Photo credit: Times Colonist
The chief of a First Nation in the Great Bear Rainforest says BC Premier David Eby risks losing the trust of Indigenous people and could fuel racism if he changes the declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
City News reports that Eby has said amendments may be necessary after a BC Appeal Court approved a challenge by a First Nation against BCs mining tenure system that gives effect to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Chris McKnight, the chief councillor of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation, sent an open letter to Eby saying the declaration act is a proud symbol of reconciliation for his government and a beacon that says the status quo needs to change.
McKnight says changing the act could set off racist narratives about Indigenous Peoples and deflect responsibility from those who “failed to understand and properly prepare for the law as enacted.”
He says going to the courts is a last resort for First Nations, and the Appeal Court’s decision would not create more litigation.
McKnight says Eby’s recent comments make them wonder if he truly believes they are in this together.
