Close-up of Raquel and Ange's hands clasped on their laps. Both have decorated nails and wear dark clothes.

Ending Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination

Indigenous Peoples fully express and exercise their distinct rights, and enjoy living in B.C. without interpersonal, systemic and institutional interference, oppression or other inequities associated with Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination, wherever they reside.

Actions at a glance

How far along is this work?
Stage of transformation (Salmon icon)

When we think of life, it’s cycles of transformation. We think of our relations with salmon. Salmon is the chief of the water and a representation of critical thinking, taking action and overcoming obstacles. Their cycle of birth, journey, and returning to the land remind us of our reciprocal responsibility and that, with our limited time on earth, we must contribute in a meaningful way. Salmon return the earth and feed it so that other beings may thrive.

Lowest level

Stage of transformation icon (Salmon) lowest level

Started

Mid-level

Stage of transformation icon (Salmon) mid level

Planning

High Level

Stage of transformation icon (Salmon) high level

Implementation

Transformed

Stage of transformation icon (Salmon) transformed

Completed

How complicated is this work?
Complexity (Rock icon)

How much work needs to be done? How big is the rock we must carry? We call on the image of the rock, which reminds us of the physicality of our test of strength competitions. The heavy lifting is not just about brute strength but about how we position ourselves and use our whole being to lift.

Lowest level

Complexity icon (Rock) lowest level

Some
complexity

Mid-level

Complexity icon (Rock) mid level

Moderate complexity

High Level

Complexity icon (Rock) high level

Notable complexity

Transformed

Complexity icon (Rock) transformed

Complexity resolved

Are there challenges?
Risks (Medicine bundle icon)

The medicine bundle is a symbol of protection and ceremony. When it comes to risk and challenges, we are reminded of the work that our ancestors undertook to prepare mind, body, and spirit for the things creator would place in front of us. Managing risk is achieved through years of preparation, gaining knowledge, training, ceremony, and mastery.

Lowest level

Risks icon (Medicine bundle) lowest level

Some
challenges

Mid-level

Risks icon (Medicine bundle) mid level

Moderate challenges

High Level

Risks icon (Medicine bundle) high level

Notable challenges

Transformed

Risks icon (Medicine bundle) transformed

Challenges resolved

How are we working together?
Engagement (Weaving icon)

Braiding all the necessary pieces together, the land, water, and the people into spaces where deep consultation and co-operation can happen. Each strand is important, each voice is important.

Lowest level

Engagement icon (Weaving) lowest level

Some engagement

Mid-level

Engagement icon (Weaving) mid level

Moderate engagement

High Level

Engagement icon (Weaving) high level

Notable engagement

Transformed

Engagement icon (Weaving) transformed

Full
engagement

Action

Year

Description

How far along is this work?

How complicated is this work?

Are there challenges?

How are we working together?

  • 3.01

    3.01

    1

    Develop essential training in partnership with Indigenous organizations and deliver to the B.C. public service, public institutions and corporations that aims to build foundational understanding and competence about the history and rights of Indigenous Peoples, treaty process, rights and title, the UN Declaration, the B.C. Declaration Act, the dynamics of proper respectful relations, Indigenous-specific racism and meaningful reconciliation.
    BC Public Service Agency; Ministry of Finance – Crown Agencies and Board Resourcing Office
    3
    3
    1
  • 3.02

    3.02

    3

    Establish an operational approach to set and achieve targets for equitable recruitment and retention of Indigenous Peoples across the public sector, including at senior levels.
    Public Service Agency, Public Sector Employers’ Council Secretariat
    0
    0
    0
  • 3.03

    3.03

    2

    Conduct an external review of Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in the provincial public education system and create a strategy, including resources and supports, to address findings.
    Ministry of Education and Child Care; Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
    2
    1
    3
  • 3.04

