The TRUSU Equity Committee is answering a call from the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) to stand with First Nations in support of British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) and oppose proposed amendments to the legislation.
What is the Declaration Act?
Passed unanimously in 2019, the Declaration Act establishes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) as the framework for reconciliation in British Columbia. The legislation requires the Province to work in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to bring provincial laws into alignment with the UN Declaration and to develop and implement an action plan to advance its objectives.
The Declaration Act marked an important commitment to recognizing and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples and building a more collaborative relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Province.
Why Are First Nations Calling for Action?
Following recent court decisions concerning the Declaration Act, the Province announced its intention to pursue amendments to the legislation.
The First Nations Leadership Council has opposed amendments to the Declaration Act and is calling on the Province to uphold the legislation as it was originally co-developed with First Nations. Rather than changing the Declaration Act, First Nations leadership is calling for the Province to focus on its meaningful and full implementation.
TRUSU is responding to this call through our Solidarity Actions Program by helping students learn about the issue and providing opportunities to stand with First Nations in support of the Declaration Act.
Take Action with Us
Throughout September, the Equity Committee will be visiting locations across campus to share information about the Declaration Act, why First Nations leadership is opposing amendments to it, and how students can show their support.
Stop by one of our outreach tables to:
- Learn about the Declaration Act and its role in advancing Indigenous rights in B.C.
- Learn why the First Nations Leadership Council is calling for the Act to be upheld.
- Write a message sharing why you stand with First Nations in support of the Declaration Act.
- Add your voice to the FNLC campaign calling on the Province to uphold its commitments to Indigenous rights and reconciliation.