By Don Urquhart, Times-Chronicle

After nearly two and half years the Province has laid out 89 specific actions on how it will make good on its commitment to bring government policy in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, also known as UNDRIP.

With the release of its Declaration Act Action Plan the Province is outlining the actions it will take to bring all of B.C.’s government policies and over 5,000 laws inline with UNDRIP.

To ensure the plan reflects the priorities of Indigenous Peoples in B.C. the Province notes it was developed in cooperation with First Nations, Métis and Inuit living in B.C.

The action plan contains four themes derived from UNDRIP, according to Murray Rankin, B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.  These include self-determination and the right of self-government; title and rights of Indigenous Peoples; ending Indigenous-specific racism; and social, cultural and economic well-being.

“The outcomes articulate what the province will look like should we be successful in reaching our goals and describe the province we need, we deserve and we are committed to realizing,” Rankin said. 

The 89 actions are tangible steps each government ministry will take to realize this future. 

The Declaration Act Action Plan includes commitments to:

  • recognize Indigenous Peoples’ inherent rights, interests and legal orders;
  • support Indigenous students to lead graduation rates and pursue to their own excellence;
  • enable all Indigenous Peoples to live free from racism and discrimination;
  • share decision-making and pursue new fiscal relationships;
  • improve the health and well-being of Indigenous families; and
  • end the epidemic of Indigenous children in government care.

“We must make the province a place where the human rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected, celebrated and finally implemented in every aspect of society. The work ahead of us won’t be easy – but together, we can change the trajectory of history and address the harms done by over 150 years of colonialism,” Rankin added.

Agreeing that meeting the objectives of UNDRIP is fundamental to the future of BC, hiwus Warren Paull, of the shíshálh Nation said: “It is the pathway to ensuring the basic human rights of Indigenous peoples are upheld and building a shared future that is resilient and cohesive.” 

The Declaration Act Action Plan is one important step toward that future he said noting that the work ahead is “tremendous”. 

Noting that this plan is a first for any government in the world, B.C. Premier John Horgan said it will “drive transformative change in the relationship with Indigenous peoples and help us build a brighter future for everyone.”

He added that this roadmap represents “a new way forward and another important step towards meaningful reconciliation.” 

British Columbia was the first province in Canada to introduce legislation to adopt UNDRIP on Oct. 24, 2019 with Bill 41 – Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) intended to harmonize its laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This became law just over a month later on Nov. 28, 2019 but took another two years before a draft action plan was released.

“Two years ago, the seeds of change were sown – a future rife with the promises of true transformation and reconciliation became possible with the historic passage of the Declaration Act,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs.

“Make no mistake, there have been and there will continue to be numerous obstacles that challenge the work being done to revolutionize and rebuild a relationship that has long been mired in colonial violence and discrimination. 

“Today is not only a day of celebration but a day of reflection and accountability. We must reflect on the processes, frameworks and institutions that continue to deny the Title and Rights of First Nations, enact tremendous harm upon our communities and perpetuate a colonial cycle of marginalization and violence. 

“We must hold our governments and those in positions of power accountable for their actions and their commitments to the Declaration Act. With hope in our hearts we celebrate, reflect and continue the fight for change.”

Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations, highlighted that the relationships that have been built, and the commitments set out in the action plan, “provide a concrete pathway for transformational change”. 

Teegee also underscored that the plan contains accountability mechanisms set out through annual reporting and reviews of the action plan to help ensure it stays on track. 

“The good faith efforts made by everyone who contributed to this body of work are worth recognizing and celebrating. The work to come will not be easy, but I am hopeful we can build upon our success and lessons learned,” he said.

Chief Murphy Abraham, Lake Babine Nation added his voice saying the process will be “hard and challenging work for all of us, but I believe that with continued commitment, dialogue and collaboration, we can use this action plan to improve the road for our future generation from here on forward. 

“There is no greater imperative in front of us than the one to create respect and recognition between us, and ensure that current and future generations of our peoples live in dignity and unity.

As Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit political executive highlighted, B.C.’s historic step forward with DRIPA represents a righting of its relationship with First Nations. While “not perfect”, it none-the-less represents taking a concrete step “to move away from a tradition of rights denial toward a modernized relationship based on human rights, co-operation and partnership,” she said.