VICTORIA – Legislation introduced Oct. 24, 2019, creates a path forward to recognize and uphold the human rights of Indigenous peoples in B.C.

“Today’s legislation is a crucial step towards true and lasting reconciliation,” said Premier John Horgan. “With this new law, Indigenous peoples will be part of the decisions that affect them, their families and their territories. Together with Indigenous peoples, we’re going to build a better future with good jobs and opportunities for people, strong environmental protections and healthy communities that include everyone.”

If passed, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act will make British Columbia the first province to bring the internationally recognized standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) into provincial law.

“B.C. has made significant progress on reconciliation together with Indigenous peoples already, and we’ll continue to work together to build an even stronger, more inclusive and more just B.C. that will create a better future for everyone,” said Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “The legislation will create a path forward that upholds the human rights of Indigenous peoples, while creating more transparency and predictability in the work we do together. This is about ending discrimination and conflict in our province, and instead ensuring more economic justice and fairness.”

Developed in collaboration with the First Nations Leadership Council at the direction of First Nations, this legislation creates a framework for reconciliation in B.C., in keeping with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“First Nations across B.C., Canada and the world are watching the introduction of this historic legislation. We are showing how the maturity and wisdom of our current leadership in this province, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, can be a beacon for hope during these uncertain times,” said Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations. “I applaud Premier Horgan and his cabinet for their bravery and perseverance in moving this forward. Implementing the UN Declaration is a non-partisan move, and we have been waiting 12 long years for this. Businesses and investors will benefit from this as it creates certainty and predictability for projects in this province – British Columbians will benefit from job creation and First Nations will benefit by having a seat at the table. Mussi Cho to all British Columbians. We are finally moving forward together.”

Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit political executive, said, “The provincial government has a long history of denying the very existence and rights of Indigenous peoples. We are pleased that this changes today, and the Province of British Columbia is working with us in turning the page in our collective history and embarking on a new era and path for building a respectful and modern government-to-government relationship – a relationship built on recognition, respect, co-operation and partnership with a goal to improve the lives of our citizens and bring reconciliation to the forefront of society.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, said, “Today is a good day. Without a doubt, this unifying bill represents an incredible step forward in Crown-Indigenous relations in the Province of British Columbia. We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come together, and we eagerly anticipate next steps. This landmark bill is not only aspirational but includes tangible and practical tools for implementation. We hold up our hands to our ancestors and past leaders for paving the way for this critical work, and we look to our grandchildren, who will enjoy a more certain future.”

Over time as laws are modified or built, they will be aligned with the UN Declaration. Additional elements of the bill include:

• a requirement to develop an action plan to meet the objectives of the UN Declaration, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples;
• annual public reporting to monitor progress;
• discretion for new decision-making agreements between the Province and Indigenous governments where decisions directly affect Indigenous peoples and mechanisms exist in applicable legislation – with clear processes, administrative fairness and transparency; and
• recognition for additional forms of Indigenous governments in agreement-making, such as multiple Nations working together as a collective, or hereditary governments – as determined and recognized by the citizens of the Nation.

To support self-determination and self-government, the act will enable the Province to recognize other forms of Indigenous governments in addition to federal Indian Act bands, treaty Nations and incorporated bodies and societies. This also provides more clarity for businesses and communities about who to engage when working with Indigenous partners.

In 2017, every cabinet minister in the provincial government was tasked with a mandate to implement the UN Declaration and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. A commitment to adopting the UN Declaration in B.C. is a component of the Confidence and Supply Agreement with the BC Green Party caucus.

Quick Facts:

• The First Nations Leadership Council is comprised of leadership from the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on all governments in Canada to fully adopt and implement the UN Declaration as a framework for reconciliation.
• The UN Declaration is a universal human rights instrument that includes 46 articles outlining the minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples throughout the world. It has the support of 148 countries.
• Actions taken since 2017 in B.C. to implement the UN Declaration include:
  • sharing $100 million annually in stable, long-term new revenues to support self-government and services that make life better for families in First Nations communities;
  • committing $550 million over 10 years to support the construction of 1,750 affordable housing units for Indigenous peoples on- and off-reserve;
  • dedicating $50 million to revitalize Indigenous languages;
  • modernizing the environmental assessment process;
  • amending child welfare laws to help keep Indigenous children with their families and communities;
  • implementing a new K-12 curriculum that integrates Indigenous culture and history; and
  • modernizing the treaty process to recognize the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and align with the UN Declaration.

