First Nations leaders in B.C. lay out their priorities in the federal election

The full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Canada is top of mind for some First Nations leaders in B.C. as federal election campaigns are underway. 

Terry Teegee, B.C. regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations, said 2021's United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is "an important commitment in terms of Crown-Indigenous relationships, to make sure that it's the minimum human rights standard."

The legislation ensures that Canadian laws must align with the U.N. declaration that outlines minimum standards for the recognition and protection of Indigenous rights. 

An action plan for implementation of the act includes 181 measures, all of which Teegee wants to see in place. 

"The implementation part of it is really slow," said Cheryl Casimer, chief of ʔaq'am and a member of the First Nations Summit's political executive. 

Casimer and Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs said UNDRIP is a priority they want to hear about during the election. 

Teegee, Casimer, and Phillip are the leaders that make up the First Nations Leadership Council, which is a collaborative political working group that advocates for First Nations issues in B.C. 

CBC Indigenous spoke to the leaders separately on what issues are important to them. 

Standing up to the United States 

Casimer said the provincial government has welcomed First Nations to the table when it comes to addressing tariff threats from the United States and she would like to see the same with the federal government. 

"Moving forward here on in with whomever becomes the elected leader, I strongly urge that they include First Nations as part of Team Canada," said Casimer. 

Phillip said threats to Canadian sovereignty and water from the United States amplify the urgency for the government to work with First Nations. 

The United States recently paused negotiations of the Columbia River Treaty that regulates flood control, hydro-electric power and salmon restoration on the cross-border river.

"I am worried about First Nations issues being in the background," said Phillip. 

Phillip, Teegee and Casimer said they are looking for candidates to talk about reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. 

Drinking water legislation

Teegee said legislation that had been tabled to ensure safe drinking water for First Nations (Bill C-61) "essentially died" after the Parliament session was prorogued, then dissolved. 

"We would be really pushing for another potential for legislation on safe drinking water for First Nations people across British Columbia and Canada," said Teegee. 

Clean water is also a priority for Casimer, who said First Nations and non-Indigenous communities need proper infrastructure to ensure all waterways remain clean. 

Justice and policing 

Teegee said ensuring that First Nations policing is recognized as an essential service across the country is important. 

A new framework for First Nations policing is among the calls for justice of the national inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. 

More than $43 million was allocated in the 2021 federal budget for co-developing legislation that would recognize First Nations policing as an essential service. 

Casimer said she also wants to see more movement on the 231 calls for justice, and lowering Indigenous representation in the justice system. 

Teegee said he wants to work with the next government to amend the criminal code to criminalize residential school denialism. 

"I think that is very important as we see more and more denialism across this country," said Teegee. 

Other issues of concern included child and family services, the opioid crisis and sex-based discrimination in the Indian Act.

Teegee and Casimer said they are not endorsing any political party this election. 

But Casimer said there is more stability and certainty for government and industry when the rights and title of First Nations are recognized. 

"It's easier to sit down and work with us, than against us," said Casimer. 

Phillip said he is leaning NDP because he feels they have listened to First Nations. 

"My heart tells me NDP and I have always supported Jagmeet Singh and his aspirations," said Phillip.