(Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC – Feb. 13, 2019) – BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) Regional Chief Terry Teegee welcomes the NDP government’s progressive actions identified throughout the 2019 Throne Speech today. Reconciliation is a political priority and the innovative approaches toward both short-term and long-term advances in political, economic, and social sectors will work to bring all British Columbians together to work toward common goals and challenges.
“The NDP government’s Throne Speech reflects years of hard work and commitment by First Nations leaders and members of the government toward advancing reconciliation and the economic and shared decision-making components of First Nations rights and title,” notes Regional Chief Teegee. “All areas of prosperity must be considered to build and support healthy and thriving communities across British Columbia.”
BC Government actions advancing reconciliation with BC First Nations include:
- develop legislation with the First Nations Leadership Council to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
- gaming revenues shared with First Nations communities;
- work in collaboration with Indigenous peoples to develop new clean economy opportunities and help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. This will include collaboration on a climate change adaptation strategy to be developed for 2020;
- additions to education curriculums in history and languages;
- commitment to restoring and sustaining wild salmon stocks;
- promotion of partnerships between First Nations and private sector resource development projects.
BC’s NDP government has confirmed their commitment to forging a collaborative pathway with First Nations toward a future that will be filled with challenges and opportunities. The BCAFN looks forward to having further details of commitments regarding reconciliation revealed in the upcoming BC government Budget Speech on February 19th.
For further information contact:
Annette Schroeter, Communications Officer, phone (250)-962-1603.