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Why negotiate
A respectful and collaborative approach to negotiations with First Nations can advance reconciliation and help build stronger relationship with Indigenous peoples. They allow the groups to:
- explore mutual interests
- address challenges
- identify opportunities in a respectful, collaborative, and interest-based manner
Negotiated agreements can help make relationships better, clarify items of interest in a balanced way, and advance and recognize First Nations' rights as stated in the Canadian Constitution. They can also be a way to promote economic growth and social and cultural opportunities for both current and future generations.
Principles of negotiations
Negotiations often involve certain joint commitment principles, such as:
- proceeding without prejudice
- confidential
- in good faith
- open, transparent, candid
- interest-based
The aim of these commitments is to create an atmosphere of trust and respect between the parties during negotiations.
Types of negotiations
Negotiations can address a range of topics. Some examples include:
- justice, policing and community safety
- archaeology and the return of indigenous artifacts
- setting up indigenous protected conservation areas
- child and family services
- housing and other infrastructure
- economic development opportunities
- harvesting deer or moose
- managing natural resources
- gaming initiatives
- education
- and more