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An Open Letter to Members of the Legislative Assembly
This week, the B.C. NDP government will try to muster support from MLAs for a bill to suspend parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA or “Declaration Act”) and a related Interpretation Act amendment.
Premier’s, First Nations Leadership Council statement about DRIPA
Premier David Eby and the First Nations Leadership Council have released the following statement regarding the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act (DRIPA): “The Government of B.C. will not be introducing legislation to suspend or amend DRIPA or UN...
An Open Letter to Members of the Legislative Assembly
This week, the B.C. NDP government will try to muster support from MLAs for a bill to suspend parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA or “Declaration Act”) and a related Interpretation Act amendment. Premier Eby has confirmed he intends...
Statement from CBABC President Patricia Blair on DRIPA implementation
The Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch supports the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act as a cornerstone of British Columbia’s commitment to Reconciliation and to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of...
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Says Its Time to Set the Record Straight!
April 14, 2026– Hupacasath and Tseshaht Territories, Port Alberni, BC — The NTC is relieved to hear that amendments to DRIPA are paused while the Premier looks for support with chiefs and opposition MLA's. We know it is not because he is listening to the First Nations...
First Nations Summit: Opposition To Amending The Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples Act Or Interpretation Act
April 14, 2026SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO AMENDING THE DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ACT OR INTERPRETATION ACT WHEREAS: A. First Nations, in what is now known as British Columbia ("BC"), are sovereign peoples and nations with constitutional and inherent,...
BC Assembly Of First Nations: Opposition To Amending The Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples Act Or Interpretation Act
April 14, 2026SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO AMENDING THE DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ACT OR INTERPRETATION ACT MOVED BY: CHIEF JERRY JACK, MOWACHAHT/MUCHALAHT FIRST NATION SECONDED BY: KUKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR, TK’EMLUPS TE SECWÉPEMC DECISION: CARRIED...
First Nations Leadership Council Opposes B.C. Government’s Proposal to Suspend DRIPA
(xʷməθkʷəy əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) / Vancouver, B.C.) —The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) opposes the B.C. Government’s proposal to suspend key provisions of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples...
Chief Robert Louie: Business depends on clear rights; Premier Eby is risking B.C.’s economy by ignoring them
The Westbank First Nation is a national leader in welcoming and developing business in our territory. We depend on it. For over 20 years we have proven that when done right, it enriches the lives of our people and everyone in B.C. So, when Premier Eby misrepresents...
Cowichan decision is ‘rock solid law’, won’t affect private landowners, UBC expert says
A new UBC analysis says the Cowichan decision is grounded in solid law and does not threaten private landowners, outlining pathways for fair, forward-looking solutions. The recent Cowichan decision was ‘rock solid law’ and concerns about effects on private property...
Premier’s, First Nations Leadership Council statement about DRIPA
Premier David Eby and the First Nations Leadership Council have released the following statement regarding the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act (DRIPA): “The Government of B.C. will not be introducing legislation to suspend or amend DRIPA or UN...
Statement from CBABC President Patricia Blair on DRIPA implementation
The Canadian Bar Association, British Columbia Branch supports the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act as a cornerstone of British Columbia’s commitment to Reconciliation and to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of...
Chief Robert Louie: Business depends on clear rights; Premier Eby is risking B.C.’s economy by ignoring them
The Westbank First Nation is a national leader in welcoming and developing business in our territory. We depend on it. For over 20 years we have proven that when done right, it enriches the lives of our people and everyone in B.C. So, when Premier Eby misrepresents...
Cowichan decision is ‘rock solid law’, won’t affect private landowners, UBC expert says
A new UBC analysis says the Cowichan decision is grounded in solid law and does not threaten private landowners, outlining pathways for fair, forward-looking solutions. The recent Cowichan decision was ‘rock solid law’ and concerns about effects on private property...
FNLC Celebrates 5th Anniversary of Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (TsleilWaututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) Today the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) recognizes and celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration...
Cowessess First Nation signs $39M deal to implement child welfare system
Cowessess First Nation is located 160 km east of Regina. Photo courtesy: Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations. APTN - Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan has signed onto a $38.7-million deal to assert jurisdiction over its own child welfare system. The...
First Nations Summit: Opposition To Amending The Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples Act Or Interpretation Act
April 14, 2026SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO AMENDING THE DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ACT OR INTERPRETATION ACT WHEREAS: A. First Nations, in what is now known as British Columbia ("BC"), are sovereign peoples and nations with constitutional and inherent,...
BC Assembly Of First Nations: Opposition To Amending The Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples Act Or Interpretation Act
April 14, 2026SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO AMENDING THE DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ACT OR INTERPRETATION ACT MOVED BY: CHIEF JERRY JACK, MOWACHAHT/MUCHALAHT FIRST NATION SECONDED BY: KUKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR, TK’EMLUPS TE SECWÉPEMC DECISION: CARRIED...
West Coast Environmental Law: Civil Society Leaders Rally Behind BC Declaration Act
February 18, 2026The FNLC is sharing this statement from West Coast Environmental Law, and calling on all faith, labour, environmental, legal, academic, artistic and other community leaders to add their voice in urging the Premier and all British Columbians to rise...
