Stage 1: Procedure for receiving Statements of Intent and Revised Traditional Territory Maps

The governing body's representatives are encouraged to call the Commission office for assistance.

Receiving Statements of Intent

1. The governing body files a Statement of Intent with the Commission (see Appendix A: Sample Statement of Intent). The Commission will notify Canada and B.C. when the Statement of Intent has been filed.

2. The Commission will review a new or amended Statement of Intent to ensure that it meets all the criteria set out above. It will advise the governing body whether the Statement of Intent satisfies the Commission's criteria and whether it has been accepted.

3. When a new Statement of Intent is accepted, the Commission will:

• send copies of the document to the federal and provincial governments, and
• schedule an initial meeting of the three parties to take place within 45 working days.

4. When an amended Statement of Intent is accepted, the Commission will:

• send copies of the document to the federal and provincial governments,
• schedule an initial meeting only where necessary.

5. If the Statement of Intent is incomplete, Commission staff will contact the governing body contact person to obtain the required information. If the Statement of Intent is not accepted by the Commission, it will be returned to the governing body with an explanation.

Receiving Revised Traditional Territory Maps

Where a revised map and written explanation of the reasons for the boundary change are received, the Commission will:

• date stamp the revised map and the explanatory note and attach them to the Statement of Intent, along with the original traditional territory map;
• forward copies of the revised map and the explanatory note to Canada and British Columbia;
• request copies of letters from the First Nation which demonstrate that the revised map and the explanatory note have been distributed to neighbouring First Nations affected by the revised boundaries for the purpose of identifying overlaps;
• request information and documentation from the First Nation indicating that a process has been established to resolve any ensuing overlap issues; and
• make the revised map and the explanatory note available to the public on request.