Paper short abstract

This paper examines government to government rights and title negotiations in the context of British Columbian energy development projects.

Paper long abstract

British Columbia is, for the most part, unceded traditional Indigenous territory. The Crown (as the province of British Columbia) asserts sovereignty of all lands and oceans. From an Indigenous perspective the Crown has no legal standing. This paper explores the Indigenous concept of authority and jurisdiction (as opposed to a notion of the right of the Crown). This exploration is accomplished by drawing upon the author's direct experience in negotiations and discussions with the province of British Columbia.