Government Commitments: Government Commitments to Truth and Reconciliation

Exploring Stakeholder: "Government of British Columbia"

Updates on this page: 52
 

January 29, 2024


B.C. prepares legislation to share decision-making power with Indigenous groups over public lands

JUSTINE HUNTER VICTORIA The Globe and Mail: The B.C. government is preparing legislation for this spring to allow the province to share its decision-making powers over public lands with Indigenous groups. The Land Act governs access and use of public land, which covers 94 per cent of the province, and there are roughly 40,000 active...

December 9, 2023


Colleagues hail appointment of 1st Indigenous B.C. Chief Justice in court’s history

Leonard Marchand also appointed chief justice of the Court of Appeal of Yukon CBC News:Colleagues and friends are praising the appointment of Leonard Marchand, the first Indigenous chief justice in B.C. history, calling it a historic moment that could advance Indigenous rights. Marchand has previously served at all three levels of the B.C. court system, having...

December 7, 2023


FNLC Supports BC’s Release of Distinctions-Based Approach Primer and Clarification of BC’s Position on Métis Rights

FNLC Supports BC’s Release of Distinctions-Based Approach Primer and Clarification of BC’s Position on Métis Rights First Peoples Law Report: (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) supports the Province of British Columbia’s (BC) release of its long-overdue Distinctions-Based Approach Primer (Primer) and applauds BC for clarifying its position on Métis...

November 20, 2023


Second meeting between leaders of national Indigenous organizations and federal, provincial and territorial ministers of Indigenous Affairs concludes in Ottawa

First Peoples Law Report: OTTAWA, UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, ON – On November 15th and 16th, 2023, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Arlene Dunn, Minister of Indigenous Affairs for New Brunswick, together, in Ottawa, convened the second meeting between leaders of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) and the Métis...

November 2, 2023


B.C., First Nations leaders gather to advance relationships

NationTalk: XʷMƏƟKʷƏYƏM (MUSQUEAM), SḴWX̱WÚ7MESH (SQUAMISH) AND SƏLILWƏTAɬ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH) TERRITORIES / VANCOUVER – First Nations leaders and provincial officials from across B.C. are coming together for the eighth B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering, working together to recognize, respect and advance government-to-government relationships. Premier David Eby, together with Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Robert Phillips, Regional...

September 11, 2023


City apologizes to former B.C. councillor for the systemic racism that led to her resignation

Hlox-Majagalee (Jessica McCallum-Miller) resigned from Terrace city council in 2021 CBC News A small city in B.C.’s northwest has apologized for the effects of systemic racism on former city councillor Hlox-Majagalee, whose English name is Jessica McCallum-Miller. She resigned from her position on Terrace city council in 2021, saying that racism and sexism were negatively affecting her ability...

July 27, 2023


Sixty-eight organizations receive grants to help shape anti-racism legislation

NationTalk: VICTORIA – Racialized people can now share their perspectives in culturally safe spaces as 68 organizations across B.C. receive more than $300,000 to engage community members on the development of new anti-racism legislation. “Too many people in B.C. experience systemic racism every day,” said Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. “Part of how we...

July 11, 2023


Premiers meeting in Winnipeg starts with discussion with Indigenous leaders

Heather Stefanson, Chair, Council of the Federation, and Premier of Manitoba talks with David Chartrand, Manitoba Metis Federation president, at the Canadian premiers and National Indigenous Organizations meeting in Winnipeg, Monday, July 10, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods NationTalk: Canada’s premiers kicked off their annual three-day conference Monday by meeting with Indigenous leaders on issues...

June 1, 2023


Métis leaders want introduction, passage of self government legislation this spring

APTN News: Canadian Press – Metis leaders urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government on Thursday to speed up its plans to introduce and pass self-government legislation before Parliament breaks for summer. The leaders met in Ottawa as part of a summit between the Metis National Council and several government ministers. The council is comprised of...

May 17, 2023


Northern Development Ministers’ Forum Focuses on Economic Reconciliation through Action

NationTalk: CHURCHILL, MAN.—Ministers representing Canada’s northern jurisdictions gathered this week in Churchill, Man. for the 2023 Northern Development Ministers’ Forum (NDMF). Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt hosted this year’s forum, which focused on learning from successful examples of economic reconciliation through action across the country. “Manitoba was honoured to welcome our...

May 17, 2023


Vancouver permanently erects flags for Indigenous Host Nations in Stanley Park

The move is part of a 100-year vision for the park. NationTalk: For the first time ever, the local Host Nations’ flags will be permanently raised in Vancouver. City of Vancouver wants residential school memorial gone by May 28 ‘Tantamount to theft’: Early removal of memorial sparks further tension between City, Indigenous ‘vigil keepers’ As...

