As BC moves ahead with new legislation on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Vice-President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs calls it history in the making.

The Tsartlip First Nation Chief says this will help move discussions to a nation-to-nation level. Don Tom says we are moving forward in a way that many maybe couldn’t imagine. “I think if we look at our history across Canada and from the doctrine of discovery, and I think we’re turning the page now where indigenous peoples, first nation communities, will have the opportunity to make shared decision making and where discussions will move to nation-to-nation discussion.”

Tom says this legislation could paint a clearer picture for the future. “In terms of resource sector and people who want to do business with first nation people and indigenous communities, it brings more certainty and predictability and everyone will have a better idea of what should be and will be expected.” He adds that there may be a misconception out there that this legislation will give first nations veto power and that’s just not true. “Consent and veto are very different and I think this forms a path of predictability for industry who want to do business with indigenous communities and I think it’s sets forth some predictability. In my history, much of the unpredictability typically leads us to court cases.” Tom says resources would be better spent within communities than going towards lawyers and legal battles.

There is no set timeline for when UNDRIP legislation will move forward.