Learn More:

For a factsheet on the B.C. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BC_Declaration_Act-Factsheet.pdf

The legislation: https://declaration.gov.bc.ca

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf

Presentation from media briefing: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/PPT_Media-Tech-Briefing.pdf

Translations:

To read the release in simplified Chinese, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BC_Declaration_Act-NR-Chinese-Simplified.pdf

To read the release in traditional Chinese, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BC_Declaration_Act-NR-Chinese-Traditional.pdf

To read the release in Punjabi, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BC_Declaration_Act-NR-Punjabi.pdf

To read a backgrounder on what people are saying in Punjabi, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BC_Declaration_Act-What_people_are_saying-Punjabi.pdf

A backgrounder follows.

Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and Member of Tsartlip First Nation –

“The legislation introduced today is the result of decades of work and advocacy from Indigenous leaders in Canada. I raise my hands to them. We are now on a path of co-operation and collaboration unlike we have seen in the history of British Columbia. It is a path that creates certainty by avoiding the conflict that we face today. I am proud to be part of this parliament as we take this historic step recognizing the fundamental human rights of Indigenous peoples.”

Gitxsan Chief Glen Williams –

"My grandfather a Gitxsan high chief Lelt said to me in the '80s, ‘You watch one day, our Gitxsan way of life, our traditional laws and lax yip (territories) will be enshrined in the white man's laws (non-Indigenous laws). It will be a small faint light, then it will begin to glow and then it will glitter in their supreme law’. With B.C. legislating the UN Declaration, it will signal and provide opportunities for meaningful coexistence, true redress to be recognized as the proper rights holders, partnerships on the lax yip to jointly manage, plan and share the economic fruits."

Greg D’Avignon, president and CEO, Business Council of British Columbia –

“The Business Council of British Columbia membership is optimistic for the long-term potential of B.C.’s UNDRIP legislation to advance meaningful reconciliation. In the spirit of collaboration, the implementation of the legislation must include engagement with business and their Indigenous partners and communities. Together we can collectively inform the work ahead building on the experience and success of the nearly 500 agreements formed over the last two decades between business and Indigenous peoples, many of which incorporate UNDRIP  principles. Successful implementation will also require government support for nation building and capacity building to enable Indigenous peoples' full participation in shared decision-making processes, while creating the needed clarity and greater certainty for businesses, investors and the people of B.C. as we pursue opportunity and prosperity together.”

Val Litwin, president and CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce –

“With reconciliation in mind, the BC Chamber of Commerce provincial network first adopted a policy on UNDRIP in 2018, and recommended the Declaration serve as a basis for reforming laws and policies in B.C. We believe this legislation is the start of a long-term conversation that has the potential to lead toward clear and meaningful collaboration between government, Indigenous groups and the business community.  Practical implementation of the legislation’s intent will be vital. But our network believes a shared decision-making process between Indigenous Peoples and government must be pursued, and has the potential to create greater certainty for business.”

Maja Tait, president, Union of British Columbia Municipalities –

“The Union of B.C. Municipalities welcomes legislation establishing a framework for reconciliation in British Columbia. Our membership supports the ongoing work of reconciliation both locally and provincially. We also recognize the need for all orders of government to be directly involved in collaborative processes when there are direct jurisdictional considerations. We look forward to reviewing the legislation and ascertaining the requirement for local government consultation and engaging with all parties to support this work.”

Kendra Johnston, president and CEO, Association for Mineral Exploration BC –

"Mineral explorers in B.C. are leaders in reconciliation, with many companies already employing practices that are aligned with the principles of UNDRIP. As one of the largest private-sector employers of Indigenous peoples in Canada, we are supportive of our First Nation partners and encourage fostering respectful relationships through early engagement. We look forward to working with government and Indigenous leaders on the implementation of UNDRIP principles to ensure clarity and certainty for all British Columbians."

Khelsilem, Squamish Nation –

“Indigenous peoples’ struggle for Canadian governments to affirm and ratify Indigenous rights has been long and painful. But the new legislation on the rights of Indigenous peoples is a moment in our generation where we work together to create meaningful impact for all our communities. This is a historic moment in Canada brought together by generations of work.”