    3.04

    1

    Implement a mandatory course or bundle of credits related to First Peoples as part of graduation requirements in B.C. and co-create culturally relevant provincial resources with Indigenous People for use by all educators across the K-12 education system.
    Ministry of Education and Child Care
    4
    1
    4
  • 3.05

    3.05

    3

    Provide resources to Indigenous organizations to improve public understanding of Indigenous histories, rights, cultures, languages and the negative impacts of Indigenous-specific racism.
    Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
    0
    0
    0
  • 3.06

    3.06

    2

    Introduce anti-racism legislation that addresses Indigenous-specific racism.
    Ministry of Attorney General
    2
    3
    1
  • 3.07

    3.07

    1

    Implement recommendations made in the In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. health care report, striving to establish a health-care system in B.C. that is culturally safe and free of Indigenous-specific racism.
    Ministry of Health
    3
    3
    1
  • 3.08

    3.08

    3

    Develop and implement community-driven activities to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, beginning with the foundational activities in A Path Forward: Priorities and Early Strategies for B.C.13 and steps towards achieving the mandate commitment to develop a gender-based violence action plan.
    Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Ministry of Attorney General, Ministry of Finance – Gender Equity Office
    0
    0
    0
  • 3.09

    3.09

    3

    Identify and implement multi-modal transportation solutions that provide support and enable the development of sustainable, safe, reliable and affordable transportation options for First Nations communities.
    Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
    0
    0
    0
  • 3.10

    3.10

    4

    Implement improvements to public safety oversight bodies and complaints processes, such as enhanced investments in the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal and new models for including Indigenous laws in complaints resolution.
    Ministry of Attorney General, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
    0
    0
    0
  • 3.11

    3.11

    2

    Develop and implement comprehensive policing reforms to address systemic biases and racism. This will include: updating the Police Act, BC Provincial Policing Standards and mandatory training requirements; enhancing independent oversight; clarifying the roles and responsibilities of police officers in the context of complex social issues such as mental health, addiction and homelessness; and contributing to the modernization of the federal First Nations Policing Program.
    Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General; Ministry of Attorney General; Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
    3
    3
    3
  • 3.12

    3.12

    1

    Prioritize implementation of the First Nations Justice Strategy to reduce the substantial overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples involved in and impacted by the justice system. This includes affirming First Nations self-determination and enabling the restoration of traditional justice systems and culturally relevant institutions.
    Ministry of Attorney General; Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
    3
    3
    2
  • 3.13

    3.13

    1

    Prioritize endorsement and implementation of the Métis Justice Strategy to reduce the substantial overrepresentation of Métis peoples in and impacted by the justice system. This includes affirming Métis self-determination and enabling the restoration of traditional justice systems and culturally relevant institutions.
    Ministry of Attorney General; Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
    2
    3
    3
  • 3.14

    3.14

    3

    Advance the collection and use of disaggregated demographic data, guided by a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determination, including supporting the establishment of a First Nations-governed and mandated regional data governance centre in alignment with the First Nations Data Governance Strategy.
    Ministry of Citizens’ Services
    0
    0
    0
  • 3.15

    3.15

    3

    Adopt an inclusive digital font that allows for Indigenous languages to be included in communication, signage, services and official records.
    Ministry of Citizens’ Services
    0
    0
    0
  • Action

    3.01

    3.01

    Year

    1

    Ministry

    BC Public Service Agency; Ministry of Finance – Crown Agencies and Board Resourcing Office

    Description

    Develop essential training in partnership with Indigenous organizations and deliver to the B.C. public service, public institutions and corporations that aims to build foundational understanding and competence about the history and rights of Indigenous Peoples, treaty process, rights and title, the UN Declaration, the B.C. Declaration Act, the dynamics of proper respectful relations, Indigenous-specific racism and meaningful reconciliation.

    How far along
    is this work?

    3

    How complicated
    is this work?

    3

    Are there
    challenges?