April 20, 2023


Funding helps 60 organizations build anti-racist communities

NationTalk: VICTORIA – More people will have better access to the tools and resources needed to address racism and build more inclusive communities, as 60 organizations receive support through the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants program. “Discrimination and racism are real, and too many people in this province continue to be victimized by hate,” said...

January 23, 2023


British Columbia First Nations Strike Landmark Deals Governing Development on Their Ancestral Lands

NationTalk: YaleEnvironment360 Two First Nations in Canada have forged historic agreements governing industrial development on their ancestral lands. The Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it, also known as the Tobacco Plains Indian Band, have signed an agreement with NWP Coal Canada giving the First Nation veto power over a proposed mining project on their ancestral lands near Sparwood,...

January 20, 2023


B.C. announces cumulative impact agreements with Treaty 8 First Nations

LANDMARK DEAL WITH TREATY 8 NationTalk: Castanet – The B.C. government has reached four new agreements with Treaty 8 First Nations to address the cumulative impacts and future planning of industrial development in the northeast. The agreements provide hundreds of millions of dollars for land restoration and resource revenue sharing, and lays the groundwork to...

January 4, 2023


Increased funding for Human Rights Tribunal will make justice more accessible

NationTalk: VICTORIA – People bringing forward human rights claims will have better access to justice through increased funding for the BC Human Rights Tribunal and the Community Legal Assistance Society. “Nobody should be forced to live with intolerance and bigotry – that’s why our government has prioritized supporting people and communities in fighting racism and...

December 8, 2022


BCAFN Welcomes BC Cabinet Restructuring and New Members

(Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC) — BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) welcomes the new BC government cabinet members announced today by Premier David Eby. First Nations leaders have strongly emphasized the imperative for the government to partner with First Nations on several obligations and priorities and this cabinet is a positive step forward...

November 29, 2022


B.C. cabinet, First Nations’ leadership gather for important conversations

NationTalk: MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH AND TSLEIL-WAUTUTH TERRITORY – The seventh B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering began on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, marking the first in-person gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020 and the atmospheric river of 2021. Premier David Eby, together with Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Cheryl Casimir, Regional Chief Terry Teegee,...

November 18, 2022


David Eby sworn in as premier at Musqueam Community Centre as a sign of reconciliation

VICTORIA – Today, David Eby was sworn in as B.C.’s 37th premier while surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and community members from throughout British Columbia. In a ceremony held in the Musqueam Community Centre, Eby made a commitment to tackle the challenges people are facing, while making meaningful improvements in the lives of British Columbians....

October 21, 2022


3Nations, BC regional partnership renewed strengthened

NationTalk: VICTORIA – A historic partnership agreement between the Province and the 3Nations Society, consisting of the Tahltan, Kaska, and Taku River Tlingit, continues to strengthen their communities, cultures, environmental stewardship, and well-being of their people. This new agreement, signed on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, provides stable funding for ongoing, community-driven initiatives, and builds on...

October 18, 2022


Tahltan Central Government, B.C. take step forward to develop wildlife stewardship in Tahltan Territory

VICTORIA – The Tahltan Central Government and the Province of B.C. have agreed to work together toward the development and implementation of a world-class wildlife regime, led by Tahltan knowledge and expertise that will protect and preserve Tahltan wildlife, culture and way of being. The Tahltan Central Government – British Columbia Accord on Wildlife Management...

August 30, 2022


S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance heritage sites receive new legal protections

NationTalk: CHILLIWACK – Sacred, spiritual and ceremonial heritage sites on Crown lands within Stó:lō Nation territory now have legal recognition and protection through a landmark pilot agreement. The agreement, which is the first of its kind in B.C., was collaboratively developed by the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance (the STSA) and the provincial government under the...

July 8, 2022


British Columbia is investing $8.4 million to advance reconciliation in the community social services sector

“Non-profits promote connection and provide valuable community services across B.C., and they need to be available and accessible to all,” said Niki Sharma, Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits. “Through this investment, we are increasing community social service providers’ capacity to offer culturally safe, inclusive, accessible social services to Indigenous people throughout British Columbia.”...

May 11, 2022


22nd anniversary of the Nisga’a Final Agreement: Canada’s First Modern Treaty

Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, British Columbia Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government NationTalk: The governments of Canada, British Columbia and the Nisg̱a’a Nation are commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the signing of British Columbia’s first modern Treaty, the Nisg̱a’a Final Agreement. The anniversary is being commemorated this week at the...

