Treaty Commission Launches Human Resource Capacity Tool for First Nations

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 30, 2011) - A tool First Nations can use to assess and develop their capacity to govern under a treaty was unveiled today by the Treaty Commission at the First Nations Summit where delegates are discussing treaty negotiations.

"This tool provides a practical way for First Nations to assess their readiness to govern under a treaty given their own priorities, capacities and traditions of governance," said Chief Commissioner, Sophie Pierre.

The Human Resource Capacity Tool for First Nations was developed in partnership with the Kaska Dena Council and tested in workshops with First Nations in the advanced stages of treaty negotiations, including Yale, In-SHUCK-ch and Sliammon First Nations. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but can be modified by First Nations to meet their unique needs and circumstances.

First Nations can use this strategic planning tool, along with resources from other organizations like the First Nations Public Service Secretariat and the federal government's Treaty Related Measures fund, to make the transition from pre-treaty governance under the Indian Act to self governance under a treaty.

"Human resource planning and development is vitally important as First Nations prepare for governance under their treaty," said Commissioner Dave Haggard, who led the project. "First Nations may have to train current or new employees for their post-treaty jobs in government and this tool will help with those decisions."

With qualified people, a First Nation can more efficiently deliver programs and services, manage assets, create economic opportunities, and perform other functions of governance, said Commissioner Haggard.

Funding for the tool and workshops was provided, in part, by the provincial Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. The tool is available at www.bctreaty.ca and to First Nations at no cost, and further suggestions on its use will be available from the Treaty Commission. Workshops will be held in different parts of the province as Treaty Commission resources permit.

About the BC Treaty Commission

The Treaty Commission is the independent body responsible for overseeing treaty negotiations among the governments of Canada, British Columbia and First Nations in BC. It has three roles: facilitation, funding, and public information and education.