Lax Kw’alaams: DRIPA and Law-Making Interim Report

August 12, 2025

Did you know Lax Kw’alaams released a DRIPA and Law-Making Interim Report?

Background:
Lax Kw’alaams actively engaged the community and its members on topics of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and prepared an interim report findings.

Interim Summary Report:

Community Engagement Research Findings:

• In-person engagement sessions
• School engagement
• Online survey development
• Youth questionnaire development
• Research development for leaders and knowledge holders

Research Findings: Community Engagement

• Focus on revitalizing traditional governance before addressing DRIPA and colonial laws
• Strong desire for Lax Kw’alaams to incorporate more traditional laws into its governance
• Members wish to learn about Lax Kw’alaams culture, traditions, and values

Key Points Raised by Youth: School Engagement

• Land-based learning
• Recreation and community gatherings
• Culture and knowledge
• Community well-being

Next Steps:

• Continued community engagement research with Lax Kw’alaams members
• Continued research in to DRIPA and related policies
• Strategize on how to best implement this important research so that members have their voices heard

Read the report below:
https://laxkwalaams.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/LK-DRIPA-AND-LAW-MAKING-INTERIM-REPORT-2024-2025-FINAL.docx-1.pdf

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