Respecting the Government to Government Relationship

WHEREAS:

1. The Government of British Columbia and the Treaty 8 First Nations acknowledge that a government-to-government relationship exists between the Treaty 8 First Nations and the Government of British Columbia;
2. The Government of British Columbia, in February 2003, committed to engage in the Negotiations on the 'set-aside' issues;
3. In March 2004, the Treaty 8 First Nations and the Government of British Columbia entered into a Negotiation Protocol Agreement; and
4. The Treaty 8 First Nations and Government of British Columbia wish to affirm their commitment to the negotiation of the 'set-aside' issues and to the co-operative resolution of issues.

THE PARTIES (T8 & BC) UNDERSTAND AS FOLLOWS:

Agreement	Relationship	Outcome
Protocol Agreement between The Province of British Columbia & the Treaty 8 First Nations (as represented by the Chiefs of the Blueberry River River, Doig River, Fort Nelson, Halfway River, Prophet River, Saulteau, and West Moberly First Nations)	Term of protocol agreement is 20 years, expires March 31, 2025 Relationship building between the Parties (T8 & BC) Making joint recommendations on legislative and regulatory reform Opportunity to participate on the decision making at a higher level Meaningful participation with levels of authority 1st level - Treaty 8 Chiefs at same level as Ministers 2nd level - T8 Managers, Specialists etc. same level as Deputy Ministers	This term may be extended by mutual agreement & either party may terminate at any time but must give 60 days written notice to other party Treaty 8 Chiefs meet with Ministers at least once per year T8 First Nations will have their input in the decision making process T8 First Nations will bear their own costs of participation in the activities T8 First Nations will commit to taking responsibility Equal positions Recommendations Opportunities

The Protocol Agreement basically sets out the rules of how Treaty 8 First Nations and the Government of British Columbia will work collaboratively in developing a positive working relationship.

Please note, this agreement has not been signed.