First Nations leaders in B.C. lay out their priorities in the federal election

The full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Canada is top of mind for some First Nations leaders in B.C. as federal election campaigns are underway. 

Terry Teegee, B.C. regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations, said 2021's United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is "an important commitment in terms of Crown-Indigenous relationships, to make sure that it's the minimum human rights standard."

The legislation ensures that Canadian laws must align with the U.N. declaration that outlines minimum standards for the recognition and protection of Indigenous rights. 

An action plan for implementation of the act includes 181 measures, all of which Teegee wants to see in place. 

"The implementation part of it is really slow," said Cheryl Casimer, chief of ʔaq'am and a member of the First Nations Summit's political executive. 

Casimer and Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs said UNDRIP is a priority they want to hear about during the election. 

Teegee, Casimer, and Phillip are the leaders that make up the First Nations Leadership Council, which is a collaborative political working group that advocates for First Nations issues in B.C. 

CBC Indigenous spoke to the leaders separately on what issues are important to them. 

Casimer said the provincial government has welcomed First Nations to the table when it comes to addressing tariff threats from the United States and she would like to see the same with the federal government. 

"Moving forward here on in with whomever becomes the elected leader, I strongly urge that they include First Nations as part of Team Canada," said Casimer. 

Phillip said threats to Canadian sovereignty and water from the United States amplify the urgency for the government to work with First Nations. 

The United States recently paused negotiations of the Columbia River Treaty that regulates flood control, hydro-electric power and salmon restoration on the cross-border river.

"I am worried about First Nations issues being in the background," said Phillip. 

Phillip, Teegee and Casimer said they are looking for candidates to talk about reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.