Regional Reciprocity Trusts are Indigenous-led.

At the heart of Reciprocity Trusts’ mission is a commitment to Indigenous governance and self-determination.

Reciprocity Trusts works with First Nations across BC to set up Regional Reciprocity Trusts that are shaped by local Indigenous principles and supportive of land-, language- and Nation-building goals and priorities. Through Reciprocity Trusts, Beneficiary Nations receive a reliable, ongoing, and independent revenue stream based on allocations agreed upon in Reciprocity Trust Agreements. This revenue stream grows over time as property values increase and more residents and businesses join the movement.

When participating Indigenous Nations appoint a Trustee to the governance board of a Reciprocity Trust, we will work together with all parties to develop the terms of the Trust and a Reciprocity Agreement. Reciprocity Agreements confirm Indigenous participation in a regional Indigenous-owned Reciprocity Trust and govern how funds are shared amongst Beneficiary Nations. Once a Regional Indigenous Reciprocity Trust is operational, regular Trustee meetings are held to evaluate and steer the Trust in a good, consensus-driven way.

Reciprocity payments collected from homes, renters, businesses and events across B.C. are deposited into the relevant Regional Indigenous-owned Reciprocity Trust. The Regional Reciprocity Trust areas are based on boundaries determined by Participating Nations, which may be Regional District boundaries, as in the case of the South Island Trust, which covers the Capital Regional District. Within each Trust area, there exists a diverse group of Indigenous Nations and Reciprocity partners working towards making recognition of Indigenous land rights more meaningful. These relationships and partnerships are constantly evolving as we continue to work towards decolonization together.

Learn more about each of the Regional Reciprocity Trusts below.