Indigenous Affairs Negotiations

Negotiations play a critical role in advancing reconciliation in New Brunswick. Negotiations are consensual and promote free and open discussions between two or more parties to identify shared interests. They allow for the exploration of various options that can result in mutually beneficial outcomes. Through the negotiations process, the parties can address challenges and identify opportunities, resulting in a better understanding of each other’s perspectives. Negotiations are therefore important in the establishment of a positive government-to-government relationship.

Many negotiations are taking place between First Nations and GNB. These negotiation meetings are called “bilateral negotiations” and they allow the parties to address issues that fall within provincial jurisdiction. There can also be bilateral tables between the Government of Canada and First Nations.

Negotiations between First Nations, GNB and the Government of Canada are called “tripartite negotiations.” Tripartite negotiations help to address cross-jurisdictional issues, such as child wellbeing, justice, healthcare and education.

Both bilateral and tripartite negotiations can cover a wide range of topics that involve numerous provincial and federal government departments.

Each party maintains its own internal processes to ensure their interests and priorities are well-presented at the table. The negotiation process followed by GNB has five steps:

• Step 1 - Fact and interest identification
• Step 2 - Strategic analysis
• Step 3 - Negotiation meetings
• Step 4 - Approvals
• Step 5 - Ratification and implementation

The time required to negotiate will depend on the matters being negotiated and the preferences and actions of the parties. Some negotiations can be completed within months while other items can take years to negotiate. Complex matters may require more time to understand the issues and perspectives of all parties, to identify the best solutions, and they may involve multiple government departments and First Nation community engagement.

The 2022-2023 fiscal year was an active year, with First Nation negotiations involving many provincial departments across a wide range of topics. 

GNB is currently engaged in more negotiations and negotiation tables than ever before, which are achieving concrete results for the benefit of First Nations and the province as a whole.

In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, GNB attended 101 negotiation table or bilateral negotiation meetings. This means that GNB sits down with First Nations in negotiation meetings on average twice a week, in addition to many informal discussions that occur on an ad hoc basis, and the work completed by all parties in the background between meetings.

Negotiations take time. Time is needed by First Nations to complete engagement within their communities and organizations, to confirm priorities in relation to specific topics and proposals, and to obtain approvals and instructions. GNB is respectful of the time required for all parties to be fully informed and provides capacity funding to ensure First Nations are able to complete the work required for full participation.

A snapshot of negotiations during the 2022-2023 fiscal year include: 

* Formal negotiation tables are those that have established, regular meetings and may also establish procedures through confidential agreements between the parties to help guide negotiations.

Update on the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action

2021 Report on Implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action

Duty to Consult with First Nations

List of First Nation Initiatives