    1

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.02

    3.02

    Year

    3

    Ministry

    Public Service Agency, Public Sector Employers’ Council Secretariat

    Description

    Establish an operational approach to set and achieve targets for equitable recruitment and retention of Indigenous Peoples across the public sector, including at senior levels.

    How far along
    is this work?

    0

    How complicated
    is this work?

    0

    Are there
    challenges?

    0

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.03

    3.03

    Year

    2

    Ministry

    Ministry of Education and Child Care; Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

    Description

    Conduct an external review of Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in the provincial public education system and create a strategy, including resources and supports, to address findings.

    How far along
    is this work?

    2

    How complicated
    is this work?

    1

    Are there
    challenges?

    3

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.04

    3.04

    Year

    1

    Ministry

    Ministry of Education and Child Care

    Description

    Implement a mandatory course or bundle of credits related to First Peoples as part of graduation requirements in B.C. and co-create culturally relevant provincial resources with Indigenous People for use by all educators across the K-12 education system.

    How far along
    is this work?

    4

    How complicated
    is this work?

    1

    Are there
    challenges?

    4

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.05

    3.05

    Year

    3

    Ministry

    Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

    Description

    Provide resources to Indigenous organizations to improve public understanding of Indigenous histories, rights, cultures, languages and the negative impacts of Indigenous-specific racism.

    How far along
    is this work?

    0

    How complicated
    is this work?

    0

    Are there
    challenges?

    0

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.06

    3.06

    Year

    2

    Ministry

    Ministry of Attorney General

    Description

    Introduce anti-racism legislation that addresses Indigenous-specific racism.

    How far along
    is this work?

    2

    How complicated
    is this work?

    3

    Are there
    challenges?

    1

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.07

    3.07

    Year

    1

    Ministry

    Ministry of Health

    Description

    Implement recommendations made in the In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. health care report, striving to establish a health-care system in B.C. that is culturally safe and free of Indigenous-specific racism.

    How far along
    is this work?

    3

    How complicated
    is this work?

    3

    Are there
    challenges?

    1

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.08

    3.08

    Year

    3

    Ministry

    Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Ministry of Attorney General, Ministry of Finance – Gender Equity Office

    Description

    Develop and implement community-driven activities to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, beginning with the foundational activities in A Path Forward: Priorities and Early Strategies for B.C.13 and steps towards achieving the mandate commitment to develop a gender-based violence action plan.

    How far along
    is this work?

    0

    How complicated
    is this work?

    0

    Are there
    challenges?

    0

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.09

    3.09

    Year

    3

    Ministry

    Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

    Description

    Identify and implement multi-modal transportation solutions that provide support and enable the development of sustainable, safe, reliable and affordable transportation options for First Nations communities.

    How far along
    is this work?

    0

    How complicated
    is this work?

    0

    Are there
    challenges?

    0

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.10

    3.10

    Year

    4

    Ministry

    Ministry of Attorney General, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

    Description

    Implement improvements to public safety oversight bodies and complaints processes, such as enhanced investments in the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal and new models for including Indigenous laws in complaints resolution.

    How far along
    is this work?

    0

    How complicated
    is this work?

    0

    Are there
    challenges?

    0

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.11

    3.11

    Year

    2

    Ministry

    Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General; Ministry of Attorney General; Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions

    Description

    Develop and implement comprehensive policing reforms to address systemic biases and racism. This will include: updating the Police Act, BC Provincial Policing Standards and mandatory training requirements; enhancing independent oversight; clarifying the roles and responsibilities of police officers in the context of complex social issues such as mental health, addiction and homelessness; and contributing to the modernization of the federal First Nations Policing Program.

    How far along
    is this work?

    3

    How complicated
    is this work?

    3

    Are there
    challenges?

    3

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.12

    3.12

    Year

    1

    Ministry

    Ministry of Attorney General; Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

    Description

    Prioritize implementation of the First Nations Justice Strategy to reduce the substantial overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples involved in and impacted by the justice system. This includes affirming First Nations self-determination and enabling the restoration of traditional justice systems and culturally relevant institutions.

