Whereas the Province of British Columbia has announced introduction of legislation to implement United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People UNDRIP; And whereas the announcement did not specify details in relation to framework and process implementation; And whereas local governments require a clear delineation of their responsibilities where the implementation of Provincial legislation is concerned: Therefore be it resolved that the Province of British Columbia provide clarity to local governments regarding implementation of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples UNDRIP processes and framework; And be it further resolved that the Province of British Columbia provide a clear delineation of the responsibilities of local governments in relation to the implementation of these processes after full consultation with local governments, both rural and urban.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Our government is committed to true, lasting reconciliation with Indigenous people in British Columbia and is fully adopting and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canadas Calls to Action. On November 28, 2019 the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Declaration Act received Royal Assent. This is a historic time for everyone in BC Implementing the UN Declaration will help Indigenous peoples, industry, communities and government work together. Part of implementation includes building an action plan and that will involve reaching out to local governments. In the meantime, at the 2018 UBCM, Convention a memorandum of understanding https:www.ubcm.caassetsResolutionsandPolicyPolicyFirstNationsRelations2… between the Union of BC Municipalities UBCM and the Province, as represented by the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation MIRR, was updated to help facilitate collaborative relationships with First Nations, Indigenous communities and local governments. The MOU affirms the local government role in fostering relationships built on honesty, respect and undertaking reconciliation at the community level. We see great opportunity for advancing reconciliation through these kinds of partnerships at the community level. To help encourage local connections, the Ministry contributes annually for the Regional Community to Community C2C Forum program which helps local governments and First Nations develop relationships. The program is also funded by the federal government and is administered by the Union of B.C. Municipalities and the First Nations Summit. Over the past 20 years, it has funded over 600 Community to Community events. This has helped local governments and First Nations develop collaborative relationships, leading to a wide range of service agreements and protocols. While there is more to do, the list of local governments and First Nations improving their relationships continues to grow. UBCMs recent report on the last years of progress from the Regional C2C Program highlights many positive examples. The report is available on UBCMs website.