The province has released the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) action plan, developed in consultation with Indigenous peoples, outlining 89 actions across all government ministries that will be undertaken over the next five years (2022-2027) to implement the Act.
Two elements within the action plan directly address local governments:
- 1.11- Support inclusive regional governance by advancing First Nations participation in regional district boards. (Ministry of Municipal Affairs), and
- 4.27- Review the principles and processes that guide the naming of municipalities and regional districts, and evolve practices to foster reconciliation in local processes. (Ministry of Municipal Affairs)
Action 1.11 follows directly from local government advocacy. UBCM’s membership in 2018 endorsed resolution B150 which sought an exploration of financing and governance solutions to address shared and overlapping public service delivery by local governments and First Nations. This led to a session at the 2019 UBCM Convention where approaches that included inclusive regional governance were further discussed.
While not explicitly referencing local governments, many of the other actions are likely to be of interest to members, including those addressing Indigenous peoples living in urban areas (4.21-4.24), species at risk and environmental stewardship (2.6-2.8), wild salmon (2.9), forest policy reform (2.10), policing reforms (3.11), heritage conservation (4.35), and emergency management (1.10).
The actions are grouped across 4 themes:
- Self-determination and inherent right of self-government
- Title and rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Ending Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination
- Social, cultural and economic well-being
UBCM’s membership has long expressed support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples while at the same time seeking opportunities for local government engagement on any legislation that may have bearing on local government jurisdiction.
UBCM will continue to engage with the province to seek further opportunities for engagement and guidance for local government. As part of this, UBCM and the Province have now organized a webinar on DRIPA.
Members who are interested in learning about DRIPA including next steps in its implementation, implications for local governments and others, and examples of reconciliation in action, are encouraged to register for this webinar, taking place from 1-2:30 PM on April 21.