    How far along
    is this work?

    3

    How complicated
    is this work?

    3

    Are there
    challenges?

    2

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.13

    3.13

    Year

    1

    Ministry

    Ministry of Attorney General; Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

    Description

    Prioritize endorsement and implementation of the Métis Justice Strategy to reduce the substantial overrepresentation of Métis peoples in and impacted by the justice system. This includes affirming Métis self-determination and enabling the restoration of traditional justice systems and culturally relevant institutions.

    How far along
    is this work?

    2

    How complicated
    is this work?

    3

    Are there
    challenges?

    3

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.14

    3.14

    Year

    3

    Ministry

    Ministry of Citizens’ Services

    Description

    Advance the collection and use of disaggregated demographic data, guided by a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determination, including supporting the establishment of a First Nations-governed and mandated regional data governance centre in alignment with the First Nations Data Governance Strategy.

    How far along
    is this work?

    0

    How complicated
    is this work?

    0

    Are there
    challenges?

    0

    How are we
    working together?

  • Action

    3.15

    3.15

    Year

    3

    Ministry

    Ministry of Citizens’ Services

    Description

    Adopt an inclusive digital font that allows for Indigenous languages to be included in communication, signage, services and official records.

    How far along
    is this work?

    0

    How complicated
    is this work?

    0

    Are there
    challenges?

    0

    How are we
    working together?

Additional information

The Declaration Act Annual Report was developed using a standardized process which involved participation across the provincial government and engagement with Indigenous partners.

Lead ministries identified when each of the 89 actions in the Declaration Act Action Plan would begin substantial implementation (by year) and begin reporting. This was determined by considering logical sequencing of actions that build upon each other, balancing actions with other commitments, and overall balancing of action plan themes, ministries, sectors, and focus areas.

Action content was based on information reported by lead and supporting ministries, often in partnership with Indigenous organizations they work with. The reporting information was then used to prepare both the icons and the detailed reporting presented.

The resulting reporting information was adapted based on input from internal provincial committee processes and from the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, the First Nations Leadership Council, and Métis Nation British Columbia.

The stories profiled throughout this website were curated based on a consistent set of criteria: they tell a story that involves human impact; there is balance across action plan themes, sectors, geographic region, and lead Ministries; consideration is paid to a distinctions basis; there is substantive progress in advancing the action; and there is an ability to develop content within the project timelines.

There are limitations resulting from the methods used to develop the reporting content, and inherent to undertaking a project of this nature. These limitations include:

  • Indicators are mainly process and activity-focused, and as yet not reflective of longer, more meaningful, or more transformational outcomes.
  • Standardization of report content, including indicators, was balanced with the work of co-development.
  • The project benefitted from learning while doing, meaning that the standardized template and associated dashboard calculations and representation were adapted throughout the process.

Icon Calculation

The calculation of the four icons used the following methods:

How far along is this work?

Determined using standard project schedule stages:

  • Started
  • Planning
  • Implementing
  • Complete

How complicated is this work?

Calculation: number of identified subtasks for each action + number of Ministries involved in each action + number of years in the planning and implementing stages for each action.

Categorization:

  • Some Complexity: score of 4 or less
  • Moderate Complexity: score of 5-6
  • Notable Complexity: score of 7+

Are there challenges?

Calculation: based on “risks” and “obstacles” identified for each action.

How are we working together?

Calculation: yes/no responses to the following questions for each action:

  1. Partner(s) identified?
  2. Consultation and co-operation plan or approach is in place or in development with Indigenous partners?
  3. Partner(s) involved in report development/co-development?
  4. Input has been gathered/meetings have been held?

Categorization:

  • No engagement: score of 0
  • Some engagement: score of 1-2
  • Moderate engagement: score of 3-4
  • Notable engagement: score of 5