VICTORIA, B.C. – One year ago today, historic legislation was passed to create a path forward to recognize and protect the human rights of Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.
“Passing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) was a foundational aspect of the Confidence and Supply Agreement between the B.C. Green Caucus and B.C. NDP during the minority government. It is now the responsibility of the B.C. NDP to urgently and fully implement,” said B.C. Green Party leader MLA Sonia Furstenau for Cowichan Valley.
“As a new cabinet is sworn in on the anniversary of the Declaration Act being passed, it is essential that this government move forward with concrete action and meaningful implementation of DRIPA. Every Minister needs to take this responsibility seriously.”
“DRIPA begins the reconciliation process respecting the human rights of Indigenous people and dismantling the racism that is systemic in our government institutions,” said B.C. Green MLA Adam Olsen for Saanich-North and the Islands and a member of Tsartlip First Nation.
“Enshrining the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in B.C.’s legal framework demonstrates that we can and will build a system in which there is a clear, transparent process for consultation and consent, while engaging Indigenous people as full partners in provincial decision-making.”
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Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | [email protected]