Latest news with #DRIPA
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C. and First Nations launch massive land-use planning project in northwest B.C.
Five First Nations in northwest B.C. have partnered with the Province to identify areas across 16 million hectares for both biodiversity conservation and natural resource development to boost Canada's economy. 'Partnerships like this will deliver the critical minerals the world needs while better protecting the air, land and waters that First Nations have stewarded since time immemorial,' said Jagrup Brar, minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, in a June 3 news release. In the release, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship announced that over the next year, it will collaborate with the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow, and Nisga'a Nations on fast-tracked, inclusive land-use planning. This process will also involve engaging with industry and other community partners to develop a world-leading land-use plan to provide greater certainty for investors and First Nations in the region, the ministry added. The planning process will assess an area covering 16 million hectares in B.C.'s north near the Alaska and Yukon borders. Partners will identify zones for conserving biodiversity, such as wild salmon, caribou, sheep, and other sensitive species. They will also outline areas for resource development, especially mineral exploration, along with clear sustainability safeguards to support more efficient permitting. Additionally, no new mining claims can be registered in about one-third of the planned area for one year. This pause will help with joint planning efforts. However, existing mining projects and claims can still get permits and continue exploring during this time. 'Ensuring our culturally sensitive land is off limits to development, that our air, fish, land, water and wildlife will be protected, and establishing co-management protocols for responsible resource development within Tahltan territory is not only in the best interest of the Tahltan Nation, but also in the best interest of all British Columbians,' said Beverly Slater, president of the Tahltan Central Government in northwest B.C. Land-use planning will map out an efficient way of accessing and developing valuable resources in northwest B.C. to support B.C.'s economic engine. It aims to create opportunities throughout the province for billions in investment and family-supporting jobs, according to the partners. 'Last week, Premier David Eby outlined government's vision for building prosperity centred on the pillars of economic growth, reconciliation and conservation in northwestern B.C.,' said the news release. This process involves prioritizing partnerships with First Nations under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). 'These are foundations to establishing areas for Indigenous-led conservation for precious land and watersheds in some of the most pristine and rugged wilderness in Canada and for clearly identifying areas where critical minerals may be developed,' said the release. The engagement process will begin in the coming weeks. 'Safeguarding the heartlands of our territory in B.C. and building a thriving conservation economy will benefit future generations of Kaska and all people of the region,' said Chief Stephen Charlie of the Liard First Nation. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
MLA says marriage can weather Bill 15. What of Eby's relationship with First Nations?
VICTORIA - Grand Chief Stewart Phillip is among the fiercest critics of the British Columbia government's planned legislation to fast track infrastructure projects, saying their development 'flouted First Nations' basic human rights.' His wife, Joan Phillip, says she'll be voting for the bills on Wednesday as a member of Premier David Eby's government. She said Monday that she doesn't talk too much 'shop' with her husband. 'We have been married for 40 years, going on 41 years, and we have known each other longer,' she said. 'So I think we will weather this.' The bigger question is if the government's relationship with First Nations is just as sturdy, amid condemnation of bills 14 and 15, which the government says are needed to respond to the threat of United States tariffs. Surrounded by reporters at the legislature, Joan Phillip, MLA for Vancouver-Strathcona, said she would support both bills, which critics including her husband say undermine the government's obligation to consult First Nations under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. 'I have every confidence in our government and their ongoing commitment to DRIPA,' she said. 'So I support the bill and I have read it.' The government says Bill 15 is to speed up public and private infrastructure projects, while Bill 14 would streamline permitting for renewable energy projects, such as wind farms. Stewart Phillip, of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, isn't convinced. 'If the (province) wants to fast-track projects, these (bills) are not going to do that, they are setting the stage for bigger fights,' he said on May 15 after a meeting with Eby as part of a delegation from the First Nations Leadership Council. Chief Don Tom of the Tsartlip First Nation in Greater Victoria said at a protest in downtown Victoria on Monday, steps away from the legislature, that the 'era of trust' with Eby's government is over if the two bills pass this week. Tom added that First Nations would do everything in their legal power to kill both bills, adding that First Nations would remember the actions of the government at the next election. Tom said that this won't just apply to the premier, but every MLA who voted for the bills. 'It's the people who care about the environment, and the well-being of British Columbia, who voted for the B.C. NDP,' Tom said. '(We) are going to remember the next election, where they stood on issues and how they used their power and what they used their power for.' Tom, who also attended the May 15 meeting with Eby, said First Nations have 'a good record in the court system' when it comes to protecting their constitutional rights for consultation. Tom added that he has made these points to Eby himself, only to be met with 'silence' or a 'simple thank you,' but nothing to indicate a change in course. 'I don't find them (meetings with government) beneficial,' he said. 'They are just government telling us what they are going to do,' Tom said. Joan Phillip said the government would 'weather this storm' and continue to seek and receive 'informed consent' from Indigenous titleholders. 'I think it's unfortunate and I can understand them feeling that way,' she said of Tom's comments. 'We have been trampled on by many former governments,' she said of First Nations people. 'But since 2017, we have done so much in terms of honouring the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples. We have got our action plan, and we are going to continue to honour those relationships that we have.' First Nations want both bills withdrawn or revised, saying they undermine environmental standards and the constitutional rights of consultation for First Nations. They have also been opposed by the Union of B.C. Municipalities and other critics. The government wants both Bill 14 and Bill 15 to pass Wednesday after invoking closure on the bills. Wednesday's vote will be a confidence vote with Speaker Raj Chouhan expected to cast the deciding vote. Conservative Party of B.C. Leader John Rustad said his party would take every opportunity to bring down Eby's government with five confidence votes scheduled this week. 'I challenge him,' Rustad said. 'Go to the lieutenant-governor's house (and) drop the writ,' he said. Speaking at a mining announcement in Vancouver, Eby said he was confident bills 14 and 15 would pass. Tom said he had been talking with New Democrat MLAs to convince them to drop their support for the bills, but declined to reveal their names. However, Joan Phillip wasn't one of them, he said. Tom said he admires the relationship between Joan and Stewart Phillip. 'They have stood with each other through thick and thin, and if any relationship can handle this, it is theirs,' Tom said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
