First Nations leaders are sharply criticizing the British Columbia government's proposal to suspend key parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). They view this move as a betrayal of reconciliation commitments and a source of uncertainty.
"This is an historical moment for First Nations and we will not back down," stated Robert Phillips, First Nations Summit Political Executive. Leaders are confronting what they describe as misinformation and prejudice surrounding the Act.
The DRIPA requires British Columbia to align its laws with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. A recent Court of Appeal decision affirmed DRIPA's legal enforceability.
Premier David Eby proposed amendments, but following pushback, is now suggesting a three-year pause on certain sections while the province navigates the implications of recent court rulings.
"They started by saying, because of the Cowichan Nation decision, they need to amend the legislation," said Laxele’wuts’aat Huy’wu’qw (Chief) Shana Thomas. "The fear-mongering persists."
First Nations leaders also criticized Premier Eby directly. "I think the problem is Premier Eby himself and I think the NDP has a colossal leadership problem," said ʔaʔsiwɬ Grand Chief Stewart Phillip.
Premier Eby defended the proposal, citing the need to address First Nations rights and title in a province largely settled without treaties, aiming for "the least invasive way possible."
The bill to suspend parts of DRIPA will be a confidence vote for the government.
MLAs are expected to vote on the proposed changes when the House resumes sitting. Joan Phillip, a Vancouver MLA and wife of Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, has indicated she does not support the suspension.