April 21, 2022


Directive on Litigation upholds Indigenous Rights

Directives on Civil Litigation involving Indigenous Peoples Ministry of BC Attorney-General: To better protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and as a step toward implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act), the Province, in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, has developed a new approach to litigation. Regional Chief Terry Teegee,...

March 11, 2022


A new reconciliation agreement between the Sts’ailes and British Columbia

STS’AILES XA’XA TEMEXW – A new reconciliation agreement between the Sts’ailes and British Columbia will support Sts’ailes’ social, cultural, economic and environmental goals, and increase prosperity for people in the lower Fraser Valley. Sts’ailes Chief Ralph Leon shared in the Halq’emeylem language, “Ey swayel mekw’wat. Ey swayel tl’ó wáyél. Letstemot iyém te tset tl’ó wáyél....

February 25, 2022


Apology

BC Government expressed its deep regret for the mistakes of past governments in their treatment of Aboriginal people....

November 17, 2021


Bill 18 “Indigenous Identity” and Bill 29 “Interpretation Act Amendments”

BC Government – Tabled Bill 18, which adds Indigenous identity as a protected ground against discrimination in the B.C. Human Rights Code. He also tabled Bill 29, which amends the Interpretation Act to make it clear that all provincial laws uphold, and do not diminish, the rights of Indigenous people protected under section 35 of...

July 20, 2021


Revisions to “Draft” Action Plan to Implement UNDRIP

McCarthy Tetrault – The “draft” action Plan released in June 202 “identifies 79 proposed actions that the provincial government will take to achieve the objectives of UNDRIP in cooperation with Indigenous peoples over the next five years. The Province is currently seeking input on the plan and the deadline for submissions is July 31, 2021....

April 23, 2021


Budget 2021

Budget 2021 invests the following towards “MEANINGFUL RECONCILIATION building on the Fall 2020 Stronger BC Economic Recovery Plan to advance reconciliation and build a more inclusive economy. It includes funding for work with Indigenous peoples to advance reconciliation, and ensure Indigenous peoples can fully participate in B.C.’s economic recovery. Budget 2021 adds $60 million in...

April 16, 2021


Wet’suwet’en title and rights.

The Province is providing Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs with $7.22 million to support work to implement Wet’suwet’en title and rights. The funding will be used to support Wet’suwet’en governance, engage in unity-building activities and facilitate ongoing discussions related to the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The three-year funding commitment will support the Wet’suwet’en in their work...

February 5, 2021


AGM Vote on Self-Government

NationTalk – The highlight of the Annual General Meeting February 18-20, will be a historic vote on self-government. The highlights of the AGM will be the discussion and voting on nine resolutions focusing on issues such as Métis youth, citizenship, children in care, self-governance, Regional Governance Councils, community funding, by-elections including: Resolution 6: Self-Governance Declaration...

June 30, 2020


2019/20 UNDRIP Report Card

Release of the 2019/2020 UNDRIP Report Card outlines progress made towards implementation for the time period from the date on which the Declaration Act was brought into force (November 28, 2019) until end of fiscal year 2019/20 (March 31, 2020). Progress to date includes the following: Revitalizing Indigenous Languages Improving Justice for Indigenous People Improving...

January 17, 2020


Métis Nations of Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan Tri-Council Meetings

The Métis Governments of Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan held a historic Tri-council meeting this week in Edmonton, Alberta from Jan. 14-16, 2020. This meeting marks the first time that their elected representatives have assembled together since signing Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreements (MGRSA) with Canada in June 2019. The primary focus was on identifying...

January 5, 2020


BC Human Rights Tribunal Report

BC Human Rights tribunal releases “Expanding Our Vision: Cultural Equality & Indigenous Peoples”, a report addressing serious access to justice concerns for Indigenous peoples bringing human rights complaints to the tribunal. makes nine recommendations. Removing barriers to access to the Human Rights Tribunal is not enough. Structural change is needed to incorporate Indigenous definitions of...

November 5, 2019


Annual BC Cabinet Ministers & First Nations Leadership Council

BCAFN – In just one year, the Province and the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) have worked together to deliver on promises to share provincial gaming revenues and introduce legislation that enshrines the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) in provincial law. The Declaration will make BC the first province...

October 24, 2019


Intro Bill 41 “The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act”

Premier John Horgan’s government introduced Bill 41 – ”The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act” to have the laws of BC reflect the United Nations The declaration’s 46 articles are aimed at making sure Indigenous peoples can survive with dignity and are treated fairly and with equity after colonization. (Toronto Star) The Declaration...

