===== PAGE 1 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act 2025–26 ANNUAL REPORT ===== PAGE 2 ===== Territorial Acknowledgement With respect and gratitude, the Province acknowledges that the Declaration Act Annual Report was prepared on the territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən People, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, whose deep connections with this land continue to this day. The work profiled in this report took place in the territories of First Nations throughout B.C. The Government of British Columbia respectfully acknowledges these First Nations with gratitude for the many partnerships that enable this important work. ===== PAGE 3 ===== Contents Premier and Minister’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Story: Connecting communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Action updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Trends and patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Story: Bringing balance through fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Advancing modern treaties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Story: Rising with the tide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Aligning laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Story: Powering our future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Looking forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Declaration Act Action Plan Detailed Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Theme 1: Self-Determination and Inherent Right of Self-Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Theme 2: Title and Rights of Indigenous Peoples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Theme 3: Ending Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Theme 4: Social, Cultural and Economic Well-Being . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Shared Priorities Framework with Modern Treaty Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 3 Photo credits: The photographs found throughout this report were provided by the Alliance of BC Modern Nations, Métis Nation British Columbia, New Relationship Trust, Melody Charlie (a First Nations photographer from Ahousaht, B.C.) and the B.C. government’s photo bank. ===== PAGE 4 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 4 Premier and Minister’s Message The 2025–26 Declaration Act Annual Report shows the collective efforts of people working together can turn commitments into actions. We thank Indigenous leaders, partners and communities for their guidance, collaboration and expertise. ===== PAGE 5 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 5 Together with all British Columbians, we are building a stronger B .C . through partnerships and agreements that support healthy communities, create economic opportunities, improve services that make life easier and advance sustainable stewardship of the land, water and resources . The path of partnership laid out in the Declaration Act Action Plan – working together with all British Columbians, local and federal governments, organizations and businesses – is the route to a better future . The 2025–26 Declaration Act Annual Report shows the collective efforts of people working together can turn commitments into actions . We thank Indigenous leaders, partners and communities for their guidance, collaboration and expertise in the development of the report . Together, we are taking thoughtful action on reconciliation by: Ê Building unique partnerships to encourage investment and improve the services and infrastructure we all rely on Ê Delivering more affordable housing on and off reserve Ê Supporting Indigenous-led health facilities Ê Addressing Indigenous-specific racism and encouraging cultural well-being Ê Improving public and post-secondary education systems As we acknowledge the work done together over the past year, we also recognize that much work remains . By continuing to work shoulder to shoulder, we will build a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable future for all . Honourable Spencer Chandra Herbert Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Declaration Act SecretariatHonourable David Eby Premier of British Columbia ===== PAGE 6 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 6 Introduction In British Columbia, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act ) provides a framework for advancing reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous Peoples . Passed unanimously by the B .C . Legislative Assembly in 2019, the Declaration Act establishes a path forward that respects the human rights of Indigenous Peoples while introducing greater transparency and predictability in how this work is carried out . The Province reports annually on collaborative work with Indigenous Peoples to implement key sections of the Declaration Act and advance reconciliation . The 2025–26 Declaration Act Annual Report details progress made between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, on 84 of 89 actions under the Declaration Act Action Plan . The seventh annual report also provides updates on work with Modern Treaty Nations, as well as efforts to align provincial laws with the UN Declaration . This summary provides an overview of progress along with a selection of stories about what this looks like on the ground, with the full report available online . The Province thanks First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations and Métis partners for their guidance and meaningful contributions to the 2025–26 Annual Report .To read the full annual report and explore stories that capture the work underway to implement the Declaration Act, visit: declaration.gov.bc.ca Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act 2025–26 ANNUAL REPORT QR CODE: declaration.gov.bc.ca Released in March 2022, the Declaration Act Action Plan sets out a five-year, cross- government approach to implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia. It was developed through two years of intensive engagement with Indigenous Peoples to help ensure it reflects their priorities. ===== PAGE 7 ===== Chawathil First Nation is located just west of Hope, B.C., nestled in the beautiful Fraser Valley. