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Myth: We will have to pay back the money borrowed for negotiations.

Fact: In 2019, the Government of Canada announced that all treaty negotiation loans would be forgiven. This means First Nations no longer owe any money borrowed for these negotiations. Currently, Canada and British Columbia provide ongoing funding to support negotiations, and this funding does not need to be repaid, regardless of the decision a Nation makes about its treaty.

Myth: Signing a treaty means we have to give up our Aboriginal rights and title.

Fact: Modern treaties do NOT extinguish Aboriginal rights or title. Treaties in British Columbia are built on the recognition of those rights—not the removal of them.

In 2019, the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia was introduced, which stated:

  • Aboriginal rights and title continue through treaties and agreements
  • Treaties should not limit or take away Indigenous rights
  • These agreements can evolve over time based on respect and co-existence

Myth: If we don’t sign a final self-government agreement, we’ll lose the lands from the Incremental Treaty Agreement (ITA).

Fact: Once ITA lands are transferred, they belong to the Nation permanently—self-government agreement or not.

An Incremental Treaty Agreement (ITA) is a side agreement between a First Nation and the Province of BC. It allows for the early transfer of land before a full self-government agreement is signed.

Once ITA lands are transferred, the Nation owns the land in fee simple—this means full legal ownership. ITA lands are in addition to what may be negotiated. They are not conditional on an agreement being completed.

Myth: We will lose our programs and services by signing a self-government agreement.

Fact: Funding and access to all programs and services will continue. Through self-government agreements, Modern Treaty Nations gain the power to invest more and create unique programs for the Nation, by the Nation.

Myth: By signing a self-government agreement, we will lose our Indian Status.

Fact: Those eligible for or who currently have Indian Status will not lose it through the self-government agreement.

Myth: We will still be limited by the constraints of the Indian Act.

Fact: Self-government agreements are direct steps away from the Indian Act. Instead, the Nation will make its own laws and decisions guided by the values, priorities and leadership of the people.

Myth: By signing a self-government agreement we will lose our tax exemption.

Fact: Tax exemptions under section 87 of the Indian Act continue to apply on former reserve lands after a self-government agreement is in place.

Through a self-government agreement, the Nation gains the authority to make its own tax laws in the future. This includes the option to maintain, change or create new tax arrangements. Any changes would be decided by the Nation, not the federal or provincial governments.

Self-government puts those decisions in your hands.

Myth: A self-government agreement will affect our Traditional Territory.

Fact: Traditional Territory is protected and recognized in self-government agreements as used, occupied and governed by our communities since time immemorial, and that recognition continues.

Myth: A self-government agreement will restrict our traditions and way of life.

Fact: A self-government agreement supports the preservation and revitalization of language, culture and traditions. It gives our communities the tools to protect what matters most.

Myth: Our inherent rights to self-government will be given up for treaty.

Fact: Treaties are grounded in the recognition and continuation of First Nations’ pre-existing inherent rights, including title and the right to self-government. Rights are not extinguished, surrendered or modified in a modern treaty. Treaties are living agreements and partnerships between the Parties (the Nation, BC and Canada).

Myth: A self-government agreement can never be changed.

Fact: Self-government agreements are living documents which can be adapted through community feedback and negotiations.

Myth: We won’t control citizenship.

Fact: The Indian Act defines who is to be a band member. With self-governance, your Nation instead decides on the criteria for citizenship. This puts the decision back in your hands.