UBCIC Resolution: Opposition to Amending the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act or Related Interpretation Act
February 5, 2026UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS CHIEFS COUNCIL FEBRUARY 11TH – 12TH, 2026 SHERATON VANCOUVER AIRPORT HOTEL, XʷMƏΘKʷƏY̓ƏM (MUSQUEAM TERRITORY) Resolution no. 2026-01 RE: Opposition to Amending the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act or...
Declaration Act is Not a Threat to Private Property: Clarifying False Linkages in the Media
February 5, 2026(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is deeply concerned about the confusion that has been created by recent media reporting and public commentary...
FNLC Expresses Profound Disappointment with the Passage of Bills 14 and 15
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) Last night, the Provincial legislature passed Bills 14, Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act and 15, Infrastructure Projects Act each with a vote count...
FNLC Extremely Disappointed with Mineral Claim Consultation Framework, Calls for Redoubling of Efforts to Align the Mineral Tenure Act with the UN Declaration
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is extremely disappointed with the government of B.C.’s recently introduced Mineral Claim Consultation Framework (MCCF) and...
FNLC Celebrates 5th Anniversary of Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (TsleilWaututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) Today the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) recognizes and celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration...
New accord on child well-being signed by First Nations Leadership Council, Province
VICTORIA - The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the Province have signed a child well-being accord that recommits how the parties work together to support First Nations children and families. "The well-being of First Nations children in B.C. continues to be...
More Jurisdiction, BC Representation Needed for Children and Families Agreement: First Nations Leadership Council
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) First Nations Chiefs and proxies from British Columbia gathered on Treaty 7 territory in Calgary for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly to...
New accord on child well-being signed by First Nations Leadership Council, Province
VICTORIA - The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the Province have signed a child well-being accord that recommits how the parties work together to support First Nations children and families. "The well-being of First Nations children in B.C. continues to be...
Family Law Act Modernization – Dialogue Sessions
B.C.’s Ministry of Attorney General (the Ministry) is pleased to invite Indigenous Peoples with lived experience in topics related to families to participate in an upcoming regional dialogue session on the modernization of the Family Law Act.
Engagements with First Nations on the Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan
The Ministry of Education and Child Care is developing a 2023 – 2026 Action Plan for the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement (CW-ELCC). This Action Plan will outline the key goals and initiatives to support quality, affordable, accessible and inclusive...
Indigenous Child and Family Service Newsletter
This newsletter is meant to share information and support the ministry’s commitment to ongoing consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, partners and governments to develop legislation and services consistent with the provincial Declaration on the Rights...
Revised Final Settlement Agreement: Justice for First Nations Children
The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the Indigenous Child & Family Services Directors Our Children Our Way Society welcome the completion of a revised Final Settlement Agreement on compensation. (Ottawa, ON) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the...
Assembly of First Nations & Caring Society – Press Release
(Ottawa, ON) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society (Caring Society) are pleased to announce a revised Final Settlement Agreement (FSA) on compensation
B.C. boosts payments for children in foster, kinship, out-of-care placements
Foster parents and others who support vulnerable children and youth will soon have more assistance with monthly costs, with an increase to payments that help cover food, clothing and transportation costs for children and youth in their care.
First Nation becomes first in B.C. to sign agreement asserting rights over child welfare
The Splatsin First Nation became the first Indigenous community in B.C. to take control of its child-welfare system under new federal and provincial legislation
Family Law Act Modernization – Dialogue Sessions
B.C.’s Ministry of Attorney General (the Ministry) is pleased to invite Indigenous Peoples with lived experience in topics related to families to participate in an upcoming regional dialogue session on the modernization of the Family Law Act.
Engagements with First Nations on the Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan
The Ministry of Education and Child Care is developing a 2023 – 2026 Action Plan for the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement (CW-ELCC). This Action Plan will outline the key goals and initiatives to support quality, affordable, accessible and inclusive...
Indigenous Child and Family Agreement in Principle Information Session
January 6, 2022 On January 5, 2022 The Assembly of First Nations and Government of Canada announced preliminary details of the largest class action settlement in Canadian history. The Agreement in Principle includes compensation for young First Nations people harmed...
An Open Letter to Members of the Legislative Assembly
This week, the B.C. NDP government will try to muster support from MLAs for a bill to suspend parts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA or “Declaration Act”) and a related Interpretation Act amendment. Premier Eby has confirmed he intends...
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Says Its Time to Set the Record Straight!
April 14, 2026– Hupacasath and Tseshaht Territories, Port Alberni, BC — The NTC is relieved to hear that amendments to DRIPA are paused while the Premier looks for support with chiefs and opposition MLA's. We know it is not because he is listening to the First Nations...
First Nations Leadership Council Opposes B.C. Government’s Proposal to Suspend DRIPA
(xʷməθkʷəy əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) / Vancouver, B.C.) —The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) opposes the B.C. Government’s proposal to suspend key provisions of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples...
