What is the role of B.C.s First Nations in the GBR?
The Great Bear Rainforest is the unceded traditional territory of First Nations, meaning that no agreements regarding the land have ever been signed with the Queen or any federal or provincial governments. In April of 2001, eight First Nations of British Columbia’s central and north coast signed an agreement on land use planning with the provincial government. Although this agreement clearly does not deal with the issues of rights and title, it does mean that the people who live on B.C.’s coast will gain more control and derive more benefits from the forests.
