First Nations Continue to Defend Declaration Act; Amendments are Unnecessary and Risk Greater Uncertainty and Costly Legal Conflict

Press Release

January 21, 2026

A growing list of more than 80 First Nations and political organizations say amendments to the Declaration Act will undermine certainty and increase conflict and litigation if nations are forced to defend their rights.

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ VANCOUVER, B.C. (Jan. 21, 2025) – A growing list of First Nations leaders from across B.C. are standing up to defend the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) and calling on Premier Eby to uphold the act as originally co-created with First Nations, and passed by all parties in the legislature in 2019.

The Nations are signing a joint statement that asks the Premier and all British Columbians to pause, reflect and recognize the progress that has been made towards healthier and more respectful relationships under the Declaration Act.

The leaders are also cautioning against calls to amend the Act and to appeal recent court rulings, along with harmful rhetoric, that risks pulling the province back to a time of blame, conflict, increased litigation, and threats of violence against Indigenous peoples.

The joint statement is hosted on the UBCIC website and is being updated as more nations sign-on.

For more information:

Ellena Neel
Communications Manager
Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
eneel@ubcic.bc.ca

Colin Braker
Communications Director
First Nations Summit
604-328-4094

Annette Schroeter
Communications Officer
BC Assembly of First Nation
778-281-1655

Andrew Frank
Communications Consultant
604-367-2112

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