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 7 Story: Connecting communities In rural and remote First Nations communities throughout B.C., improved high-speed internet is changing everyday life. People can text, email and video call friends, family and neighbours, while also accessing virtual health care, online education and remote work opportunities . This expanded connectivity is part of the Province’s ongoing work, in partnership with First Nations, to ensure that every rural and remote community in B .C . has access to reliable high-speed internet services . One community that was recently connected is Chawathil First Nation, located near Hope . “I think that for the reserve to be connected to the outside world has been really beneficial for our Elders as well as our mothers as well as our youth – for everyone in general,” says Jeanie Kay, a member of Chawathil First Nation and executive assistant to the chief and council . “The high-speed internet is definitely something that is a win-win for community and a win-win for communication everywhere .” Chawathil is one of many communities seeing these changes . In 2017, 66% of households on First Nation reserves had access to high-speed internet services . As of January 2026, approximately 88% of homes on First Nations reserves and Treaty Lands had access to high-speed internet, with coverage expected to exceed 96% once all approved projects are completed in 2029 . “The more connected we are, the healthier we are.” For leadership in Chawathil, that connectivity is also changing how the First Nation governs and engages with its members . “We’re able to have faster voting, connect our members better, be more transparent with them and make sure that we’re acting in their best interest,” says Chief Aaron Pete, Chawathil First Nation . “I’m so proud that Chawathil has access to this resource and that we’re able to start to show who we are as members of the Stó:lō territory and start to become leaders in certain areas, start to utilize tools that we didn’t have access to before . I think it’s going to make members proud to be Chawathil,” Pete says . Yale First Nation, not far from Chawathil, is another community that has recently been connected . Member Katherine Giroux, housing director for the First Nation, says one of the first questions she gets from prospective residents is, “Is there Wi-Fi here?” Now that they have it, she says, it’s helping bring more people back home, particularly young people . “Family ties are strong with our people,” Giroux says . “The more connected we are, the healthier we are .” ACTION 4.36: Ensure every First Nations community in B.C. has high-speed internet services. ===== PAGE 8 ===== Action updates The Province, in collaboration with Indigenous partners , made steady progress to implement the Declaration Act Action Plan during this reporting period, with many actions moving from planning into implementation . The action plan includes foundational commitments to support long-term changes in systems, behaviours and understandings . These systemic shifts require sustained, collaborative efforts with Indigenous Peoples and cannot be achieved within a five-year period. As a result, many actions will continue beyond 2027 . To date, 12 actions are complete, 62 are on track, eight are delayed, three are discontinued and five will begin reporting next year.PROGRESS IN ACTION The Éyameth’ Health Centre opened, providing culturally safe health services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the North Fraser region. ACTION 4.10: Prioritize the implementation of Primary Care Networks, the First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative, and other primary-care priorities, embedding Indigenous perspectives and priorities into models of care to increase Indigenous Peoples’ access to primary care and other health services, and to improve cultural safety and quality of care.  'LVFRQWLQXHG %HJLQUHSRUWLQJ QH[W\HDU &RPSOHWH 2QWUDFN 'HOD\HG$&7,216352*5(66 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 8 ===== PAGE 9 ===== Trends and patterns Clear trends and patterns show what helps or slows progress on actions. Progress is strongest when there is ongoing engagement with Indigenous Peoples and when structures such as tripartite tables, bilateral agreements and shared decision-making processes support collaboration . Strong relationships , clear leadership and well-co-ordinated teams also help work move forward . Practical supports – including adequate staff, funding and planning – make a big difference, especially for longer-term or more complicated actions . At the same time, progress on some actions was slowed this year due to fiscal pressures faced by B.C., similar to other jurisdictions across Canada and the world . The time required to advance necessary policy also slowed progress in some areas. These factors affected the ability to expand or sustain some initiatives . Indigenous partners also identified a need for public education to combat misinformation, raise awareness