Geoff Plant, former attorney general of British Columbia, and former minister responsible for treaty negotiations (2001-05) –

“B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is a profoundly important step on the road to reconciliation in B.C. It’s both a strong affirmation of Indigenous rights and a framework for ensuring that the work of making these rights meaningful 'on the ground' is done collaboratively, responsibly and transparently. I congratulate the government and everyone else who helped bring this initiative to fruition.”

Clara Morin Dal Col, President, Métis Nation British Columbia –

“The Métis Nation B.C. is pleased this government is fulfilling its commitment to introduce legislation implementing UNDRIP into provincial laws and policies. Our 20,000 citizens now look forward to seeing that commitment to UNDRIP demonstrated in the legislation itself, including formal recognition of our constitutional rights under Section 35.”

Susannah Pierce, director, corporate affairs, LNG Canada –

“LNG Canada supports the government's effort to achieve reconciliation through the implementation of legislation in support of UNDRIP.  LNG Canada welcomes legislation that will enhance transparency, creates greater certainty and ultimately delivers shared prosperity for indigenous communities in the province."

David Kiemele, managing director, Cermaq –

“UNDRIP means many things: justice, equality, good governance, good faith and a rights-based approach. As a business in Canada, Cermaq has already adopted UNDRIP as a reconciliation framework and is applying it in our corporate policy. In Canada, there continues to be a need for sustainable development and the positive impact that can have in small rural and coastal communities. In Cermaq we have a very public commitment to respecting human rights, diversity and the opportunity for personal and community prosperity. Relationships must be healed and although we are still learning as a company, our hearts are fully committed.”

Chief Robert Joseph, Ambassador, Reconciliation Canada –

“The provincial government should be applauded for its extraordinary courage for taking this giant step for our society. This is one of the most significant human rights milestones achieved for Indigenous peoples by any government in the world. B.C. has set a legislative precedent that can guide the way forward for all provinces across this country as well as at the federal level for meaningful reconciliation and engagement."

Maria Dobrinskaya, B.C. director, Broadbent Institute –

“This important bill takes a significant step forward in continuing to build upon the recognition and affirmation of Indigenous rights as outlined in Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution. The respectful, balanced, process-oriented approach in this legislation will provide certainty and opportunity in our province, to the benefit of all British Columbians.” 

Laird Cronk, president, BC Federation of Labour –

“B.C.’s labour movement - and the half-a-million workers our affiliates represent in every corner of this province - know that Indigenous rights are human rights. For too long, those rights have been denied, forcing First Nations and communities into conflict. With the UN Declaration as its framework, this bill enables Indigenous communities to take on meaningful roles in decision-making and provides a just and equitable path for economic development that benefits all workers and communities in B.C.”

Josie Osborne, mayor, District of Tofino –

“All my experiences working in Indigenous communities and now being a leader in my own rural community confirm that the only path forward to prosperity and mutual benefit is one on which we walk together at every level – as individuals, as communities, and as governments. Codifying this commitment and providing a framework through legislation that implements the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is something I strongly believe in.”

Kennedy Stewart, mayor, City of Vancouver –

“This legislation is an important step forward to a brighter future for the province and for Indigenous peoples. As a City of Reconciliation, Vancouver has been working to strengthen relationships between the municipality, local First Nations and urban Indigenous peoples. The Province’s legislation will provide a supportive context for that work.”

Jennifer Preston, Indigenous rights co-ordinator, Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers) –

“Creating a legislative framework in British Columbia for the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is vitally important for achieving reconciliation and safeguarding human rights. Supporting this effort is critical to ensuring Indigenous peoples’ rights are respected, as we move away from the legacy of colonization into a new reality.”

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, Aki-kwe, professor of law and director, Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, University of British Columbia –

“The new legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration in B.C. is an historic and fulsome response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It brings clarity, stability and respect for the human rights of Indigenous peoples. I applaud this step and believe it will mark a positive turning point for justice and human rights in British Columbia.”

Charlene Higgins, CEO, BC First Nations Forestry Council –

“This historic legislation will provide Indigenous governments with a much-needed tool to engage with the Province to make decisions together as partners that share a common interest in finding innovative approaches to sustainably manage our natural resources.”

