How are we working together?
The Province is committed to a distinctions-based approach that supports the unique identities, rights, histories, needs, and challenges of each Indigenous partner. This approach is central to efforts to address Indigenous-specific racism through legislation, the development of an action plan, and its subsequent implementation.
Based on the input received during initial meetings, an overarching framework for the Anti-Racism Act Action Plan has been developed. This includes collaborative steps for its drafting, the definition of standards and indicators and the establishment of an assessment framework. A schedule for upcoming meetings and a roadmap for the discussion topics have been outlined.
Ongoing collaborative meetings will be held, allowing adequate time for the sharing and review of meeting materials. Consultation and co-operation with each Indigenous partner is distinct, and the Province is actively engaging in conversations with each partner to refine meeting materials and frameworks in response to their input. Materials are tailored to the specific needs of partners and, with cultural humility, incorporate their perspectives.
Are there challenges?
The Province remains committed to integrating recommendations from the First Nations Leadership Council, the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, and Métis Nation BC into detailed indicators and actions within the co-development of an action plan. Resources will be required to do this, and to align the priorities of the Métis Action Plan with those of other Indigenous partners. It is imperative that cross-ministry indicators, strategies, and actions are developed with the level of qualitative and quantitative specificity requested by Indigenous partners.
The Province is working to adapt the recommendations provided to meet the current resource capacity. The Province has also communicated budget limitations to Indigenous partners. Furthermore, the Ministry of the Attorney General is collaborating across the provincial government to learn from and adapt the indicator methodologies already developed in respective action plans.
Highlights
A key highlight has been the invaluable advice and insights provided by Indigenous partners. Partner input has shaped the development of the framework, underscoring the importance of a distinctions-based approach that reflects their unique identities, histories, expectations and challenges. Partners have emphasized the need for clear and specific strategies, actions, targets, and indicators to ensure the action plan effectively addresses Indigenous-specific racism and creates meaningful change in their communities. Partner advice has been central in ensuring that the action plan is being developed to not only comprehensive but also actionable and aligned with their priorities.
Furthermore, Indigenous partners have highlighted the importance of avoiding siloed work by the provincial government and urged for a more collaborative, cross-sector methodology. Partners have made it clear that the current approach must be strengthened to ensure that efforts are not isolated but integrated across ministries, reflecting the interconnectedness of the issues at hand.
Maintaining self-determination, respecting data sovereignty, and addressing gaps in actions by the provincial government are critical to building trust and ensuring the success of an Anti-Racism Act Action Plan. By continuing to consult regularly with Indigenous partners, the Province is ensuring that Indigenous voices remain at the forefront of this work.
Previous years’ progress
Highlights
In follow-up to the Anti-Racism Data Act, tabled in June 2022, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations (the Alliance), BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) and Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) were consulted and engaged in 2023-24 to gather thoughts on the new broader anti-racism legislation and explore how government could address systemic racism within its programs and services.
A collection of in-depth what we heard reports was received. A report from the FNLC shared the key conditions and expectations of First Nations in B.C. with respect to the anti-racism legislation. A report from the Alliance included the Modern Treaty Nations’ collective interests in the legislation. MNBC provided a report with extensive recommendations for the Province to implement through legislation, policies, programs and funding. These three reports were shared publicly online at [antiracism.gov.bc.ca/history/what-they-heard-reports/] in March 2024. Including consultation and engagement with FNLC, the Alliance, BCAAFC and MNBC, more than 7,000 people from across B.C. shared their input on the anti-racism legislation in 2023 through a public online questionnaire and over 200 community-led sessions.
The anti-racism legislation was introduced and became law in the Spring 2024 legislative session.
How are we working together?
The policy and engagement teams continue to collaborate with First Nations and Métis partners using a distinctions-based approach to co-develop the anti-racism legislation. Regular co-development and follow-up meetings were hosted from January 2023 to March 2024. Meeting materials such as policy framework, policy backgrounder and drafted legislation documents have been shared prior to the meetings to ensure meaningful participation. The feedback received was incorporated and an echo meeting with each of FNLC, the Alliance, BCAAFC and MNBC was organized to allow for opportunity for review of feedback incorporated. Consultation and co-operation are ongoing for this legislative initiative.
Are there challenges?
To ensure proper application of a distinctions-based approach in the development of the anti-racism legislation, the team worked closely with the Declaration Act Secretariat to confirm alignment with cabinet-endorsed approaches. While the legislation has been co-developed with regular consultations with First Nations and Métis partners, the team engaged and sought feedback from the Declaration Act Secretariat and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres to ensure voices from Indigenous individuals who live far from their home community were also included in the legislation’s development.