BC's development agenda tramples rights, First Nation leaders warn
Indigenous leaders across BC are sounding the alarm over two new provincial bills they say threaten to undermine their people's rights and weaken environmental safeguards. The legislation introduced by Premier David Eby's government aims to fast-track major infrastructure developments and clean energy projects. But First Nations leaders argue the bills were developed without the proper consultation required under BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Under DRIPA, the province is legally obligated to consult Indigenous communities in such cases, the leaders said. 'We're supposed to have not only a heads-up but co-development of laws and legislation and policies,' said Robert Phillips, political executive of the First Nations Summit, part of the First Nations Leadership Council. While the groups support economic growth, they are worried it could undermine Indigenous jurisdiction. 'While we support the Province taking action to counter Trump's erratic behaviour, such action must be principled,' said Stewart Phillip, grand chief and president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs in a press release. 'We are deeply alarmed by the province's continued backsliding on reconciliation.' Bill 15, known as the Infrastructure Projects Act tabled this month, grants the provincial cabinet sweeping authority to override local rules and environmental assessments for projects deemed 'provincially significant.' This includes the power to bypass local zoning bylaws, issue permits directly and even create alternative environmental assessments for projects like mines, mills and energy developments. While the premier has reassured people that the province remains committed to DRIPA and legislation will not override Indigenous rights, the leaders are not convinced. If the province ignores reconciliation in its rush to achieve economic growth, it will only face legal challenges that will serve no one's interests, Phillips said. He pointed to Mount Polley as an example of what happens when governments push ahead with industrial projects without proper consultation or rigorous environmental review. The 2014 tailings pond collapse at Mount Polley, in south-central BC, caused one of Canada's worst environmental disasters. Litigation over the mine's expansion continues. Phillips said meaningful consultation doesn't have to be a roadblock. For public infrastructure, like hospitals and schools, First Nations want to see faster progress too, he said — but they are concerned about environmental oversight, especially for large, private, profit-driven projects that can impact Indigenous territories for generations. 'I'm probably one of the most pro-business members of the leadership council,' he said. 'I want to see jobs and opportunities — but not at all costs. Not if it risks unravelling decades of work on rights recognition and environmental safeguards.' Phillips said many communities also lack the capacity to conduct their own environmental assessments or negotiate complex project terms, which makes early and robust engagement and access to capacity-building support even more essential. 'If First Nations aren't consulted and don't have consent, it jeopardizes everything we've worked to build under DRIPA,' he said. 'Reconciliation and economic growth are not incompatible — they go hand in hand.' Sonal Gupta / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer
National Observer
09-05-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
BC's development agenda tramples rights, First Nation leaders warn
Indigenous leaders across BC are sounding the alarm over two new provincial bills they say threaten to undermine their people's rights and weaken environmental safeguards. The legislation introduced by Premier David Eby's government aims to fast-track major infrastructure developments and clean energy projects. But First Nations leaders argue the bills were developed without the proper consultation required under BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). Under DRIPA, the province is legally obligated to consult Indigenous communities in such cases, the leaders said. 'We're supposed to have not only a heads-up but co-development of laws and legislation and policies,' said Robert Phillips, political executive of the First Nations Summit, part of the First Nations Leadership Council. While the groups support economic growth, they are worried it could undermine Indigenous jurisdiction. 'While we support the Province taking action to counter Trump's erratic behaviour, such action must be principled,' said Stewart Phillip, grand chief and president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs in a press release. 'We are deeply alarmed by the province's continued backsliding on reconciliation.' Bill 15, known as the Infrastructure Projects Act tabled this month, grants the provincial cabinet sweeping authority to override local rules and environmental assessments for projects deemed "provincially significant." This includes the power to bypass local zoning bylaws, issue permits directly and even create alternative environmental assessments for projects like mines, mills and energy developments. 'If First Nations aren't consulted and don't have consent, it jeopardizes everything we've worked to build under DRIPA,' said Robert Phillips of First Nations Summit. 'Reconciliation and economic growth are not incompatible — they go hand in hand.' While the premier has reassured people that the province remains committed to DRIPA and legislation will not override Indigenous rights, the leaders are not convinced. If the province ignores reconciliation in its rush to achieve economic growth, it will only face legal challenges that will serve no one's interests, Phillips said. He pointed to Mount Polley as an example of what happens when governments push ahead with industrial projects without proper consultation or rigorous environmental review. The 2014 tailings pond collapse at Mount Polley, in south-central BC, caused one of Canada's worst environmental disasters. Litigation over the mine's expansion continues. Phillips said meaningful consultation doesn't have to be a roadblock. For public infrastructure, like hospitals and schools, First Nations want to see faster progress too, he said — but they are concerned about environmental oversight, especially for large, private, profit-driven projects that can impact Indigenous territories for generations. 'I'm probably one of the most pro-business members of the leadership council,' he said. 'I want to see jobs and opportunities — but not at all costs. Not if it risks unravelling decades of work on rights recognition and environmental safeguards.' Phillips said many communities also lack the capacity to conduct their own environmental assessments or negotiate complex project terms, which makes early and robust engagement and access to capacity-building support even more essential. 'If First Nations aren't consulted and don't have consent, it jeopardizes everything we've worked to build under DRIPA,' he said. 'Reconciliation and economic growth are not incompatible — they go hand in hand.'
Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Students learn to lead on the land in ground-breaking university program
Canada's first Indigenous land stewardship degree puts Indigenous law, governance and connection to land at the heart of environmental education. Hayley Toderian, 29, waited two years to enrol. Now, she's part of the inaugural class in a groundbreaking undergraduate program at the University of British Columbia, the first of its kind. The four-year degree was created in response to growing recognition of the need for Indigenous-led approaches to land management and environmental challenges, land reclamation and environmental policy. For Toderian, who is a member of Sts'ailes First Nation (also known as Chehalis First Nation in BC), the program offered something she had been searching for a long time. She began post-secondary studies in 2019 at Langara College in general studies, but found herself drawn to courses focused on Indigenous topics. In 2021, she transferred to the Native Education College to enroll in a one-year certificate program in Indigenous land stewardship — at the time, the only one of its kind in the country. That's where she first heard UBC was developing a full undergraduate degree in the field. The program hadn't launched, but she decided to wait. 'Not everybody gets told that their dream school program will be happening in two years,' she said. The program, housed within UBC Forestry, goes beyond ecological practices to include the political, legal and ethical frameworks of Indigenous land stewardship. 'A lot of peoples' minds automatically go to using fire to shape nature, or how you hunt or fish or gather,' said Garry Merkel, a Tahltan forester and the director of the Centre for Indigenous Land Stewardship at UBC Forestry. 'But what we're talking about here is: how do you build practical land stewardship systems that can function effectively in today's world?' Merkel said students explore Indigenous systems of land tenure, resource allocation and dispute resolution — frameworks developed and maintained by communities over centuries. Their goal is to equip graduates with the tools to implement stewardship strategies in collaboration with governments, industry and, most importantly, Indigenous communities. With the ongoing implementation of the DRIPA in British Columbia and answering the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report, Indigenous stewardship is at the forefront of many nations' agendas, said Carrie Anne Vanderhoop, who is Haida of Old Massett, director of the Haida Gwaii Institute and a sessional lecturer in UBC's Indigenous Land Stewardship program. As many First Nations sign co-management agreements with provincial and federal governments, the program aims to prepare students to take on these responsibilities. 'It is important that we have these younger people coming up and taking leadership, preparing themselves for leadership roles and being at these tables and making decisions about what happens in their territories,' said Vanderhoop. The program is grounded in an earth-centred worldview that challenges dominant Western paradigms. That includes understanding how oral Indigenous legal traditions, deeply rooted in specific territories, can be applied in contemporary contexts such as co-management agreements or negotiations with industry. 'Our assumption is that most Indigenous communities believe you are one equal part of land, and everything else has just as much right to be here as you do,' said Merkel. 'We are not in control. We are not dominant. Nature is not there to serve us.' He said this philosophy extends to how decisions are made — through consensus, respect for diverse perspectives and recognition that human well-being is inseparable from the health of the ecosystem. The program was co-developed with Elders, knowledge keepers and community members and is taught by Indigenous lecturers. 'We're trying to build a movement with the program,' Merkel said. Their vision is to be part of a globally recognized standard for environmental management by 2050 that integrates Indigenous knowledge and other sciences. The program's first cohort of 12 students began in September. UBC designed the program to be accessible — it is mostly remote, allowing students across the country to stay in their communities or territories while pursuing their degrees. Financial support, including $8.5 million from the Mastercard Foundation, is available to Indigenous students. The funding helps cover tuition, relocation and work support, making it easier for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students to pursue the program without losing cultural and geographic ties. Toderian, who grew up in Port Coquitlam without a connection to her band, said she felt a 'strong sense of longing' for culture. Over the past decade, she's been rebuilding that relationship, a journey that the program has helped deepen. 'This program changed my relationship with Canada,' she added. 'It helped me understand not only my culture but also how I can help my community and the land that sustains us.' Sonal Gupta / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer
