The BC Energy Regulator is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples; this includes Provincial commitments to implementing principled, pragmatic, and organized approaches informed by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action, and the Supreme Court of Canada Tsilhqot’in decision and other established law. The provincial government passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) in November 2019 to implement the UN Declaration, which the Truth and Reconciliation Commission confirms as the framework for reconciliation.

The BCER continues to build mutually beneficial, collaborative working relationships with First Nations and works to ensure their interests are understood, respected and considered in BCER decisions and the delivery of its mandate.

Learn more about legislation and policy drivers that inform the BCER’s reconciliation efforts:

• Draft Principles that Guide the Province of British Columbia’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples
• Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Bill 41)
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP)
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action

How does the Province’s reconciliation commitments influence the BCER's work with First Nations?

Reconciliation is central to the BCER’s work and we have developed and maintained strong relationships with First Nations. Many of our programs and initiatives that support reconciliation pre-date the adoption of UNDRIP by Canada and the Province of British Columbia and have continued to grow and evolve over time.

We continue to adapt processes and programs to ensure they are aligned with the Province’s reconciliation guidance. This helps to advance collaboration throughout the regulatory lifecycle, including:

• Proactively, and in a flexible manner, working with First Nations to consult on industry applications, including collaborating with First Nations on continuous improvement of guidelines and procedures that direct our work
• Engaging with First Nations throughout the regulatory lifecycle reflecting the holistic approach the BCER takes to consider connections between land, human rights, self-determination and cultural identity
• Agreements and Capacity Funding Programs to support First Nations' review of oil and gas applications, engagement and more
• Planning and supporting education and training opportunities so that communities have trained staff to participate throughout the regulatory lifecycle, from application reviews to site restoration
• Collaborating on environmental monitoring and restoration projects, by partnering with First Nations on restoration projects including contracting opportunities to restore orphan sites
• Joining in compliance and enforcement inspections, as well as critical incident and emergency management planning to work with First Nations as partners in regulatory compliance across the natural resource sector through the Aboriginal Liaison Program
• Collaborating on Indigenous-led initiatives that support partnerships between the BCER and communities
• Increasing opportunities for engagement on the BCER's regulations, guidance, and environmental monitoring activities

BCER-First Nations Partnerships