Once a modern treaty organization has self-government there are numerous long-term relationships that need to be established and maintained. Arguably the most important one, and the one specifically laid out in the agreement, is the relationship with the Crown. For proper implementation of any modern treaty or self-government agreement, the Crown and the Indigenous organization must maintain a long-term relationship that includes ongoing dialogue.

But there are many other relationships that require the time and attention of the staff of modern treaty organizations. This can include industry and other orders of government who are required to consult on a wide range of issues, from projects on treaty land (e.g., parks, mines, forestry) to legislative and policy changes. The modern treaty government must employ knowledgeable staff and allocate significant time and technical expertise to participate in these processes.

National and regional Indigenous organizations and coalitions that require attention (e.g., Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, The Assembly of First Nations, The Land Claims Agreements Coalition, The Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, The Council of Yukon First Nations), as there are relationships to maintain with neighbouring Indigenous governments.

International relationships are also common, such as the Yukon River Panel, Gwich’in Council International and Inuit Circumpolar Council. Some modern treaty organizations also have territories that extend into other countries or rely on species that migrate through other countries (e.g., salmon or caribou).

Each relationship requires significant staff time, effort and resources. At any given time, a modern treaty organization such as the Nisga’a in BC may be involved in fisheries discussions with the Government of Canada, negotiations with private sector partners on major economic development projects, education talks with the Province of British Columbia, land discussions with neighbouring Indigenous groups, and a host of community-level issues with the four Nisga’a communities and surrounding non-Indigenous municipalities.