Introduction

Agreements negotiated between First Nations, other levels of government, and proponents may provide a variety of benefits to all participants. First Nations who enter agreements are more likely to benefit from mining activities, as agreements help ensure that mining activities are carried out in accordance with First Nations’ interests and values. The provincial government can demonstrate it has met its duty to consult and duty to accommodate through Accommodation Agreements, and proponents can build local support for their projects through Impact Benefit Agreements (“IBAs”).

This chapter discusses the negotiation of agreements from a First Nations perspective. Topics covered include: agreements between neighbouring First Nations, agreements between First Nations and proponents, agreements between First Nations and other levels of government, and a primer on preparing for negotiations.