Photo: Nlaka’pamux territory, lower Nicola

It’s about a better future for everyone.

Together, in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, we will advance reconciliation in tangible and measurable ways in B.C. – today and into the future.

Photo: Nlaka’pamux territory, lower Nicola

Two people walk through a tall grassy clearing surrounded by forest and mountain.

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) establishes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [151KB PDF] (UN Declaration) as the Province’s framework for reconciliation, as called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

Passed unanimously in the B.C. legislature on November 26, 2019, the Declaration Act came into force on November 29, 2019. B.C. is the first jurisdiction in Canada to formally adopt the internationally recognized standards of the UN Declaration.

The Declaration Act mandates government to bring provincial laws into alignment with the UN Declaration and to develop and implement an action plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples.

It creates a path forward to respecting the human rights of Indigenous Peoples, while introducing better transparency, predictability and accountability in Indigenous–provincial relationships.

Through this work, B.C. is building a province where Indigenous Peoples’ excellence, leadership, governance, and self-determination is recognized and respected.

Aerial view of hands holding fabric sachets in different colours, an offering to a person standing across from them.

Alignment of Laws

The Declaration Act requires B.C. to align its laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples.

Dallas Nikal points out across rushing water, guiding the attention of a young adult standing next to him.

Action Plan

The Declaration Act Action Plan, released in March 2022, is the first of its kind. Built in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, the plan articulates the specific actions every ministry in government will take over five years to create a better B.C. for everyone.

Three young people standing in the clam field, holding clams and smiling.

Annual Report

The Province reports on progress made to implement the Declaration Act through annual reports – a requirement of the Act. The annual reports are developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples in B.C. and publicly released by June 30 each year.

Desert mountain range along a river.

Decision Making

Sections 6 and 7 of the Declaration Act enable the Province to enter into agreements with Indigenous governing bodies, including joint or consent-based decision-making agreements respecting statutory powers of decision.

Lauren Marchand smiles down at her smiling daughter outside their house.

Stories

Read, watch, and listen to stories that capture the work being done to build a future where First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in B.C. have full enjoyment of their inherent rights and opportunity to pursue their dreams and raise their families.

Large tree growing in a forested area next to a path.

Declaration Act Secretariat

The Declaration Act Secretariat serves as a dedicated central agency supporting the Province in its efforts to implement the Declaration Act.

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the territories of First Nations around B.C. and are grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit), respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws and governments.