(Lheidli T’enneh Territory/Prince George, BC) On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) honours the resilience, diversity, and the enduring rights of First Nations—inherent rights enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, now recognized as law in British Columbia and Canada.
Our leaders, Elders, and youth have long fought for not only understanding and recognition but also for active participation in the stewardship and governance of our traditional territories. This is not merely a political fight but a commitment to ensuring that these rich and abundant lands, waters, and air remain healthy, sustaining life and culture for centuries to come.
Amid ongoing political and legal challenges, including mounting resistance and divisive rhetoric against First Nations peoples and our rights in British Columbia, we call on all Canadians to embrace the UN Declaration as a guiding light in the face of rapidly changing economic and social landscapes. It provides a moral and legal framework to build a shared future that respects our cultures, languages, and legal traditions.
On this day, may we all commit to walking the path of respect, understanding, and genuine partnership. Let’s move toward a future where Indigenous peoples and our rights are honoured and celebrated as essential to the well-being of this land.