This five-year project (2022-2027) seeks to accelerate opportunities for First Nations in BC, including rural and remote communities, to access safe, affordable, and reliable low-carbon and active transportation.
Background
First Nations in British Columbia have developed extensive land and water transportation routes since time immemorial, facilitating trade, travel, and cultural exchange across vast distances. Colonization disrupted these systems, displacing communities from their territories and confining them to remote reserves with limited access to regional transportation networks.
First Nations in British Columbia have developed extensive land and water transportation routes since time immemorial, facilitating trade, travel, and cultural exchange across vast distances. Colonization disrupted these systems, displacing communities from their territories and confining them to remote reserves with limited access to regional transportation networks.
Limited transportation options continue to harm First Nations communities, restricting access to healthcare, education, and essential services. The lack of safe and reliable transportation is especially dangerous for First Nations women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, who face increased risks on routes like the infamous Highway of Tears. Reports like the MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice highlight the need for urgent improvements, many of which remain unfulfilled.
Transportation comprises 41% of BC’s annual GHG emissions, the single largest source. As extreme climate events become more frequent, the fragility and inequities in BC’s transportation system have become even more evident, disproportionately affecting First Nations communities and carrying significant environmental and economic consequences.
Equitable access to safe, affordable, and reliable transportation, in addition to low-carbon transportation, is critical to building resilience and upholding First Nations’ rights, including socioeconomic well-being, human security, and inherent, constitutionally protected and Treaty rights. As society progresses towards a low-carbon transportation system, policies must address the historic and ongoing challenges of the current system for First Nations and ensure this transition is just, fair and equitable, and that no First Nation in BC is left behind.
Transportation Assessment Report and Action Plan
The BC First Nations Transportation Assessment Report and Action Plan (Transportation Action Plan) identifies the main transportation challenges and opportunities facing First Nations in BC, and provides recommendations to support equitable access to transportation province-wide.
The report brings together the research and engagement conducted through the First Nations Low-Carbon Transportation Project to date. Completed in October 2025, it was endorsed by Chiefs at the BCAFN Annual General Assembly by Resolution 35/2025.
The report contains 47 recommendations, organized into 10 themes (see Figure 1).
BCAFN is using this report to advocate for improved policies, shared decision-making, and investments that advance a just, accessible, safe, affordable, and low-carbon transportation system for First Nations in BC.
Read the Transportation Action Plan here
Mandate and Objectives
In 2022, the Chiefs-in-Assembly of the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) organizations supported and endorsed the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan (Resolutions: BCAFN 6/2022, UBCIC #2022-04 and FNS #0222.06), which identifies key actions towards achieving clean transportation with First Nations.
BCAFN is leading the First Nations Low-Carbon Transportation project, a five-year project (2022 – 2027), with support from the Community Energy Association (CEA) and funding support from the BC Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions. This project is aligned with the implementation of the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan (Theme 4.2, Objectives 4.2.1 and 4.2.2) to “ensure reliable and affordable low-carbon and active transportation within and between First Nations communities” and “support First Nations in reducing reliance on fossil fuels.”
As mandated by Resolution 12/2023 the First Nations Low-Carbon Transportation project aims to:
- Assess gaps and opportunities that restrict and assist First Nations access to transportation;
- Advocate for transportation-related policies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and uphold First Nations’ Title, Rights and Treaty Rights; and
- Strengthen community capacity and climate awareness.
Other Key Activities
RESEARCH AND SCOPING (2023): To kick-start the project, initial scoping and research was conducted by BCAFN in collaboration with the Community Energy Association (CEA). In 2023, BCAFN secured a Master's student to complete a 250-hour research internship through the UBC Sustainability Scholars Program. The intern conducted baseline research and analysis on transportation and low-carbon transportation legislation, policies, programs, and funding opportunities for First Nations in BC.
BCAFN TRANSPORTATION SURVEYS (2024): In Spring 2024, BCAFN designed and delivered two transportation surveys, one for community members and one for leadership and staff, to identify gaps, issues, and opportunities for low-carbon transportation infrastructure and services for First Nations across BC. BCAFN received 429 responses from First Nations members, leaders, staff, and community members.
DRAFT FIRST NATIONS LOW-CARBON TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GUIDE (2024): BCAFN, in collaboration with the CEA, developed a draft First Nations Low-Carbon Transportation Guide in February 2024 through an iterative process with the five Phase 1 Pilot Project Communities (see below). The guide supports Nations in developing their self-determined Low-Carbon Transportation Plans. Please see the draft guide under Background Materials below.
PILOT PROJECT COMMUNITIES:
PHASE 1 (2023-2025)
From late 2023 to early 2025, BCAFN supported five First Nation community-led pilot projects to develop their own self-determined Low-Carbon Transportation Plans to respond to each Nation’s specific needs, realities and priorities. The Pilot Project Communities also developed a Gap Analysis Report to support the development of the Transportation Action Plan. The five Phase 1 Pilot Project Communities were Daylu Dena Council (Lower Post First Nation), ?Esdilagh First Nation, Heiltsuk First Nation, Nisga’a Nation, and Squamish Nation, selected to be representative of the diversity of realities First Nations face related to transportation across BC (coastal, remote and urban). Each selected Pilot Project Community received $65,000 in flexible funding and dedicated support from BCAFN staff.
PHASE 1 (2025-2026)
BCAFN selected six additional Pilot Project Communities via an Expression of Interest issued in April 2025. The selected Nations are: Tsawwassen First Nation, Skidegate Band Council, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Nanoose First Nation, Chawathil First Nation, and Penticton Indian Band. Each selected Pilot Project Community is receiving up to $65,000 in flexible funding to support the development of a Low-Carbon Transportation Plan and Gaps and Opportunities Analysis Report. BCAFN staff will provide ongoing support to the Pilot Project Communities, including regular meetings, an in-person visit, and support in developing their plans.
FIRST NATIONS LOW-CARBON TRANSPORTATION FORUM: On May 27-28, the BCAFN hosted the very first, First Nations Low-Carbon Transportation Forum on Lheidli T'enneh territory in Prince George. The forum built on the First Nations Low-Carbon Transportation Project so far and showcased First Nations-led low-carbon transportation leadership, climate action, and the ongoing work to improve First Nations transportation and mobility through a justice, equity, safety and reconciliation lens. The Forum was a celebration of First Nations leadership in climate action, as well as a space that echoed the need for clean transportation solutions to be underscored by systems and policies that respect First Nations sovereignty, reflect community needs, and ensure equitable access and safety.
READ THE WHAT WE HEARD REPORT HERE
ADVOCACY: BCAFN is engaging Crown governments and relevant partners to discuss the findings and recommendations addressed in the Transportation Action Plan and seeking implementation support. This includes having monthly meetings with the BC Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions and the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit, as well as engaging with federal representatives and Crown corporations.
Learn More
Charlotte Bull, Junior Climate Change Policy Analyst: charlotte.bull@bcafn.ca
Patricia Rojas, Policy Analyst and Regional Climate Change Coordinator: patricia.rojas@bcafn.ca
Kristi Denby, Climate and Environment Policy Analyst: kristi.denby@bcafn.ca
Background Materials
DRAFT BC FIRST NATIONS TRANSPORTATION ASSESSMENT REPORT AND ACTION PLAN
LOW-CARBON TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GUIDE
TRANSPORTATION FORUM WHAT WE HEARD REPORT 2025
