Inclusion of First Nations in Section 90 of the Community Charter

Whereas First Nations are constitutionally recognized as a level of government in Canada and British Columbia, and have the inherent right to self-government, including decision-making over their own lands, resources, and governance through the provisions outlined in United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and provincial Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act; And whereas Section 90 of the Community Charter provides for the ability for confidential government to government negotiations, but does not include First Nations in this provision: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the provincial government to amend Section 90 of the Community Charter, to recognize First Nation governments as a level of government, thereby recognizing and affording equitable protection for government-to-government meetings on par with other levels of government that are already listed within this act.