March 22, 2019


Métis Nation BC and Island Health LOU on Health Services

Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) President Clara Morin Dal Col, and Island Health Chair Ms. Leah Hollins, signed a Letter of Understanding (LOU). The LOU outlines a framework in which the Parties will work together to increase MNBC’s influence in decision making related to health services that impact Métis individuals, families and communities within the...

February 18, 2019


Lottery Revenue Sharing

British Columbia Lottery Corporation revenue is going to be shared with the First Nations and the first phase of allocations amounts to 7% of gross revenues....

February 13, 2019


2019 Speech from the Throne

BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) Regional Chief Terry Teegee welcomes the NDP government’s progressive actions identified throughout the 2019 Throne Speech today, including: develop legislation with the First Nations Leadership Council to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; gaming revenues shared with First Nations communities; work in collaboration with...

January 10, 2019


Wet’suwet’en conflict

UBCIC – Premier John Horgan compared the Province’s role in the ongoing conflict in Wet’suwet’en territory with the recent consent-based negotiations in the Broughton Archipelago with the ‘Namgis, Kwikwasutinuxw Haxwa’mis and Mamalilikulla First Nations. The big difference is that the latter “included jointly developed consent-based process where our Title and Rights were recognized and as...

December 1, 2018


The Principals’ Accord on Transforming Treaty Negotiations

Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and the First Nations Summit (the Principals) -signed the “Principals’ Accord” that states that extinguishment and surrender of rights have no place in modern-day Crown-Indigenous relations or agreements. Instead, the federal and provincial governments and First Nations Summit have agreed that Aboriginal title and rights must be continued...

November 29, 2018


UNDRIP

The BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs, working together as the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), and the Province announced they are co-developing new legislation for introduction in 2019 to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in B.C. The Commitment recognizes our...

November 29, 2018


First Nations gaming distribution limited partnership

B.C. First Nations will share in provincial gaming revenue to support self-government, strong, healthy communities, and services that make life better for families. This funding will be a central piece of Budget 2019 to support reconciliation. Funding will focus on priorities in the following framework: health and wellness; infrastructure, safety, transportation and housing; economic and...

July 25, 2018


MOU on Reconciliation

The Government of Canada and the Métis Nation British Columbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on reconciliation. Co-developed by partners, the MOU represents a joint commitment to identify challenges, opportunities and priorities. This MOU reflects the work going on across the Métis Nation with Governing Members on a path to self-determination. “Under this Memorandum,...

May 23, 2018


Draft Principles that Guide the Province of British Columbia’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples

Release of “Draft principles” that recognizes that: all relations with Indigenous peoples need to be based on the recognition and implementation of their right to self- determination, including the inherent right of self-government.  that reconciliation is a fundamental purpose of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.  the honour of the Crown guides the conduct...

May 23, 2018


Draft Principles that Guide the Province of British Columbia’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples

Release of “Draft principles” that recognizes that: all relations with Indigenous peoples need to be based on the recognition and implementation of their right to self- determination, including the inherent right of self-government. reconciliation is a fundamental purpose of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. the honour of the Crown guides the conduct of...

February 13, 2018


2018 Speech from the Throne

In the Speech from the Throne, the NDP government pledged to develop a cross-ministry framework to meet its stated commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Tsilhqot’in decision. The Union of BC Indian Chiefs sited recent approval of...

July 25, 2017


NDP commitment letters to his ministers

New NDP premier re-affirmed his party’s commitment to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the calls to action of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and has each of his 22 ministers to review policies, programs and legislation to determine how to bring the principles of the declaration into action...

July 25, 2017


Mandate Letters

New NDP premier re-affirmed his party’s commitment to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the calls to action of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and has each of his 22 ministers to review policies, programs and legislation to determine how to bring the principles of the declaration into action...

November 16, 2016


Renewal of 2006 Accord

Renewal of accord first signed in 2006 to strengthen relationships between the provincial government and Métis people with objectives to address health, housing, education, economic opportunities, Métis identification and data collection as well as any opportunities for engaging in a tripartite relationship with the federal government. In addition to recommitting to the original objectives of...

June 16, 2015


Response to TRC Summary Report

Nothing specific. Indicated ongoing, current initiatives in Education, Health, Child Welfare, Domestic Violence, Health, Language & Culture, Justice,...

June 16, 2015


Response to TRC Summary Report

Nothing specific. Indicated ongoing, current initiatives in Education, Health, Child Welfare, Domestic Violence, Health, Language & Culture, Justice,...

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