Planning Effectively with First Nation Governments in BC

Planning Effectively with First Nation GovernmentsSmart Planning for CommunitiesFebruary 24, 2011: online webinar Presenter: Donnella Sellars dsellars@fraserbasin.bc.ca

Who am I? Donnella Sellars: • I am Secwepemc of the Northern Secwepemc te Qelmucw (NStQ) • From Xat’sūll and live in Cmetem’ • Who is my family?

Face Challenges Outline • Communications between Local Governments and First Nations • Economic uncertainty • Build Trust and a Good Foundation • Neighborhood resiliency • Urban sprawl • Housing affordability • First Nations Cultural Diversity in BC • Land use conflicts • Segregated response to issues & solutions • First Nation Structures in BCof infrastructure, • High cost services and facilities • Various global crises • When to engage and what are fine • Meaningful consultation with other starting points for levels of government on issues engagement COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Building Rural and Northern Partnerships

Communications Communications between Local Governments and First Nations: • Reconciliation • Time • Processes • Benefits

Communities Build Trust and a Good Foundation Colleen Hemphill, Chair Harry Nyce, Chief Negotiator for President UBCM Gwasala-Nakwaxdaxw Nations

Dialogue• Does anyone have a story to share aboutrecognition or reconciliation in your community?• What do you wish for your community or dreamof in your community when it comes tocommunications or building relationships?

First NationsCultural Diversity in BC

Acts EffectingFirst Nations Peoples The Indian Act, 1876 Land, Membership, and Local Government Constitution Act, 1982 Acknowledge the inherent right to aboriginal self- government

Forming a Relationship When do you engage?

First NationsGovernment Structures • Band Offices • Tribal Councils • Treaty Bands • First Nation Summit • BC Assembly of First Nations • Assembly of First Nations • Union of BC Indian Chiefs

First Nation Structures in BC Federal Government of Canada Fiduciary Responsibility to First Nations OtherFundingSources Indian and Northern Affairs CanadaFirst Nation Community First Nation Community First Nation Community

First Nation Structures in BC First Nations Councils (becoming similar to Ministries) 196,075 First Nation Membership Chiefs and Councils of 203 First Nation CommunitiesAssembly of First Nations Union of BC Indian Chiefs First Nation Summit Goverance Policy Development Rights and Title Treaty at both Provincial Non-treaty and National Levels Leadership Council First Nations Mining Council First Nations Forestry Council First Nations Technology Council First Nations Fisheries Council First Nations Health Council

Building Trustand Maintaining Relations If you don’t understand where the people are coming from, you can’t build that relationship or trust

Governments Must Educate Each Other Educate each other about the differences and similarities in government models and governance practices. This will help prevent problems arising from ignorance or misunderstanding.

DialogueWhat is your level of knowledge of FN governments or viceversa for the FNs on the line what is your knowledge of localgovernments?A. Still in the Dark? = Little to noneB. Some but would like more = Medium to highC. Actively engaged = High to Advanced• What are some the other resources out there to help you understand the governance structures that First Nation communities have?

Introduction & Letter Introduction: • Background/Purpose of call • Request to present Letter of Intent: • Background, goals, objectives • Include ideas from introductory call

Schedule & DeliverPresentation Follow up within the week: • Schedule a meeting Present: • Prepare PPT/offer handouts • Ask for input • Request to share with community • Request a key contact & next steps

Follow up Send Letter: • Summarize understandings • Act on recommendations or explain barriers • Answer questions from meeting

Community Meetings& Workshops We let them know what we can do - they let us know what they would like us to do. We generally compromise somewhere in the middle

Body Language andStorytelling • Silence • Eye Contact • Joking • Storytelling • Indian Time • Feasts • Opening meetings

Working Together Steps to work together: • Develop the relationship and maintain it • Understand each other’s governance structures, history, culture and diversity • Develop MOUs • Frameworks for future developments

Continuing the Relationship • All relationships require effort • Be a resource for the community • Be a problem solver • Be a mentor

Dialogue / Reflection• What has worked for your community or what has workedwell in the past for your communities when reaching out tocommunicate or build a relationship?• If you get an opportunity to work with your neighboringcommunity what are some of the steps that you would take?• What is a common issue or value that you believe yourcommunities share?• What are some of the values or goals that your communitiesmay share that you could share with us?

KukwstsétsemcThank youCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMBuilding Rural and Northern Partnerships dsellars@fraserbasin.bc.ca

Planning Effectively with First Nation Governments in BC

by smartplanning on Sep 06, 2011

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Planning Effectively with First Nation Governments in BC — Presentation Transcript