Supporting Treaty 8 First Nations in Northeastern BC Since 1982
For over 40 years, Treaty 8 Tribal Association has worked alongside six member nations in the BC Treaty 8 territory, delivering practical services and advisory support.
The Treaty 8 Tribal Association provides a range of essential programs and administrative services to its member Nations, including the Medical Transportation Program, Indian Registry Administration, Jordan's Principle and other key supports that contribute to community well-being and effective service delivery. Through these programs, the Association ensures that members have access to necessary medical travel assistance, accurate and timely registry services, and additional resources designed to meet their evolving needs.
Serving Six Treaty 8 Member Nations
Treaty 8 Tribal Association exists to support First Nations that make up the BC portion of Treaty 8 territory in northeastern British Columbia, as well as Urban Indigenous individuals and families through designated programs and services.
We work directly with leadership, administrators, and community members across these nations, delivering specialized services and building capacity for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Indian Registry Administration
Professional assistance with federal registration processes for births, deaths, marriages, and status card applications. Our Indian Registry Administrator guides clients through documentation requirements, guarantor needs, and application processes for Certificate of Indian Status and Secure Certificate of Indian Status cards, ensuring forms are completed correctly the first time.
Medical Transportation Services
Coordinated transportation to healthcare appointments, treatments, and surgeries for registered off-reserve First Nations citizens across northeastern BC, from Fort Nelson to Dawson Creek, Hudson's Hope to Tumbler Ridge, and everywhere in between. Access to healthcare shouldn't depend on where you live.
Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research Department
Professional archival research and historical documentation supporting treaty rights claims and legal actions. Our nationally recognized TARR Department provides evidence nations need to protect their rights through legal proceedings and negotiations.
Jordan's Principle Services
Coordinated support navigating federal Jordan's Principle requests for First Nations children, ensuring families access health, social, and educational services without bureaucratic delays. Our coordination team helps families complete applications, gather documentation, and follow up on processing timelines so children get the support they need when they need it.
BC Regional Focus, Real Services, Proven Results
We Know Northeastern BC
We're not an Alberta-heavy organization or a provincial-wide political body. Treaty 8 Tribal Association focuses exclusively on the six BC member nations in the BC Treaty 8 territory. We understand the unique challenges, opportunities, and context of this region. Our Fort St. John office sits within the traditional territories we serve.
We Deliver Real Services
Medical travel happens daily. Registration processes move forward. Research projects support claims. Jordan's Principle assistance helps families navigate systems. Cultural programming builds connections while consultation support protects rights. These aren't just advocacy positions. They're tangible services that member nations and citizens access when they need them, coordinated by professional staff with specialized expertise.
We Balance Prosperity and Protection
Economic development and environmental health aren't competing priorities. They're integrated goals. We support member nations in pursuing economic opportunities while protecting the lands, waters, and resources that sustain communities for generations. This dual mandate has guided our work since 1982.
We're Member-Driven
Council of Treaty 8 Chiefs directs our priorities. We provide advisory support and specialized expertise, but we respect each nation's sovereignty and decision-making authority. You know what's best for your community. We're here to strengthen your capacity, not replace your voice.
Partnership Built on Respect
Treaty 8 Tribal Association provides support and services to the First Nations who make up the BC portion of Treaty 8 territory in northeastern British Columbia.
We work alongside member nations, in full respect of their sovereignty and decision-making. We believe in empowering nations through advisory support and direct services that reinforce their leadership and decision-making
Four Decades of Service
Since 1982
Incorporated under the BC Societies Act to provide coordinated support and specialized services as member nations navigate increasingly complex Crown-Indigenous relations, economic opportunities, and environmental challenges. Four decades of building relationships and delivering results.
840,000 km² Territory
Treaty 8, signed June 21, 1899, spans four provinces and territories with 39 First Nations communities. We serve six BC member nations in northeastern British Columbia's portion of this historic treaty territory.
Specialized Expertise
Our team brings professional credentials and deep experience in Crown-Indigenous relations, archival research, medical coordination, Indian Registry Administration, and Jordan's Principle navigation. We combine specialized expertise with respect for traditional knowledge.
Federal Partnership
We are primarily funded through the federal Ministry of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNAC) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), reflecting the recognition of our mandate to support member nations. Our nations and their members do not pay directly for our advisory services or programs.
Trusted Leadership
Executive Director Marlene Roy has guided the organization since 2008, building strong relationships with member nation leadership and communities while expanding service delivery to meet evolving needs.
Governed by the Council of Treaty 8 Chiefs
Treaty 8 Tribal Association is directed by a treaty 8 Chiefs representing each member nation. This leadership structure ensures our priorities align with member nation needs and that sovereignty guides every decision.
Chief representatives from Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, Prophet River First Nation, Saulteau First Nations, and West Moberly First Nations meet regularly to direct T8TA's work and ensure services respond to community priorities.
This governance model keeps us accountable to member nations and ensures our services remain grounded in what communities actually need, not what external funders or political agendas dictate.
Chief Justin Davis - Doig River First Nation
Chief Rudy Paquette - Saulteau First Nations
Chief Valerie Askoty - Prophet River First Nation
Chief Darlene Hunter - Halfway River First Nation
Chief Archie Harrold - Fort Nelson First Nation
Chief Roland Willson - West Moberly First Nations
Councillors Representing Treaty 8 Member Nations
Asher Atchiqua
Councillor, WMFN
Annette Davis
Councillor, HRFN
Charmaine Hunter
Councillor, HRFN
Bev Stager
Councillor, PRFN
Curtis Dickie
Councillor, FNFN
Juritha Owens
Councillor, SFN
Joyce Audit
Councillor, HRFN
Asher Atchiqua
Councillor, WMFN