A study session Monday at UBCM’s Convention explored how municipalities and regional districts can advance reconciliation with neighbouring indigenous communities through meaningful action. The presentation also included two provincial updates on the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act in British Columbia and case studies from various regional districts and municipalities.
Dianna Porter, a Senior Program Analyst with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, provided an update on the implementation of the UNDRIP in British Columbia. Porter conveyed that the provincial government is working to implement 89 different recommendations to help achieve goals, outcomes, and tangible actions needed for meaningful progress in reconciliation. Porter referenced the developing collaboration between local governments and First Nations manifest in actions like re-naming communities and street signs with traditional names.
Margaret Pfoh, CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, highlighted British Columbia’s first Indigenous community-led Provincial Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.
Tom McCarthy, Assistant Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, discussed modern innovations in reconciliation agreements. He stressed that the province is working with First Nations both within and outside the treaty process on co-developing mandates that support the path to reconciliation that is most appropriate for each community.
The final presenters of the day provided case studies of reconciliation in action and valuable local examples of how communities are working together today. Kristen Morley, General Manager of Corporate Services from the Capital Regional District was joined by Linda Glenday, CAO at the District of Squamish Jessie Williams, Director of Business Development and Communications at the New Relationship Trust. The trio gave examples such as creating a First Nations Relations Division, a statement of reconciliation and the development of a Corporate Plan or strategy to achieve reconciliation goals. All three presenters stressed the diversity and uniqueness of each First Nation in B.C. and that reconciliation will look different in each corner of the province.
A final reminder that the Community-to-Community Forum grant funding is available to help aid in the reconciliation process and local governments are encouraged to connect with local First Nation governments. Contact UBCM to learn how to access funding.