Whereas all levels of government in British Columbia have a role in advancing the principles of reconciliation as set out in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act; And whereas local governments have statutory obligations in relation to a number of provincial Acts and regulations, which has resulted in expectations on local government to more broadly consider the principles of reconciliation when exercising those statutory obligations: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the Province of BC to provide timely clarification, support, and involvement for local governments regarding the expectations and requirements of local governments in advancing commitments to reconciliation and UNDRIP when fulfilling their statutory obligations under relevant provincial legislation.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs Truth and reconciliation is the responsibility of all individuals and governments. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Declaration Act is the provinces framework for reconciliation. It establishes a path forward that respects and upholds the human rights of Indigenous Peoples, while introducing additional transparency and predictability in the work the Province and Indigenous Peoples do together. The Act mandates the province to bring provincial laws into alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples UN Declaration, in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples. Through the Declaration Act, BC is fundamentally shifting the approach to how provincial laws are developed and implemented, to support this work, the Province has established the Declaration Act Secretariat. Across government, steady progress has been made to implement the Declaration Act Action Plan. Details of the work underway are highlighted on the Declaration Act website: declaration.gov.bc.ca. The Action Plan includes 89 tangible, achievable cross-government actions in the areas of self-determination and self-government, rights, and title, ending anti-Indigenous racism, and enhancing social, cultural, and economic well-being. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs advises local governments that it is important to use the articles of the UN Declaration and the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a policy lens to apply to their bylaws, policies, and initiatives. Local governments are also encouraged to examine the Declaration Act Action Plan to look for opportunities to implement actions locally and embrace the principles in the UN Declaration. Financial support for local government and First Nation relationship building is available through the Community to Community Program administered by UBCM with annual funding provided by the Ministry. The province also renewed the Memorandum of Understanding MOU between the UBCM and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, supported by Ministry of Municipal Affairs at the 2021 UBCM Convention. This MOU affirms local governments are key partners in advancing reconciliation at the community level. URLs Declaration Act Secretariat: https:declaration.gov.bc.cadeclaration-act-secretariat Community to Community Program: https:www.ubcm.cac2c Memorandum of Understanding MOU: https:www2.gov.bc.caassetsgovenvironmentnatural-resource-stewardshipcon…