Sierra Club BC statement on the B.C. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
Sierra Club BC welcomes and applauds the introduction in legislation of the B.C. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Campaigns director Caitlyn Vernon offered the following statement:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 24, 2019
“We commend and applaud the provincial government and Indigenous governments for their leadership in bringing forward this legislative framework for implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“Indigenous rights are human rights. Recognizing and respecting Indigenous rights is a tangible step towards reconciliation that will create more certainty for communities and for investment around the province.
“The denial of rights has led to endless lawsuits and uncertainty. Recognizing Indigenous rights in B.C. law will avoid conflict and costly lawsuits and enable us to work together to build our shared future.
“Today’s announcement will be good for jobs and good for the environment. All residents of B.C. will benefit from this legislation.
“With climate change impacting our health, community safety and food security, our province faces serious challenges in the years ahead. We are going to need to work together to overcome these challenges. Indigenous peoples’ knowledge about their territories will be crucial in planning for a safe, resilient future for all our kids. Today’s announcement gives me hope for the future.”
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Media contact:
Tim Pearson
Communications Director, Sierra Club BC
250-896-1556
tim@sierraclub.bc.ca