about Indigenous rights and increase understanding of the Declaration Act . The Provincial Anti-Racism Action Plan, released in June 2026, includes Indigenous- specific actions developed through consultation and co-operation with Indigenous partners. These actions are intended to address Indigenous-specific racism in government programs and services, and to support government’s reconciliation commitments.Ministries and Indigenous partners are finding practical and creative approaches to address challenges, including the use of pilot projects and existing tables and processes . Actions that are more complex – because they involve system-wide changes or co-ordination across multiple partners – take longer to implement . All actions that were delayed this year were among the most complex . Overall, these patterns show that progress depends on effective co-ordination, strong partnerships and adequate resources . When these are in place, even complex actions can move forward . PROGRESS IN ACTION In January 2026, Tahltan Central Government and the Province reached a historic milestone by approving the reopening of the Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. This was enabled through a consent-based Section 7 agreement under the Declaration Act and will bring economic benefits to communities in the northwest. ACTION 1.03: Utilize sections 6 and 7 of the Declaration Act to complete and implement government- to-government agreements that recognize Indigenous self-government and self- determination. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 9 ===== PAGE 10 ===== Partnerships Implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan is grounded in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples . Over time, the number and diversity of partners involved in this work has grown, reflecting ongoing efforts to build and strengthen relationships. Partners include population-specific organizations, individual First Nations, leadership organizations, advisory councils and sector-specific organizations. Every year, the number of Indigenous partners working with the Province to implement the Declaration Act Action Plan continues to grow – from 95 in 2022–23 to 175 in 2025–26 . Work is increasingly carried out through government- to-government processes and jointly led tables, which support continuity, shared understanding and co-ordinated decision-making . Some partnerships also required additional time and dialogue this year as Declaration Act policy discussions continued to evolve . In addition to its work with Indigenous partners, the Province is also engaging municipalities, regional governments and a wide range of stakeholders to support collective efforts in advancing reconciliation. These partners play an important role in implementing actions on the ground and in fostering respectful relationships within communities .Efforts include creating opportunities for collaboration and engagement . In doing so, the Province is working to support shared understanding, provide greater clarity and encourage co-ordinated approaches to reconciliation . Overall, work with Indigenous partners is becoming more consistent, sustained and better co-ordinated across government, supporting stronger, partnership-based approaches to implementing the action plan . PROGRESS IN ACTION The Watershed Security Fund supported a second intake of 28 community-driven projects, enabling local stewardship priorities to move forward. Projects advance watershed resiliency while supporting biodiversity, fish habitat and clean water. For example, Lake Babine Nation is assessing restoration sites for sockeye-bearing streams. ACTION 2.07: Collaborate with First Nations to develop and implement strategies, plans and initiatives for sustainable water management, and to identify policy or legislative reforms supporting Indigenous water stewardship, including shared decision-making. Co-develop the Watershed Security Strategy with First Nations and initiate implementation of the strategy at a local watershed scale. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 10 ===== PAGE 11 ===== Prescribed burning helps restore habitats that support wildlife across B.C. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 11 Story: Bringing balance through fire On a September day in 2025, about 30 people gather to light a controlled fire in a forest outside Cranbrook to reduce the risk of wildfire. It may sound counterintuitive, but it’s part of a longstanding Indigenous practice . “My experience with fire started at a young age,” says Chris Joseph, forestry lead at the ʔakisq ̓nuk First Nation, who is participating in the burn . “We didn’t have a lawnmower, so we used fire to cut the grass around the house . It’s part of the culture .” The burn is part of a two-week prescribed fire training exchange (TREX) that brings together fire, forestry and land management professionals to learn and share . The training is co-hosted by the BC Wildfire Service and Ktunaxa First Nations with support from the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society . Indigenous uses of fire are rooted in millennia of traditional knowledge and stewardship . This history continues to inform the use of fire in resource management today . By carefully applying controlled fire to high-risk areas, teams can reduce built-up forest fuels, such as overgrowth and underbrush, helping prevent more severe wildfires and supporting healthier ecosystems .