The First Nations of British Columbia
The Government of British Columbia
The Government of Canada

We are pleased to present the report of the British Columbia Claims Task Force.

The Task Force was created on December 3, 1990 by an agreement between representatives of First Nations in British Columbia, the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada. The terms of reference asked the Task Force to recommend how the three parties could begin negotiations and what the negotiations should include.

We are convinced that the process must be open, fair and voluntary. The result of the negotiations must be set down in modern treaties, the blueprints for a new relationship. Implementation of these treaties will require the commitment of all to bring about positive and lasting change in the political, social and economic structures of British Columbia.

The negotiations to build a new relationship between First Nations, British Columbia and Canada should begin as soon as possible.

We unanimously make these recommendations and urge you to implement them without delay.

Signed by:

1. INTRODUCTION
   Historical Background
   New Relationship

2. SCOPE: What the Negotiations Should Include
   First Nation Government
   Land, Sea, and Resources
   Financial Component
   Government Services
   Certainty
   Amendment
   Implementation

3. PROCESS: How the Negotiations Should Proceed
   The British Columbia Treaty Commission
   Stages of Negotiation
   Access
   Organization of First Nations
   Overlapping Territories
   Timeframes
   Non-Aboriginal Interests
   Funding for Negotiations
   Ratification
   Dispute Resolution
   Negotiators

4. INTERIM MEASURES

5. PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
   Public Information
   Public Education

6. CONCLUSION

7. APPENDICES
   Appendix 1: Terms of Reference
   Appendix 2: Members of the Task Force
   Appendix 3: People With Whom the Task Force Consulted
   Appendix 4: People and Organizations Who Made Written Submissions
   Appendix 5: Issues in Framework Agreements to Date
   Appendix 6: Recommendations