April 20, 2026 – Hupacasath and Tseshaht Territories, Port Alberni, BC
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council applauds the Leadership Council and the Premier of BC for coming to an agreement regarding no changes to the Declaration on Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (DRIPA) for the next six months. This agreement prevented BC-First Nations relationships from falling apart and from pitting First Nations against the provincial government.
The NTC is relieved that there can now be a period of time without the threat of amendments to DRIPA hanging over our heads and clear strategic thinking can occur. We have always wanted to sit down with BC and work on these issues without amending DRIPA. We did not agree with unilateral actions proposed by the Premier in the media without talking to First Nations. It is time for respectful and good faith engagement.
During this six month period, a table will be established to look at options and solutions to the issues BC sees with DRIPA. Implementing DRIPA, maintaining our human rights, changing legislation to align with UNDRIP, shared decision making and sustainable economic development are very important to continue to work on during this time. DRIPA has been described as a framework for Reconciliation and efforts must continue to realize reconciliation.
President Judith Sayers commented “I am happy that we can be putting our energies towards achieving good work and not fighting with BC. There are good initiatives happening in the province that can now be accomplished under the same path we set 7 years ago.”
Vice President Les Doiron says “it is good to see that the parties could come to a meeting of the minds and to take the time to listen and hear one another and find solutions collaboratively.
That is how you work together.”
NTC knows the importance of this table and expects viable and acceptable solutions to come out of this working group to be accepted by both parties. We must continue with self-determination for First Nations while achieve benefits for all of British Columbians seeing a working respectful relationship in place. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act started as a collaborative effort and it must continue in that fashion.
Image source: https://nuuchahnulth.org/
