Forests and First Nations consultation: Analysis of the legal framework, policies, and practices in British Columbia

First Nations involvement in land and resource planning and management is hindered by inadequate consultation and effort to accommodate Aboriginal concerns in relation to rights and title. In this research project, I provide an analysis of the British Columbia Crown Land Activities and Aboriginal Rights Policy Framework, and of how it is implemented via the provincial Referrals Process. I focus on the role of Aboriginal consultation as applied to forest management, exploitation and conservation. Within that broader context, the British Columbia Ministry of Forests policy and guidelines for First Nations consultation are analyzed as a case study, both in terms of content and implementation. For background, I include a review of legal and policy aspects of First Nations' rights regarding land and natural resources, and outline mechanisms that exist to address indigenous peoples' interests in the land at various levels of governance, from international to local. I suggest a number of considerations that may benefit First Nation communities that choose to participate in consultative initiatives. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...