FNLC Marks 6th Anniversary of Declaration Act, Calls for Urgency on Full Implementation

(Xwməθkwəyə̓m (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilw̓ətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) / Vancouver, B.C.) – November 28, 2025). Today, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) reaffirm B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) as a landmark commitment to recognizing and upholding First Nations’ inherent title and rights, and jurisdiction. In an increasingly volatile political climate, the FNLC holds Premier Eby’s government accountable for continuing to restate its commitment to the Declaration Act and adoption and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) is ready to move the work forward together as fully and as quickly as possible.

The FNLC recognizes the Province’s significant work in recent weeks to stand with First Nations in B.C. and oppose any potential oil bitumen pipeline to the North Coast, despite immense pressure from Canada and Alberta. Such actions indicate there is an incredible potential for the Province to uphold and respect First Nations title and rights, as required by the Declaration Act.

The FNLC continues to raise concerns regarding several areas where provincial action has not yet aligned with the UN Declaration, which affirms First Nations’ rights to participate in decision-making, exercise jurisdiction, and determine the use of their lands, territories, and resources. Six years after the Declaration Act came into force, First Nations continue to encounter inconsistent legislative alignment, limited shared decision-making structures, and inadequate ongoing resourcing to support consultation, cooperation, and co-development.

BCAFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee stated, “The Declaration Act was intended to transform Crown–First Nations relations, yet progress is still falling short. Within the past year, we have seen the Province walk back on its commitments to UN Declaration implementation in parallel with increased Indigenous-specific racism fuelled by political rhetoric and disinformation. Now more than ever, we need the Province to commit to First Nations in full partnership to implement the UN Declaration.”

Robert Phillips, First Nations Summit Political Executive, remarked, “Reconciliation is a shared responsibility. The misalignment of provincial legislation and policy with the UN Declaration are creating uncertainty and undermining the years of trust that we have continuously tried to build with the provincial government. Full implementation of the Declaration Act and full recognition of First Nations’ basic human and inherent jurisdiction are essential to social, legal, and economic stability in British Columbia. The UN Declaration is the floor, and we must strive to surpass those markers.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, stated, “First Nations in B.C. long advocated for a provincial legislative framework to adopt and implement the UN Declaration, and the Declaration Act is an incredible achievement. There are numerous opportunities to advance joint priorities identified by First Nations and the Province of B.C. We have witnessed some positive examples of collaboration and investment, but we have also faced significant challenges, and the full potential of the Declaration Act remains unrealized. We need Premier Eby to lead the strongest year yet of implementation of the UN Declaration, as required by the Declaration Act. First Nations and all British Columbians demand transparency, clarity, and a consistent path forward.”

The FNLC emphasizes that meaningful progress requires consistent action to align provincial laws and decision-making processes with the UN Declaration as required by the Declaration Act, supported by sustained resources, co-development and meaningful participation, and transparent timelines.

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The First Nations Leadership Council is composed of the political executives of the BC Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit, and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. For more information, please visit www.fnlc.ca.

For further information, contact:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President
Robert Phillips, First Nations Summit Political Executive

Annette Schroeter, BCAFN Communications Officer

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