How the election could change B.C.'s course on reconciliation

Indigenous leaders in B.C. are hoping the pace of reconciliation continues following the provincial election, but there is concern that current politics could stall or reverse the province's path of righting historical wrongs with its First Nations people.

The election pits the B.C. NDP and its seven-year record on reconciliation against the B.C. Conservative Party under John Rustad, a former minister of Aboriginal relations and reconciliation, who has different ideas.

"Without question, the Indigenous, First Nations people in British Columbia would like to see continuity," said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip with the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. "We've made amazing progress over the last number of years."

Phillip, whose wife Joan Phillip is seeking re-election in Vancouver with the B.C. NDP,  isn't alone in worrying that the race is creating a wedge issue over reversing the wrongs of the province's colonial past, which includes residential schools and unceded territory.

"We find it absolutely disturbing," said Phillip of the nations' fear that Rustad would seek changes around the province's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) if he were to form government.

"[It would] totally destroy all the progress we've made in the last several years."

B.C. is unique in Canada, from enacting its own law (DRIPA) to legally implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). 

It is meant to ensure minimum standards for Indigenous peoples' survival, dignity, and well-being.

B.C.'s outgoing minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation, Murray Rankin, who is not seeking re-election, is proud of the act, which was passed with unanimous support in 2019.

He said it ensures B.C.'s commitment to the UN declaration is not just words.

"I think we've been able to make some progress," said Rankin. "We've moved the dial a little bit, but clearly, there's way more to do."

The act requires annual reports, with the latest saying progress is being made on 60 of the 89 actions it calls for. That's up from progress made on 32 actions the previous year.

"Reconciliation is a provincial imperative, embedded in law, and there is real progress and change," said the government said in a statement on Sept. 20 that listed its achievements.

Actions include treaty and reconciliation agreements with dozens of nations, advancement in government-to-government relationships, financing for economic development in First Nation communities, along with help for residential school survivors, and expanded housing and health care.