A ROLE FOR BUSINESSES AND INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ACT ACTION PLAN (2022)
The BC Chamber of Commerce is a long-standing advocate for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia and Canada, and for creating a path forward that respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples and creates transparency and predictability for businesses and industry stakeholders.
With the recent announcement of the Provincial governments Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan (DRIPAAP), it is critical that businesses and industry stakeholders continue to be engaged in the discussions that inform decision-making and that have the potential to impact the long-term viability of our businesses and communities.
Background
In November 2019, BC became the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples through legislation by passing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).
Following two years of intensive engagement to ensure alignment with the priorities of Indigenous Peoples in BC, on March 30, 2022 the Provincial government released the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan.[1] The plan includes goals, outcomes, and tangible actions needed for meaningful progress in reconciliation.
Under the Action Plan, each ministry in government will work in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to deliver on the 89 actions in tangible and measurable ways. To ensure accountability and transparency, the Province will report annually on the progress made on the Action Plan over the next five years and beyond.
The Action Plan is divided into four themes:
- Self-determination and inherent right of self government
- Title and rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Ending Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and
- Social, cultural and economic well-being
Each theme includes a goal, with outcomes and actions. The goals and outcomes are drawn from the UN Declaration. They describe what the Province is striving for with this action plan and sets forth the vision for achieving the objectives of the UN Declaration.
The actions articulate the specific commitments and steps that the Province will take between 2022 and 2027 to achieve these goals and outcomes.
The Chamber fully supports implementation of the DRIPAPP and acknowledges that there are many opportunities to partner with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples on the path forward to reconciliation.
THE CHAMBER RECOMMENDS
That the Provincial Government:
- Engage relevant businesses and industry stakeholders to help inform the implementation of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan
- Provide funding for training to assist Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses to engage in and learn how to contribute to positive reconciliation and to identify potential partnerships for delivery in our communities.
That the BC Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
- Discuss, consult and implement a collaborative BC Chamber of Commerce policy process with member delegates and Indigenous communities that embraces the principles of DRIPA to address Indigenous interests for meaningful progress in reconciliation.