Amending signature human rights law would set reconciliation back decades say faith, labour, environmental, legal, academic, artistic and other community leaders

xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) & səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories / VANCOUVER, BC

Diverse civil society leaders are calling on Premier David Eby to hit the brakes on planned legislative amendments to BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) and Interpretation Act. The 80+ faith, labour, environmental, legal, academic, artistic and other community leaders issued a joint statement today urging the Premier and all British Columbians to rise above anti-Indigenous and fear-based rhetoric to stand together for human rights and reconciliation.

Amending the Declaration Act or the Interpretation Act is out of step with constituencies who expect the government to follow through on its promises and commitments and “would set back our collective reconciliation efforts by decades,” the joint statement warns.

The Premier quickly vowed to amend the law following a December 2025 BC Court of Appeal decision which ruled that commitments made in the Declaration Act are enforceable in court. The stated intention of proposed amendments is to deny First Nations’ access to the courts to uphold Indigenous human rights.

Quotes:

“The Hospital Employees’ Union has seen firsthand how the Declaration Act has catalyzed legislative changes to help combat anti-Indigenous racism in health care and support greater cultural safety. Our members stand with other organizations today in urging the BC government to continue the important work of recognizing and implementing the human rights of Indigenous peoples rather than amending the Declaration Act.” – Lynn Bueckert, Secretary Business Manager, Hospital Employees' Union

“UFCW 1518 is proud to support the Declaration Act, which provides a framework for engagement with Indigenous Peoples and recognizes their human rights. In a time when anti-Indigenous rhetoric is rising, we have to keep moving forward and not backwards. The Declaration Act is a tool that we must continue to draw upon and defend.” – Patrick Johnson, UFCW 1518 President

“The Indigenous Committee of UFCW 1518 stands in solidarity with First Nations in BC in calling on Premier Eby and his government to honour their commitment to the meaningful implementation of UNDRIP by not amending the Declaration Act. Reconciliation depends on mutual trust, and you build trust by keeping your commitments.”– Christine Holowka, UFCW 1518 Indigenous Committee Chairperson

“Responsible mining in British Columbia requires UNDRIP to be operational, not symbolic. That means embedding respect for Indigenous rights and jurisdiction into decision-making processes so projects can proceed with legitimacy and certainty.” – Dr. Sara Ghebremusse, Assistant Professor, Peter A. Allard School of Law and Academic Director, UBC Future Minerals Initiative

“BC has the opportunity to show leadership and commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous human rights by ending its pursuit to change the Declaration Act. This legislation was developed in partnership with First Nations and that spirit of partnership must continue if we hope to advance and live our values of reconciliation. We see what reconciliation in action looks like through our work alongside Indigenous partners, including advancing Indigenous housing on church land grounded in relationship and shared leadership, and through our housing justice work informed by DRIPA as a living framework. Today we’re calling on the public, our partners, and communities of faith to join us in standing with Indigenous people and their rights in BC and beyond.” – Amanda Burrows, Executive Director, First United Church

“The Declaration Act was a key step on the path toward reconciliation, rooted in justice and the ongoing relationships between Indigenous Peoples and lands and waters. Amending the Act could undo years of relationship building and impede the Indigenous-led conservation efforts required to address the biodiversity and climate crises.” – Sarah McNeil, Executive Director, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - British Columbia

"BCCLA was honoured to jointly intervene alongside the First Nations Leadership Council in Gitxaała and Ehattesaht First Nations’ appeal to ensure that UNDRIP has meaningful application and force in BC, including through the important role of the courts. We are disappointed by BC’s decision to appeal this landmark decision and will continue to use our platform to advance the recognition of inherent Indigenous rights.” – Veronica Martisius, Litigation Counsel, BC Civil Liberties Association

“It is a hallmark of our democratic system that government action may from time to time be subject to scrutiny by an independent judiciary. This is particularly important in the context of constitutional and human rights. Amending the law to deny First Nations access to the courts is not a path of reconciliation and risks compromising our chances for just and lasting negotiated solutions.” – Jessica Clogg, Executive Director & Senior Counsel, West Coast Environmental Law

“Let’s go forward.” – David Suzuki, Grandfather

Signatories to the joint statement note that meaningful implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Declaration Act presents significant opportunities to address many of the longstanding challenges BC faces, including:

• addressing the social and economic marginalization of Indigenous peoples,
• promoting healthier, sustainable, and vibrant communities,
• increasing local decision-making, accountability, and transparency,
• tackling climate change and supporting climate resilience,
• promoting economic growth through certainty and predictable processes,
• recognizing the historical and contemporary contributions and cultures of Indigenous peoples in this province, and
• ensuring that Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike hold the same opportunity to participate, lead, and benefit in the future prosperity of this province.

“We believe that our futures are intertwined and our collective prosperity is inextricably linked,” say the signatories. 

The full statement is available here.