THE ADVOCATE 235
VOL. 80 PART 2 MARCH 2022
Dear Chiefs and Council Members,
The Vancouver International Arbitration Centre (VanIAC) is reaching out to all
First Nations in BC to offer their services in the field of dispute resolution.
So what’s happening now with First Nations that might require dispute resolution?
Many BC First Nations are embarking upon economic development plans as a way
of generating much needed revenue streams. These plans can range from forestry
operations to golf courses, large big-box mall developments to high-density housing
developments and much, much more.
Every project requires companies and workers to carry out these plans that sometimes
take years to complete. In that time a business relationship begins with a
contract often written by lawyers with an eye to not only protect the interests of
the First Nation, but also to limit liability for all parties in the event that something
goes wrong.
When matters do get off course, conflicts over the meaning and intent of the original
agreement can result in expensive and time-consuming legal proceedings.
This is when good intentions can be disrupted or even disappear in the wake of
heated and awkward conversations, that all-too-often are often accompanied by
lengthy delays.
In the beginning of a business relationship, the last thing that seems to get any
attention is what to do if there is a dispute. This means that if (or when) contractual
arrangements break down, the parties are left scrambling to determine what
to do.
Can the specific disagreement be resolved quickly and the rest of the business
relationship be salvaged? In this atmosphere of uncertainty, it is sometimes easier
to capitulate and allow the company to continue doing what it is doing, even
though Chief and Council are not totally satisfied with the end result.
The folks at VanIAC are ready and able to step into this situation, as a neutral third
party to help resolve your impasse as quickly as possible…and with as little
expense as practicable.
To make this happen, it is advisable that while writing the contract or business
agreement, the parties dedicate some time and planning on these important dispute
resolution clauses so that the path for solving these problems is clear. VanIAC
can provide some suggested wording to use in your contracts, tailored for your situation,
as is done for private sector disputes generally.
VanIAC has the expertise to not only establish a step-by-step process, but also to
play a major role in the process of conflict resolution. They have mediators and
adjudicators ready to begin the process of hearing the parties and pushing for a
meaningful solution.
Go ahead and give VanIAC a ‘no obligation’ phone call at 604-684-2821, or check
them out at: <www.vaniac.org>.
Let’s see how VanIAC can help!
Steven Point, OBC
Past Director, Vancouver International Arbitration Centre
Grand Chief of the Stó:lo -
Nation, former Chief of the Skowkale First Nation
Chancellor, University of British Columbia
28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
/www.vaniac.org
/www.vaniac.org
/www.vaniac.org