects and time frame.

Stage 4: Negotiation Of An Agreement In Principle (AIP)

This is where "the meat" of negotiations begins. The three parties examine in detail the topics in their framework agreement, and the goal is to reach agreement on each of them. The AIP also lays the groundwork for implementing the treaty. ('Namgis First Nation is now in the final months of stage 4.)

Stage 5: Negotiation to Finalize a Treaty

Treaty formalizes new relationships among parties & finalizes entire agreement.

Stage 6: Implementation of the Treaty

Long-term implementation plans are fine-tuned to support the details of each separate part of the treaty agreement.