VICTORIA, B.C. – BCFNJC was in Victoria this week as the Province of BC officially announced the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) Action Plan.
The five-year plan, developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, outlines 89 specific actions among the provincial ministries required to be undertaken to create a better province for Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia.
Vice-chair and director, Rosalie Yazzie, spoke at the announcement and emphasized the need for timely action within the criminal justice system to address racism, over-representation, law enforcement abuse and violence and a judicial system currently alienating Indigenous people.
Rosalie Yazzie speaks to delegates during the announcement of the DRIPA Action Plan.
“Reconciliation is a process that takes us all out of our comfort zone and if you don’t feel uncomfortable you’re not doing it right,” said Yazzie.
“Today’s Action Plan represents an important advancement towards reconciliation between BC First Nations and the Government of British Columbia. The Action Plan clearly articulates the Province’s commitment to prioritize the implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy as one of its key priorities. For far too long, First Nations and other Indigenous Peoples have been over-represented in the criminal justice system and now is the time to work towards greater self-determination in all matters, including justice. The Action Plan has been crafted to not only outline the Province’s commitments, but it also calls for annual reporting to the Legislature. We look forward to receiving the Province’s first progress report with respect to implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy.”
You can re-watch the full announcement from the Province of BC’s YouTube channel here.
Learn more about the Province of BC Action Plan here.
ABOUT THE BCFNJC
The BC First Nations Justice Council has been entrusted with the mandate to transform the justice system and create better outcomes for Indigenous people through implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy.
The strategy, signed March 06, 2020, was jointly developed by the BC First Nations Justice Council, BC First Nations communities and the Province of British Columbia. It includes 43 actions along two paths which involve the reformation of the current system as well as the restoration of First Nations’ legal traditions and structures.
Media Contact:
BC First Nations Justice Council
Marissa Baecker
Director of Communication and Engagement
c: 250-470-7779
[email protected]