Leaders from First Nations in British Columbia have issued a direct and public caution to Premier David Eby, urging his government not to seek alterations to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The warning underscores deepening concerns over the province's commitment to reconciliation and the implementation of its own landmark legislation.
A Firm Stance on Foundational Rights
The core of the message from First Nations is a defense of the integrity of UNDRIP. The declaration, which B.C. became the first Canadian jurisdiction to adopt into law through the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act in 2019, is seen as a non-negotiable framework. Indigenous leaders argue that any attempt to modify or reinterpret its principles would undermine the foundational work of reconciliation and violate the spirit of the province's own law.
While the specific proposed changes from the government have not been detailed in public statements, the caution suggests a significant policy divergence. The concern is that adjustments could dilute the declaration's standards on crucial issues like free, prior, and informed consent, land rights, and self-determination. This development occurs as the provincial government navigates complex natural resource projects and land-use decisions involving Indigenous territories.
Political Context and Mounting Tensions
The warning to Premier Eby, photographed in his legislature office in Victoria on December 12, 2025 for a year-end interview, places him at the center of a critical Indigenous relations file. His government has frequently cited its work on reconciliation as a priority, making this public caution from First Nations a politically sensitive challenge.
The tension highlights the ongoing and difficult work of translating the principles of UNDRIP into concrete action and shared understanding between the Crown and Indigenous governments. First Nations are asserting that the declaration, as an international human rights instrument, is not a document open to provincial customization or negotiation. Their stance is that implementation must align with the standards set by Indigenous peoples globally, not be reshaped to fit governmental convenience.
Implications for the Future of Reconciliation
This public caution represents more than a policy disagreement; it is a significant moment in B.C.'s reconciliation journey. It signals a potential erosion of trust between the provincial government and First Nations leadership at a time when collaboration is essential for progress on shared goals like economic development, environmental stewardship, and social equity.
The outcome of this issue will be closely watched. It will test the strength of B.C.'s legislative commitment to UNDRIP and define Premier Eby's legacy on Indigenous rights. A move perceived as weakening the declaration could provoke widespread opposition from Indigenous communities and their allies, potentially stalling numerous initiatives across the province. The call from First Nations is clear: uphold the declaration in full, without alteration, as the only acceptable path forward.
