British Columbia lawmakers unanimously adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act on November 26. This makes BC the first jurisdiction in Canada to act on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call for governments in Canada to adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The provincial legislation provides a framework for reconciliation and has potential significance for the administration of justice and the legal profession. Lawyers should be aware that all current laws will be harmonized with UNDRIP principles, and all future laws will be drafted in consultation and cooperation with the Indigenous peoples of British Columbia.
The legislation is expected to receive royal assent and officially come into force prior to the end of the legislative session this week.
The legislation can be found here.