Santa Ono, president and vice-chancellor, University of British Columbia –

“UBC is one of the first universities to explicitly express support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and since Indigenous engagement is one of our top strategic priorities, we welcome legislative guidance on how to implement the UN Declaration, in practice.”

Roshan Danesh, strategic advisor on reconciliation and conflict resolution to First Nations, governments, industry, international organizations and the United Nations –

“This legislation does exactly what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action say must be done – adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a ‘framework for reconciliation.’ Through the legislation, we will gain more coherence in how government and First Nations act, partner and invest in the work of reconciliation – and see increasingly tangible progress built through co-operation.”

VICTORIA – Le projet de loi déposé le 24 octobre 2019 ouvre la voie à la reconnaissance et au respect des droits de la personne des peuples autochtones en Colombie-Britannique.

« Le projet de loi d’aujourd’hui est une étape cruciale sur la voie d’une réconciliation authentique et durable, a déclaré le premier ministre John Horgan. Cette nouvelle loi associe les peuples autochtones aux décisions qui ont une incidence sur eux, leurs familles et leurs territoires. De concert avec les peuples autochtones, nous allons bâtir un avenir meilleur qui créera de bons emplois et de bons débouchés pour les personnes, de solides protections pour l’environnement et des communautés en santé où tout le monde a sa place. »

S’il est adopté, le projet de loi intitulé Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act fera de la Colombie-Britannique la première province à introduire dans le droit provincial les normes reconnues à l’échelle internationale de la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones (Déclaration de l’ONU).

« La C.-B. a déjà réalisé des progrès considérables sur la voie de la réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones et nous continuerons à travailler ensemble pour bâtir une C.-B. encore plus solide, plus inclusive et plus juste qui créera un meilleur avenir pour tout le monde, a déclaré Scott Fraser, ministre des Relations avec les Autochtones et de la Réconciliation. Ce projet de loi ouvre la voie à la reconnaissance et au respect des droits de la personne des peuples autochtones en Colombie-Britannique, tout en rendant le travail que nous réalisons ensemble plus transparent et prévisible. Il s’agit de mettre fin à la discrimination et aux conflits dans notre province et d’améliorer la justice et l’équité économiques. »

Élaboré en étroite collaboration avec le Conseil des leaders des Premières Nations, ce projet de loi instaurera un cadre de la réconciliation en C.-B. dans l’esprit des appels à l’action de la Commission de vérité et de réconciliation.

« Les Premières Nations partout en C.-B., au Canada et dans le monde observent le dépôt de ce projet de loi historique. Nous montrons que la maturité et la sagesse des responsables de notre province, Autochtones comme non-Autochtones, peuvent être une source d’espoir en ces temps incertains, a souligné le chef régional Terry Teegee, de l’Assemblée des Premières Nations de la C.-B. Je félicite le premier ministre Horgan et son cabinet de leur bravoure et de leur persévérance pour aller de l’avant. La mise en œuvre de la Déclaration de l’ONU est une initiative non partisane que nous avons attendue pendant 12 longues années. Les entreprises et les investisseurs en bénéficieront, car elle créera de la certitude et de la prévisibilité pour les projets dans cette province – les Britanno-colombiens profiteront de la création d’emplois et les Premières Nations tireront parti de leur participation aux discussions. Mussi Cho à tous les Britanno-Colombiens. Nous avançons enfin ensemble. »

Cheryl Casimer, cadre politique du Sommet des Premières Nations, a affirmé : « Le gouvernement provincial a une longue tradition de nier l’existence même et les droits des peuples autochtones. Nous nous réjouissons que cela change aujourd’hui et que la province de la Colombie-Britannique travaille avec nous pour tourner la page de notre histoire collective et pour s’engager dans une ère et une voie nouvelles afin de créer une relation de gouvernement à gouvernement respectueuse et moderne – une relation fondée sur la reconnaissance, le respect, la coopération et le partenariat dans le but d’améliorer la vie de nos citoyens et de placer la réconciliation au premier plan de la société. »

