Sierra Club BC statement on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

“On International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we at Sierra Club BC recognize the ongoing jurisdiction of Indigenous peoples over their territories around the world and in particular here in this place now known as British Columbia.

“Indigenous peoples are often the first to suffer the ill effects of the destruction of land and waters, and of climate impacts.

“Indigenous laws and governance offer alternative approaches to confronting the twin threats of widespread species collapse and a growing climate emergency.

“Here in British Columbia we have federal and provincial governments that have promised to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). There has been some piecemeal progress, such as the incorporation of UNDRIP principles into B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Act.

“UNDRIP cannot simply be words on a page; it must be made real through tangible, meaningful action, following the leadership of Indigenous peoples. Today, we call on both the federal and provincial government to step up their commitment to UNDRIP and to translate words into tangible action and reconciliation worthy of the name.”

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Media contact:

Hannah Askew
Executive Director, Sierra Club BC
604-880-6286
hannah@sierraclub.bc.ca