The provincial government is proposing amendments to the Land Act to enable shared decision making with Indigenous Governing Bodies, in keeping with Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) agreements. UBCM met with provincial staff last week and requested the Province hold an engagement session for local governments to learn more about these amendments. This is being held February 21, and written feedback can be submitted to the Province until March 31.
DRIPA is the provincial framework for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and provides flexibility for the Province to enter into agreements with Indigenous governments to share decision-making on the use of public land together. However, amendments to pre-existing legislation (like the Land Act) are required to make this happen.
- A webinar for local governments is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, 9 - 10 am. Email to register.
- Written feedback is also being accepted until March 31 through EngageBC where additional information can be found, including a slide deck on the proposed amendments.