Highlights
The Province committed to an Indigenous-led process that brings together urban Indigenous leaders to create better outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in urban areas. On February 22, 2023, an initial dialogue was attended by 50+ urban Indigenous leaders from across the province. This started the conversation and provided an opportunity to explore how people and communities can organize to have their voices heard and mobilized in the context of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
A follow-up online dialogue was held on June 1, 2023, and a What We Heard Report was issued in September 2023. Participants expressed gratitude for the Indigenous-led approach, and going forward, are looking to increased involvement from the Province.
A collaboratively built workplan that reflects on the recommendations of the What We Heard Report is being developed by the Victoria Urban Indigenous Coalition, with support from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, to guide this working group’s current activities. While this demonstrates great forward-moving action, there is more to be done before Action 4.21 can be considered complete.
Urban Indigenous leaders will inform the development of the table and subsequent development of a five-year plan to address the priorities of urban Indigenous people. Indicators will be developed iteratively in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous partners through the urban leadership forum and table.
How are we working together?
This work is taking an Indigenous-led approach, with a focus on relationship building, increasing awareness of the contributions and history of urban Indigenous People, and cultural safety. As a start, a monthly working group with both external and provincial government partners has been established. The working group is comprised of the Victoria Urban Indigenous Coalition, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. These meetings focus on activities that will be described within the collaboratively built workplan (currently being developed), such as relationship building and increasing B.C.’s awareness of urban Indigenous People. These activities are guiding the development of an engagement process with urban Indigenous People. A phased approach is being used to hear from urban Indigenous People and organizations first in an Indigenous-led way. In the next phase, the Province will be engaging directly with groups including title holders.
Are there challenges?
A grassroots community-led approach is essential to build trust-based, long-term relationships, and strengthen the engagement process. Risks include the currently narrow scope of engagement which needs to be broadened (both in geographic area and recognition of the diversity and complexity within the urban Indigenous population in B.C.) to ensure all areas of the province are included. The working group is currently building out relationships with urban Indigenous leaders and partners throughout all regions of B.C. to ensure a broader group of urban Indigenous voices and interests are included at the table. This requires both time and resources. Creating new processes takes time and resources, and a thoughtful approach is essential. The working group wants to take the time with Indigenous partners to get this right.
Previous years’ progress
2022/2023 progress details
Highlights
The Province committed to an Indigenous-led process that brings together urban Indigenous leaders to create better outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in urban areas. On February 22, 2023, the inaugural Provincial Urban Indigenous Leadership Dialogue was attended by more than 50 urban Indigenous leaders from across the province. Participants were asked to explore what a co-ordinated network of urban Indigenous community leaders could look like, how to ensure no one gets left behind and how to ensure that Indigenous Peoples and values lead the space.
Indicators
- Number of engagement participants in programs and events: 60 people in attendance at an information session held on December 1, 2022.
- Number of engagement participants in programs and events:51 people in attendance at the inaugural Provincial Urban Indigenous Leadership Dialogue on February 22, 2023.
How are we working together?
Throughout 2022 and early 2023, the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) met bi-weekly to determine schedules, budgets, roles, responsibilities and messaging to support urban Indigenous Peoples. Urban Indigenous leaders will inform the development of the advisory table and subsequent development of a five-year plan to address the priorities of urban Indigenous Peoples along with indicators.
Are there challenges?
This action item was identified as having no challenges at time of reporting. Further Annual Report updates may change this action’s challenge icon status indicator.