The BCER looks for opportunities to effectively engage with First Nations across the province with a goal to build relationships and support First Nations' participation in processes that may affect or be of interest to them throughout the regulatory lifecycle.
What is engagement?
Engagement is different than consultation. Engagement aims to build relationships with First Nations by exchanging information in the absence of legal consultation obligations. The purpose of engagement is to build trust and create meaningful relationships. This includes information sharing regarding regulations, policy, legislation and procedures.
What is consultation?
Consultation refers to the legal obligations of the Crown (Government) when Aboriginal interests (rights and title) may be adversely affected by a Crown decision. Consultation consists of information sharing between government and affected First Nations and seeks to resolve potential adverse impacts to Aboriginal interests.
Consultation Process
-
Preparation
Application summary and initial impact assessment
-
Initiation
Distribute application and initial impact assessment to First Nations for review and follow-up
-
Discussion
Conversations regarding concerns, information requests, potential impacts, potential mitigation/accommodation, and issue retention
-
Decision & Follow Up
Statutory decision maker reviews consultation record; where appropriate or requested, decision is shared with First Nations
What is the BCER’s Role?
Engagement and consultation are foundational to developing and maintaining positive working relationships with First Nations across B.C.
The province is home to many distinct First Nations; therefore, consultation and engagement approaches must be consistent but flexible as all First Nations share an interest in the decision-making processes. The BCER is responsible for the Crown’s legal obligations to consult and accommodate First Nations within the regulatory scope. In doing so, multiple First Nations may be consulted in relation to an individual application with the level of consultation dependent on the particulars of each proposed activity.
What is the Proponent’s Role?
Proponents play a vital role in successful engagement with First Nations. The BCER requires proponents to meet with and engage in dialogue with affected First Nations when planning energy resources activities. Engagement aims to advance collaboration, address concerns early, and establish clear expectations to support informed decision-making and respectful relationships. The BCER, First Nations, and proponents recognize that consultation with First Nations is more effective when potential impacts to First Nation interests are addressed early during the planning phase of development, prior to the submission of permit applications.
Pre-engagement is mandatory for energy resource activity applications, with some exceptions. This provides First Nations with timely and relevant information, along with meaningful opportunities to participate in project planning and decision-making processes before key milestones are reached. It ensures that rights, interests, and knowledge are meaningfully integrated into project planning from the outset.
How do we respect First Nations interests affected by oil and gas?
First Nations consultation and engagement happen continuously throughout the regulatory lifecycle.
Other
| Name | Date Published |
|---|---|
|
Guidance for Pre-Engaging Indigenous Nations (v1.1)
Effective Date: Jun 6, 2025 - Please refer to the Table of Revisions within the document for a list of edits made. |
Jun 6, 2025 |
|
Capacity Agreement Template
|
Apr 8, 2021 |
|
Natural Resource Aboriginal Liaison Program FAQs
|
May 4, 2019 |
|
T8 measures ppt fin
|