A Chronology of Treaty Negotiations in Canada with emphasis in British Columbia

1763 - Royal Proclamation passed by King George III recognizes aboriginal people as "nations or tribes" and acknowledges that they continue to possess traditional territories until they are "ceded or purchased" by the Crown (Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs). 1870 - Joseph Trutch, as Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, writes memorandum denying the existence of Aboriginal title (Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs). 1871 - The Colony of British Columbia becomes a province within the Canadian Confederation. British Columbia is …

…legislative assembly (Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs). October 21, 1999 - Government of Canada introduces the settlement legislation in the House of Commons in Ottawa (Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs). April 13, 2000 - The Nisga'a Treaty receives Royal Assent (Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs). May 12, 2000 - The premier, minister of aboriginal affairs and other senior provincial government officials are taking part today in the celebration of the historic Nisga'a Treaty, British Columbia's first modern-day, comprehensive land-claim settlement (Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs).