FORT ST. JOHN –  

Summary

• Doig River First Nation and the B.C. government invite local residents to provide input into a land-use planning project being co-developed in a portion of Treaty 8 territory in northeastern B.C.
• The primary goals of the proposed land-use plan include restoring ecologically important landscapes and waterways, supporting economic opportunities in the region and preserving sites of cultural significance
• Doig River First Nation and the Province are committed to an inclusive and accessible engagement process to ensure the views of the public, local governments and other interested parties are heard

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Doig River First Nation and the provincial government are inviting people in B.C. to provide input into a land-use planning project being co-developed in a portion of Treaty 8 territory in northeastern B.C.

The joint land-use plan would be based on a common understanding and agreement on public land-use management direction within the plan area. The primary goals include restoring ecologically important landscapes and waterways, supporting economic opportunities in the region and preserving sites of cultural significance to members of the Doig River First Nation.

The final plan will include enhanced planning areas to preserve culturally and ecologically significant sites and support Doig River First Nation’s practice of treaty rights, including the proposed K’ih tsaa?dze Tribal Park near the B.C.-Alberta border east of Fort St. John.

A land-use plan helps identify important areas of public (Crown) land for conservation, protection and recreation, and supports sustainable access to natural resources. It creates long-term predictability for industry by clearly defining areas where natural resource development is allowed and where it is restricted.

History of land-use planning in the area

Since 2021, Doig River First Nation has been working on its own land-use plan, known as Nan wúújq t’aa dâah’aa?. This is a Doig River First Nation planning document and does not establish provincial land management direction for the area.

The new plan would incorporate key elements of Nan wúújq t’aa dâah’aa?, but also take into account the Province’s overall land-use objectives and the interests of local governments, stakeholders, communities and the public, including nearby residents and those who use or access the plan area.

The approach is consistent with the 2022 consensus document, which commits to a collaborative approach to land and resource planning and to advance regional solutions to benefit everyone living in northeastern B.C. and Treaty 8 territory.

Take the survey and share your opinion

An online survey allows anyone to provide input into the co-development of the Doig River First Nation-B.C. joint land-use plan. The survey will be open from Feb. 4 to March 4, 2026.

Doig River First Nation and the B.C. government are committed to an inclusive and accessible engagement process to ensure that Nation members, tenure holders, industry partners, non-government organizations, local governments and the public are kept informed and engaged throughout the plan’s development.

Quick Facts:

• The Doig River First Nation-B.C. joint land-use plan would cover about 2.6 million hectares, or about 26,000 square kilometres of public land.
• Land-use planning is key to developing lasting solutions to support the natural-resource sector that local communities rely on, build B.C.’s economy and advance reconciliation with First Nations.
• It is a transparent and inclusive process that involves engagement with local governments, stakeholders, communities and the public, including residents and those who use or access the land.
• Land-use plans and land-use planning processes only apply to public (Crown) land.
• People can continue to access Crown land in a land-use planning area for recreation, hunting and other activities, in accordance with the existing management direction for that area.

Learn More:

• Read more about the Doig River First Nation-B.C. Joint Land Use Planning Project, view a map of the plan area and participate in a survey to provide feedback: https://www.planninginpartnership.ca/p/697cfa72a9b7d9001531b640/project-details  
• 2022 consensus document: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/agreements/doig_-_letter_of_agreement_20230306.pdf