CIER designed this guide to assist communities to more effectively engage in consultations with the Crown, and ultimately as a tool to protect their rights and interests.
The Guide begins with an explanation of the meaning of “consultation” and sets out a six-step consultation process. The Guide was developed with the assistance, and based on the experiences, of a number of First Nations from across Canada. These experiences have been translated into tools and sample protocols distributed throughout the Guide as resources and ideas for First Nations to use. The Guide also includes extensive support material including sample letters and agreements, references to current case law, information on land use planning, and resources related to community engagement. Ultimately, the duty to consult can be viewed as a mechanism for First Nations and others to take a seat at the decision-makers’ table and work with other governments regarding decisions affecting lands, waters, and resources. In doing so, it is an opportunity for First Nations to bring forward their values, principles, traditions and laws, and further promote the objective of reconciling the relationship between the Crown and First Nations peoples. It is our hope that Consulting with the Crown will serve as a “field guide” to assist First Nations as they continue down this path. 
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