First Nations Reject Proposed Amendments to the Declaration Act; FNLC Launch Dedicated Webpage to Fight Misinformation & Division
(xʷməθkʷəy əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) / Vancouver, B.C.) Today, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) launched a new page on its website - fnlc.ca/declaration-act - to counteract the ongoing, highly damaging...
Declaration Act is Not a Threat to Private Property: Clarifying False Linkages in the Media
February 5, 2026(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is deeply concerned about the confusion that has been created by recent media reporting and public commentary...
FNLC Expresses Profound Disappointment with the Passage of Bills 14 and 15
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) Last night, the Provincial legislature passed Bills 14, Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act and 15, Infrastructure Projects Act each with a vote count...
FNLC Questions Regressive, Conflated Infrastructure Projects Act; Alarmed by Province’s Backsliding on Reconciliation Efforts
May 6, 2025 (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is raising serious concerns about the Province’s recently introduced and deeply problematic Infrastructure...
Canadians Overwhelmingly Vote Against High-Risk Shift to Political Right: FNLC Congratulates Liberal Government
April 29, 2025 (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) looks forward to working closely with the returning federal Liberal government on recognition of First...
FNLC Responds to Dallas Brodie’s False Accusation and Joins Calls for CPC to Drop Candidate Aaron Gunn for Residential School Denialism
April 3, 2025(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is deeply angered and disturbed that two provincial and federal politicians continue to publicly advance...
BC First Nations Tripartite Children & Families Working Group – Discussion Paper
Discussion PaperNovember 24, 2022 - BC First Nations Tripartite Children and Families Working Group DEVELOPING A NEW FUNDING MODEL AND APPROACH FOR BC FIRST NATIONS CHILDREN & FAMILIES INTRODUCTION Since time immemorial, First Nations have provided for the...
Indigenous children in B.C. have twice the rate of injuries compared to other kids in care, report finds
Office of the Representative for Children and Youth | Photo credit: Office of the Representative for Children and YouthA new report by B.C.'s representative for children says the majority of injuries reported for First Nations children and youth were for those in the...
First Nations Summit: Opposition To Amending The Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples Act Or Interpretation Act
April 14, 2026SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO AMENDING THE DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ACT OR INTERPRETATION ACT WHEREAS: A. First Nations, in what is now known as British Columbia ("BC"), are sovereign peoples and nations with constitutional and inherent,...
BC Assembly Of First Nations: Opposition To Amending The Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples Act Or Interpretation Act
April 14, 2026SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO AMENDING THE DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ACT OR INTERPRETATION ACT MOVED BY: CHIEF JERRY JACK, MOWACHAHT/MUCHALAHT FIRST NATION SECONDED BY: KUKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR, TK’EMLUPS TE SECWÉPEMC DECISION: CARRIED...
UBCIC Resolution: Opposition to Amending the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act or Related Interpretation Act
February 5, 2026UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS CHIEFS COUNCIL FEBRUARY 11TH – 12TH, 2026 SHERATON VANCOUVER AIRPORT HOTEL, XʷMƏΘKʷƏY̓ƏM (MUSQUEAM TERRITORY) Resolution no. 2026-01 RE: Opposition to Amending the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act or...
First Nations Summit: Opposition To Amending The Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples Act Or Interpretation Act
April 14, 2026SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO AMENDING THE DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ACT OR INTERPRETATION ACT WHEREAS: A. First Nations, in what is now known as British Columbia ("BC"), are sovereign peoples and nations with constitutional and inherent,...
BC Assembly Of First Nations: Opposition To Amending The Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples Act Or Interpretation Act
April 14, 2026SUBJECT: OPPOSITION TO AMENDING THE DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ACT OR INTERPRETATION ACT MOVED BY: CHIEF JERRY JACK, MOWACHAHT/MUCHALAHT FIRST NATION SECONDED BY: KUKPI7 ROSANNE CASIMIR, TK’EMLUPS TE SECWÉPEMC DECISION: CARRIED...
West Coast Environmental Law: Civil Society Leaders Rally Behind BC Declaration Act
February 18, 2026The FNLC is sharing this statement from West Coast Environmental Law, and calling on all faith, labour, environmental, legal, academic, artistic and other community leaders to add their voice in urging the Premier and all British Columbians to rise...
UBCIC Resolution: Opposition to Amending the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act or Related Interpretation Act
February 5, 2026UNION OF B.C. INDIAN CHIEFS CHIEFS COUNCIL FEBRUARY 11TH – 12TH, 2026 SHERATON VANCOUVER AIRPORT HOTEL, XʷMƏΘKʷƏY̓ƏM (MUSQUEAM TERRITORY) Resolution no. 2026-01 RE: Opposition to Amending the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act or...
Declaration Act is Not a Threat to Private Property: Clarifying False Linkages in the Media
February 5, 2026(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) is deeply concerned about the confusion that has been created by recent media reporting and public commentary...
FNLC Expresses Profound Disappointment with the Passage of Bills 14 and 15
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) Last night, the Provincial legislature passed Bills 14, Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act and 15, Infrastructure Projects Act each with a vote count...
On 17th Anniversary of UN Declaration, FNLC Calls for Ongoing Implementation of Groundbreaking Legislation
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) Today, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) marks the 17th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN...
