More than 100 B.C. First Nations urge Eby to uphold DRIPA.

More than 100 B.C. First Nations say the province invited them to an expedited, NDA-linked consultation on proposed amendments to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act after a December court found the law legally enforceable; Premier Eby has said he intends to amend DRIPA and has not reconvened the legislature before Feb. 18.

More than 100 First Nations in British Columbia issued a joint statement urging Premier David Eby to uphold the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). The group’s statement follows a December court ruling that found DRIPA to be legally enforceable. The provincial government has signalled it will consider amendments ahead of the spring legislative session. First Nations say an expedited consultation offered on Jan. 29 was tied to non-disclosure agreements for participating leaders. Known details: - DRIPA was passed unanimously by the legislature in 2019. - A December court decision found the act to be legally enforceable rather than symbolic. - On Jan. 29 the province invited First Nations to an expedited consultation that First Nations say required signing NDAs. - Premier Eby has said he wants to amend DRIPA and has not reconvened the legislature before Feb. 18. Summary: First Nations said the proposed amendment process and the use of NDAs risk pulling the province backward and could increase litigation, according to their joint statement. The province has indicated it will pursue amendments in the spring legislative session, and the timing of any changes is undetermined beyond that schedule.