FAQ: The 10 Principles

Why has the Province of B.C. adopted the Draft Principles that Guide the Province of British Columbia’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples?

The B.C. government is deeply committed to true and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia. Members of the BC Public Service are uniquely positioned to transform the Province of B.C.’s relationships with Indigenous peoples through the important work they do every day.

These 10 draft principles are being shared as a resource to help guide all public service employees as they continue to build relationships with Indigenous peoples based on respect and recognition of inherent rights.

The draft principles guide the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action – part of every ministry’s mandate. The principles are being shared in draft as a starting point for engagement with Indigenous peoples.

Why are the principles being adopted as draft? Will they change?

These principles have been released in draft. Future input and guidance from Indigenous peoples may result in the principles evolving and changing over time. That is the nature of enduring relationships between Indigenous peoples and the government focused on reconciliation. The principles are being communicated across the BC Public Service to guide relationships now, as a starting point, based on the UN declaration and Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

Why did the Province of B.C. adopt the draft principles based on the federal government’s approach?

The adoption of draft principles in B.C. parallels action taken by the federal government on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Given many of the same circumstances and shared histories, the government of B.C. has come to a similar place as the federal government with respect to renewing relationships with Indigenous peoples and the need for guidance for the public service. This alignment with the federal government puts both the B.C. government and the federal government on the same path – one that supports Indigenous ways of knowing, and incorporates Indigenous legal and governance approaches into government processes and policies.

How are the draft principles connected to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action?

The draft principles are a tool to guide the BC Public Service in their work to adopt and implement the UN declaration and the calls to action. The principles reflect the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples described in the declaration, and mirror the actions related to a shift in relationships called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Where can I find more information about the B.C. government’s work with Indigenous people?

Further information on the ministry’s work with Indigenous peoples can be found in other parts of our website.

The website also has specific guidelines for proponents who are planning to engage with First Nations communities.

The Draft Principles that Guide the Province of British Columbia’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples guides the B.C. government’s work with Indigenous people.

Further specific information on B.C.’s work with Indigenous peoples can be found on individual ministry and agency websites.