First Nations Governance
Since early 2000, coastal First Nations have been at the forefront of developing a sustainable conservation economy and establishing shared decision-making over the land and waters of our Traditional Territories.
In 2016, the Great Bear Rainforest Accord, led by First Nations, marked the culmination of years of conflict and negotiation, and brought an end to destructive industrial resource practices in the Great Bear region.
The agreement formally protects 85 per cent of the coastal temperate rainforest on the British Columbia coast. It provides for government-to-government decision-making with the Province of BC and reflects a vision for healthy First Nations communities, a diverse sustainable economy and a protected rainforest.
Reconciliation with Canada
The stage is now set to move this globally successful stewardship model from mountain top to the ocean floor. It is an opportunity for Canada to join First Nations in creating the first national model of joint ocean protection and co-management in our traditional waters.
First Nations are proposing a reconciliation process with Canada to establish shared decision-making on ocean management through three collaborative governance tables:
- Fisheries Reconciliation Table
- Shipping, Marine Safety and Ocean Protection Reconciliation Table
- Marine Planning and Management Reconciliation Table
Through improved ocean co-management, the federal government can fulfill its commitment to reconciliation with First Nations and co-develop a new global standard for oceans management of our traditional waters.