Frequently Asked Questions
Updated November, 2008
What is the New Relationship Trust (NRT)?
The New Relationship Trust (NRT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building strong, healthy, prosperous, independent First Nations within BC.
When was NRT created?
NRT was created in the Spring of 2006 as a response to the New Relationship vision. The New Relationship vision was jointly agreed to in the Spring of 2005 by the First Nations Summit, the BC Assembly of First Nations, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the Province of BC. That vision describes a “new government-to-government relationship based on respect, recognition and accommodation of Aboriginal title and rights.” Read the full New Relationship document.
How does NRT achieve its mandate of Nation Building?
NRT takes a number of approaches to Nation Building support, as follows:- We support initiatives at the community level (see below for current areas of priority)
- We work strategically with First Nation leaders throughout the Province
- We build cooperative partnerships with organizations that have similar goals and values
- We leverage funds for Nation building by coordinating with like organizations
- We communicate with and solicit feedback from our stakeholders to continue to ensure our initiatives and strategic direction is in line with the needs of First Nations in BC
What types of initiatives are supported by NRT?
NRT supports initiatives in five priority areas, as follows: education, capacity, economic development, youth & Elders, and culture & language. Read more about NRT Programs.
What is meant by “capacity”?
Capacity includes the tools, training, and resources First Nations need to participate in land and resource management and planning processes, and to develop social, cultural and economic programs in their communities.
How are funding priorities determined?
Priorities for funding are based on stakeholder feedback. NRT’s current five priority areas were identified in 2006, when NRT held a province-wide ‘regional engagement process’ consulting with First Nation communities across BC. In late 2007, NRT surveyed stakeholders to determine if priorities had shifted. They remained the same.
Where does initiative funding come from?
A Fund of $100 million was set aside by the Province of BC in early 2006 to help First Nations realize the vision of a new relationship. That fund is managed by NRT. Of the initial $100 million, just over $20 million has been earmarked for programs over the first three years (2007 – 2010). The remaining $80 million has been invested to allow the fund top continue to grow.
How is the $20 million in funding being allocated?
The current NRT Strategic Plan envisions spending $20.75 Million during the first three fiscal years (2007/08 through 2009/10).
| 2007/08 | 2008/09 | 2009/10 | TOTAL | |
| Capacity | $1.50M | $2.00M | $2.50M | $6.00M |
| Education | $2.50M | $2.50M | $2.50M | $7.50M |
| Culture & Language | $1.00M | $1.50M | $2.50M | $5.00M |
| Youth & Elders | $0.25M | $0.25M | $0.25M | $0.75M |
| Economic Development | $0.50M | $0.50M | $0.50M | $1.50M |
| TOTAL | $5.75M | $6.75M | $8.25M | $20.75M |
In 2007/08, $5.75Million in spending was allocated, but just under $42.5M was spent. This was due to a number of programs being still in a developmental stage. The remaining $1.5M has been allocated to fiscal years 2009, 201011 and 2011.
Who is eligible for funding?
Funding eligibility depends on the specific initiative. Some funds are available to First Nation individuals (such as the Scholarship Program) while other funding is only available to communities. Some funding is granted directly to First Nation service organizations to support existing programs. Check the Initiatives area of this web site frequently for details about funding eligibility and application guidelines.
What organizations has NRT partnered with to date?
NRT has formed strategic partnerships with the following organizations:
- First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC)
- National Centre for First Nations Governance (NCFNG)
- First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council (FPHLCC)
- British Columbia Capacity Initiative Council (BCCIC)
Does NRT provide funding to answer referrals?
No. In 2007/08, NRT supported a Land Referrals workshop that was offered by one of our partner organizations, the National Centre for First Nations Governance (NCFNG). However, we do not provide direct support to First Nations for referrals.
How is NRT governed?
NRT is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors and operates independently of government. Board members are appointed to a two-year term. Appointments are made by the Province of BC, the First Nations Leadership Council, the First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the BC Assembly of First Nations. Visit the Board page to read about the current Board Members.
How does NRT know it is achieving its strategic goals?
NRT has established a number of short, medium and long-term performance measures to ensure we are reaching our mandate and goals. The following Progress to Date table shows NRT progress according to short term measures.
| TARGET | PROGRESS IN 2007/08 |
| Assist 200 First Nation students in graduating from post-secondary institutions by May 2010 | 97 post-secondary scholarships awarded: o 8 Doctorate o 23 Masters o 66 Undergraduate |
| Compile a database on BC First Nation students attending/graduating post-secondary institutions | Database is being developed concurrently with the awarding of scholarships |
| Leverage $20 million in project funding with a goal of 2:1, including an additional $5 million in capital for First Nation language initiatives | $979,000 of additional project funding was leveraged from the governments of British Columbia and Canada, and program partners, including $900,000 for First Nation Language initiatives |
| Maintain investment fund at $100 million by March 31, 2010 (assuming an 8% annual return for the first three years) | Market value of investment fund was $98,393,254. Rate of return in 2007 / 2008 was -1.72% |
| Develop four consultation templates agreed to by the Province and First Nations to be used in negotiating lands, resources, title, rights, and/or revenue-sharing agreements | Work to begin in 2008 / 2009 |
| Enter into four partnerships/protocols with other First Nation organizations in order to promote collaboration and prevent duplication of products and services | Partnerships entered with: o First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council o First Nations Education Steering Committee o British Columbia Capacity Initiative Council o National Centre for First Nations Governance |
| Support the establishment of First Nation Economic Development Strategic Plan for BC that is supported by First Nations | Supported the BC Leadership Council to develop a draft First Nations Economic Development Strategy |
How can I contact NRT?
By mail:
Suite 1008 - 100 Park Royal South
West Vancouver BC V7T 1A2
By phone:
Telephone: (604) 925-3338
Toll-free: 1-877-922-3338
By facsimile: (604) 925-3348
By email: info@nrtf.ca