Actions and Commitments

Call to Action # 57 : Training for Public Servants (57)

Draft principles designed to guide the daily work of provincial government employees

May 22, 2018

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The Government of BC has underscored its commitment to work with Indigenous peoples in the spirit of respect and collaboration by introducing a set of draft principles designed to guide the daily work of provincial government employees. The province of British Columbia:

  • recognizes that all relations with Indigenous peoples need to be based on the recognition and implementation of their right to self- determination, including the inherent right of self-government.
  • recognizes that reconciliation is a fundamental purpose of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
  • recognizes that the honour of the Crown guides the conduct of the Crown in all of its dealings with Indigenous peoples.
  • recognizes that Indigenous self-government is part of Canada’s evolving system of cooperative federalism and distinct orders of government.
  • recognizes that treaties, agreements, and other constructive arrangements between Indigenous peoples and the Crown have been and are intended to be acts of reconciliation based on mutual recognition and respect.
  • recognizes that meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples aims to secure their free, prior and informed consent when B.C. proposes to take actions which impact them and their rights, including their lands, territories and resources.
  • recognizes that respecting and implementing rights is essential and that any infringement of section 35 rights must by law meet a high threshold of justification which includes Indigenous perspectives and satisfies the Crown’s fiduciary obligations.
  • recognizes that reconciliation and self-government require a renewed fiscal relationship, developed in collaboration with the federal government and Indigenous nations that promotes a mutually supportive climate for economic partnership and resource development.
  • recognizes that reconciliation is an ongoing process that occurs in the context of evolving Crown-Indigenous relationships.
  • recognizes that a distinctions-based approach is needed to ensure that the unique rights, interests and circumstances of Indigenous peoples in B.C. are acknowledged, affirmed, and implemented