The First Nations Leadership Council, or FNLC, is urging the provincial government to accelerate the full implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, six years after it became law. The FNLC says progress has been uneven, pointing to inconsistencies in legislation, limited shared decision-making structures, and a lack of ongoing resources to support consultation, cooperation, and co-development.
While acknowledging recent provincial actions, including the decision to oppose a proposed oil bitumen pipeline on the North Coast, the FNLC says these steps show the potential for the government to respect First Nations’ title and rights. However, political setbacks and increased Indigenous-specific racism highlight the need for consistent, meaningful action.
The FNLC stresses that the Declaration Act was designed to transform relationships between the province and Indigenous communities. Leaders are calling for sustained resources, transparent timelines, and full legislative alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The goal is to ensure that First Nations can fully exercise jurisdiction over their lands, territories, and resources, and have a meaningful role in decision-making processes.
The FNLC says that full implementation of the Declaration Act is not only a legal and social imperative but also critical for building trust and achieving long-term stability in British Columbia. The council is urging Premier Eby to lead a clear, collaborative path forward with First Nations.
