Province releases first annual report on progress of Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Jul 1, 2020 | 10:00 AM

VICTORIA–The Province has released the first annual report on progress for implementing the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

The Act came into force on Nov.28, 2019; the report was developed with Indigenous peoples, including the First Nations Leadership Council.

“The historic legislation we passed last fall, developed in partnership with Indigenous peoples, provides a path forward for all of us, one that respects Indigenous peoples’ human rights and creates clarity and predictability for everyone who lives in British Columbia.”–John Horgan, B.C. Premier

The 2019-20 annual report covers the period from the Acts inception to the end of the fiscal year. In the first four months of initial actions under the act, the Province engaged with First Nations dignitaries on the next steps for consultation and implementation. The report also highlights some of the positive actions taken by the B.C. government and Indigenous peoples to help build a strong foundation for implementing the act.

Some of those actions include investments in language revitalization and Indigenous housing. The government has also updated B.C.’s K-12 curriculum to include Indigenous culture and history in all grades and amended child welfare laws to keep Indigenous children with their families and communities.

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“As we continue to move forward together to advance reconciliation, our government will do that work in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous peoples every step of the way. We present the first annual report on the act to support transparency and accountability for this work as we build an action plan on the way forward.”–Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

An action plan is required under the act and will include prioritized, tangible activities to implement the objectives of the UN Declaration. It is expected to be complete before the end of the year. The action plan will be informed by continued engagement with Indigenous peoples, as well as existing and previous consultations and agreements, which have laid significant groundwork in collaboration with Indigenous peoples.

by Veronica Beltran

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Province releases first annual report on progress of Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

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