Premier John Horgan’s government introduced Bill 41 – ”The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act” to have the laws of BC reflect the United Nations The declaration’s 46 articles are aimed at making sure Indigenous peoples can survive with dignity and are treated fairly and with equity after colonization. (Toronto Star)

The Declaration became law on Nov. 28, 2019 when it was unanimously passed by the BC Legislature. Over time as laws are modified or built, they will be aligned with the UN Declaration. Additional elements of the bill include:

• a requirement to develop an action plan to meet the objectives of the UN Declaration, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples;
• annual public reporting to monitor progress;
• discretion for new decision-making agreements between the Province and Indigenous governments where decisions directly affect Indigenous peoples and mechanisms exist in applicable legislation – with clear processes, administrative fairness and transparency; and
• recognition for additional forms of Indigenous governments in agreement-making, such as multiple Nations working together as a collective, or hereditary governments – as determined and recognized by the citizens of the Nation.