Six Stages of Treaty Negotiations

British Columbia's treaty process is open to all First Nations in the province, and follows six stages:

1. First Nations start the negotiation process when they file a statement of intent to negotiate a treaty.
2. 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.
3. The three parties negotiate a framework agreement – an agenda that sets out the topics, process and timing for negotiations.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. The parties work cooperatively to implement the provisions of the treaty. This happens over a period of years according to a plan set out in the treaty.

For a more detailed description of the six stages of the treaty process, visit British Columbia Treaty Commission  .