Our Story
NRT is a capacity building catalyst for First Nations in B.C. We are committed to providing tools and funding opportunities to our clients that advance their nation-building initiatives and establish resilient, healthy, and vibrant communities.
Our Beginnings
The NRT was established in 2006 through the enactment of the New Relationship Trust Act, Bill 11 – 2006 and was capitalized with an investment of $100 million from the Province of B.C. as an outcome of a Transformative Change Accord Agreement (the “Accord”) signed on November 25th, 2005, between the First Nation Leadership Council (comprised of British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs), the government of B.C., and the government of Canada.
The Accord acknowledged the commitment to strengthen relationships on a government-to-government basis, the importance of First Nations’ governance in supporting healthy communities, and the need to streamline efforts to close the capacity and socio-economic gaps in First Nation Communities. The Parties also recognized that new resources would be required, and that transformative change would require indigenous-led funding approaches.
New Relationship Trust Act
The New Relationship Trust was established on March 31, 2006 with the passing of the New Relationship Trust Act, the appointment of the first Directors and the transfer of $100 million from the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation to the New Relationship Trust.
The purpose of the New Relationship Trust is to provide resources to assist First Nations to build their own capacity to participate in the processes and activities envisioned by, and that revolved from, the New Relationship between the Government of B.C. and First Nations in B.C. by enhancing First Nation governance, leadership and institutional and human resources capacity to address social, cultural, and economic needs and priorities. These include, shared decision making, land use planning and resource management, revenue and benefit sharing, community planning and consultation and other interactions.
Our Business Model
NRT operates as a self-sustaining not-for profit organization. We manage a $100M fund in perpetuity such that the NRT operations and delivery of programs are funded by the investment income earned by the Fund and by third-party funds from private donors, corporate partnerships, and the Federal and Provincial governments to deliver impactful funding programs to First Nations.
Vision
Empowered, healthy, resilient, and thriving First Nations communities for all generations.
Mission
To be a partner and catalyst in supporting capacity development transformation across First Nations in British Columbia.
Our Values
Accountability
We continuously work on behalf of First Nations, demonstrating accountability and transparency through meaningful engagement, ongoing evaluation, and reporting.
Integrity
We build and sustain trust through fairness, honesty, and professionalism that reflects the best interests of First Nations.
Humility
We observe, listen, and have empathy in collaborating with all our partners to find new and better ways to serve First Nations.
Reciprocity
We seek opportunities to share, learn and draw upon the unique cultures, customs, and wisdom of First Nations in delivering relevant, responsive, and innovative programs.
Respect
We make decisions that respect the unique circumstances, goals, and aspirations of each First Nation.
Our Approach
NRT’s collaboration philosophy and commitment to remove barriers to funding are the cornerstones of our approach to supporting First Nations. Everything we do is based on the foundational understanding that significant emphasis be placed on each first nation communities’ unique structure, culture, relationships and journey towards their self-determination and nationhood.
We are continually seeking to remove barriers when funding First Nations and are committed to delivering and communicating the impact and positive outcomes to our strategic partners.