Le grand chef Stewart Phillip, de l’Union of BC Indian Chiefs, s’est réjoui : « Aujourd’hui est un grand jour. Ce projet de loi rassembleur représente sans aucun doute un incroyable pas en avant pour les relations Couronne-Autochtones dans la province de la Colombie-Britannique. Nous sommes incroyablement fiers de tout le chemin que nous avons parcouru ensemble et nous attendons les prochaines étapes avec impatience. Ce projet de loi qui fait date n’est pas seulement ambitieux, il contient également des outils tangibles et pratiques pour le mettre en œuvre. Nous saluons nos ancêtres et les leaders du passé qui ont préparé le terrain pour ce travail crucial et nous gardons à l’esprit nos petits-enfants qui bénéficieront d’un avenir plus certain. »

Au fil du temps, la modification ou la création des lois les rendra conformes à la Déclaration de l’ONU. Le projet de loi comporte également les éléments suivants :

• l’obligation d’élaborer un plan d’action pour atteindre les objectifs de la Déclaration de l’ONU, en collaboration avec les peuples autochtones;
• la production d’un rapport annuel pour suivre les progrès;
• le caractère discrétionnaire des nouvelles ententes décisionnelles conclues entre la province et les gouvernements autochtones quand les décisions exercent une incidence directe sur les peuples autochtones et que les mécanismes de la législation applicable le permettent – grâce à des processus clairs et à l’équité et à la transparence administratives;
• la reconnaissance des autres formes de gouvernement autochtones dans l’élaboration des ententes, comme la collaboration de multiples nations dans le cadre d’un collectif ou les gouvernements héréditaires – tels que déterminés et reconnus par les citoyens d’une nation.

Pour promouvoir l’autodétermination et l’autonomie gouvernementale, la loi permettra à la province de reconnaître d’autres formes de gouvernements autochtones en plus des bandes assujetties à la Loi sur les Indiens fédérale, des nations signataires de traités, et des personnes morales constituées et des organismes dotés de la personnalité morale. Elle clarifie également pour les entreprises et les communautés les personnes à associer au travail avec des partenaires autochtones.

En 2017, chaque ministre du gouvernement provincial a été chargé de mettre en œuvre la Déclaration de l’ONU et les appels à l’action de la Commission de vérité et de réconciliation. L’engagement d’adopter la Déclaration de l’ONU en C.-B. fait partie de l’accord de confiance et de soutien conclu avec le caucus du Parti vert de la C.-B.

Faits en bref

• Le Conseil des leaders des Premières Nations de la C.-B. se compose des dirigeants de l’Assemblée des Premières Nations de la C.-B., du Sommet des Premières Nations et de l’Union of BC Indian Chiefs.
• La Commission de vérité et de réconciliation a demandé à tous les gouvernements du Canada d’adopter et de mettre en œuvre intégralement la Déclaration de l’ONU à titre de cadre de référence pour la réconciliation.
• La Déclaration de l’ONU est un instrument universel des droits de la personne qui compte 46 articles énonçant les normes minimales à respecter pour la survie, la dignité et le bien-être des peuples autochtones du monde entier. Elle a reçu le soutien de 148 pays.
• Les mesures suivantes ont été prises depuis 2017 en C.-B. pour mettre en œuvre la Déclaration de l’ONU :
  • partage de 100 millions $ de nouveaux revenus stables et à long terme pour appuyer l’autonomie gouvernementale et les services qui améliorent la vie des familles des communautés des Premières Nations;
  • engagement de 550 millions $ sur 10 ans pour la construction 1 750 logements abordables pour les peuples autochtones vivant en réserve et hors réserve;
  • affectation de 50 millions $ à la revitalisation des langues autochtones;
  • modernisation du processus d’évaluation environnementale;
  • modification des lois de protection de l’enfance pour maintenir les enfants autochtones au sein de leurs familles et de leurs communautés;
  • mise en œuvre d’un nouveau programme d’études de la maternelle à la 12e année qui intègre la culture et l’histoire autochtones;
  • modernisation du processus des traités pour reconnaître les droits inhérents des peuples autochtones et le rendre conforme à la Déclaration de l’ONU.

Pour en savoir plus

Fiche d’information de la nouvelle loi Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act de la Colombie-Britannique : https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BC_Declaration_Act-Factsheet.pdf

La nouvelle loi : https://declaration.gov.bc.ca

Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones : www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_fr.pdf