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BC Assembly of First Nations Congratulates BC NDP on Election Win

by ahnationtalk on October 30, 202418 Views

(Lheidli T’enneh Territory/Prince George) As the Lieutenant Governor has asked David Eby to form the next Government of British Columbia, the BC Assembly of First Nations congratulates the BCNDP on their election win. The BCAFN looks forward to continuing to foster a constructive relationship with the BC Government.

“This election was marked by a stark division between the parties, and between British Columbians. But one thing BC voters have made clear: they support the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act,” said BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “In many ways the Declaration Act was a ballot question, and the majority of British Columbians see the Declaration Act as a vital tool to advance reconciliation in the province,” he continued.

During the next legislature, the BCAFN is calling on the BC Government to pursue true reconciliation with First Nations that moves beyond any symbolism and recognizes our inherent rights. To this end, the BCAFN expects BC to include the following pieces in their legislative agenda:

  • Negotiations between the Province and First Nations must resume as soon as the interregnum has concluded, with strong cross-ministry mandates that ensures the full application of the Declaration of Indigenous Peoples Act including the implementation of Section 6 & 7 agreements to increase the decision-making authority of Indigenous Governing Bodies and the call for changes to key pieces of legislation including but not limited to the Mineral Tenure Act, the Land Act and the Environmental Assessment Act.
  • A full public inquiry into the deaths of First Nations people at the hands of police must be launched.
  • Continued and ongoing support for First Nations pursuing financial independence through economic development must be secured.

Given the close outcome in the election, the BC NDP Government must work with First Nations and all British Columbians to regain trust.

“The NDP narrowly won a provincial election, despite a significant incumbency advantage and being opposed by a divided and disorganized right,” said Regional Chief Teegee. “The fear-mongering of the BC Conservatives, whose candidates have denied climate change and expressed bigoted and racist ideals underscores the need for this new government to engage with British Columbians to bring communities together. This includes engaging with First Nations and the BC Greens,” he concluded.

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For more information or to book an interview with Regional Chief Teegee, please contact:

Andreas Krebs

akrebs@resonantstrategic.ca

416.669.3459

NT4

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