In November 2019 The provincial government passed legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). What do you believe the next steps should be on ‘A New Path Forward’, and what steps can be taken in the Nanaimo – North Cowichan region?
As a white male I do not believe it is appropriate for me to say what the next steps should be- what we need to do, and what I have been doing, is asking the First Nations in our community what they want to see happen next. In our riding we have six First Nations bands, each with their own challenges and concerns that need to be addressed.
What we have done as government is pass UNDRIP into legislation, ensuring that everything the government does going forward is viewed through the lens of reconciliation and we have signed a historic agreement that will see provincial gaming revenue shared with First Nations across BC, providing them with the consistent and reliable funding they need to better address the needs in their communities.
We have also seen success in reaching agreements with First Nations- many of whom have been involved in these discussions for generations. The recent Reconciliation and Land Transfer Agreements made between the Snuneymuxw and the Province is one example and I know discussions are taking place with other First Nations in our riding which I am hopeful will result in similar agreements.
BC Greens are deeply committed to following the legislation laid out in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. For too long the colonial relationship with Indigenous peoples has prevailed. It is time to right a wrong. In conversation with our Indigenous communities, the BC Greens intend to prioritize the following: Energy independence, including the creation of indegenous-owned utilities
Move from the colonial MCFD structure by supporting indigenous-led child welfare programs in local communities
Advance cultural competency training for healthcare workers, and support training for Indigenous doctors and other health care workers
Preserve and rebuild BC’s salmon fisheries and wild populations in partnership with First Nations
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is now the law in BC, adopted unanimously by all sitting MLAs. For too long, Indigenous communities have been constrained by a forced lack of autonomy in their ability to to run an economy and to care for their own. The law now stipulates that autonomy be respected. From that equal footing all else flows.
I pledge to work in collaboration with the Indigenous people of Nanaimo-North Cowichan to work toward attaining these objectives, to secure resources, and to continue important work that is already in progress.
None of the candidates have responded to this question. Go to the Election Questions list to see questions that have been submitted to the Forum.
Leave a Reply