“I’d rather be proactive than reactive,” says Chris Johnson from Yaq ̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it Fire, who participated in B.C.’s first TREX in 2024. “Reactive, you’re out there fighting a fire. Being proactive is what we’re doing here today .” As wildfires in British Columbia become increasingly common and destructive, the Province and First Nations are expanding prescribed or traditional burning and creating new ways to share knowledge and training, including TREX . “ I’d rather be proactive than reactive.” Last year, more than 80 prescribed burns took place in B .C ., about a third of them through partnerships with First Nations . Additionally, through the BC FireSmart Committee, the Province and First Nations are supporting prescribedfire.ca , a resource that shares First Nations perspectives on fire stewardship. “I think that learning and sharing lived experiences related to prescribed burning is really important for those that are involved in fighting fires or planning and managing how fires are dealt with when they do happen,” says Nasuʔkin Cheryl Casimer from the community of ʔaq ̓am . Reducing wildfire risk also supports local economies, particularly during the summer wildfire season . Industries such as tourism, timber harvesting, tree planting and agriculture all benefit from stronger wildfire prevention efforts. Back in the forest outside Cranbrook, the fire moves slowly through the underbrush, guided by generations of knowledge that continue to protect communities and renew the land . Action 2.11: Integrate traditional practices and cultural uses of fire into wildfire prevention and land management practices, and support the reintroduction of strategized burning. ===== PAGE 12 ===== Advancing modern treaties Through the Shared Priorities Framework , the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations and the Province are working together to implement modern treaties through a co-ordinated, whole-of-government approach . Over the past year, this work has included improving how the Province engages with Modern Treaty Nations (MTNs) . Together, the Province and MTNs developed new guidance for provincial staff to support more consistent and informed engagement . As a result, MTNs have reported increased opportunities to participate earlier in policy and legislative development . While progress is being made, further work is needed to ensure this approach is applied consistently across government . This focus on strengthening engagement also extended to advancing work on fiscal arrangements. At the fifth annual Premier’s Forum, held on Nisga’a Nation territory in June 2025, the Premier, Cabinet and leaders of MTNs discussed shared priorities, including fiscal arrangements that better reflect their jurisdiction and autonomy . Building on these discussions, the Province is advancing work on a policy to guide the collaborative development of fiscal arrangements with MTNs . The Shared Priorities Framework is a 2022 agreement between the Province and Modern Treaty Nations to support timely, effective and well-resourced treaty implementation. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 12 Together , the Province and Modern Treaty Nations developed new guidance for provincial staff to support more consistent and informed engagement. ===== PAGE 13 ===== For me as a citizen, the Gaayhllxid • Gíhlagalgang agreement is something I’ve waited for all my life . It gives recognition that we were here prior to any contact and that we are still here .” The Gaayhllxid • Gíhlagalgang “Rising Tide” agreement was followed by the Chiix ̲ uujin / Chaaw K ̲ aawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Haida Title Lands Agreement, signed by the Haida Nation and the federal government in December 2024 . Together, these agreements recognize Haida Aboriginal title in both provincial and federal law and set out a shared path for moving forward . “It’s a big challenge to reconcile with our past, a very difficult past,” says Gaagwiis (Jason Alsop), president of the Council of the Haida Nation .“Recognizing title, the rights, everything that comes with it allows us to start that healing journey and start that path to reconciling our laws, reconciling our society .” “ It gives recognition that we were here prior to any contact and that we are still here.” The Haida Nation has always upheld their inherent title to Haida Gwaii, caring for the lands and waters in a reciprocal relationship . Implementation of the Gaayhllxid • Gíhlagalgang “Rising Tide” agreement marks another milestone in the Haida principle of Tll yahda • Tl yahda (Making it right) and significant revitalization of Haida stewardship and governance on Haida Gwaii, to the benefit of all beings that call the islands home . Balance Rock, Haida Gwaii, B.C. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 13 Story: Rising with the tide Kung K_ayangas Marlene Liddle walks through a forest on Haida Gwaii, her feet sinking softly into the moss . She stops at a towering cedar, looks up, then wraps her arms around the trunk . “This is for thanking our sister cedar for giving us a piece of her clothing to make our creations out of a piece of hers,” she says, before carefully removing a strip of bark to weave into a hat . Liddle, stewardship director for the Council of the Haida Nation, says working with the governments of B .C . and Canada through a series of agreements is supporting the Nation in managing their lands from a Haida worldview . One of those agreements is the historic Gaayhllxid • Gíhlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement, signed by the Haida Nation and the Province in April 2024. This first-of-its-kind agreement recognizes Haida Aboriginal title across terrestrial Haida Gwaii and sets out a phased approach to align Haida and provincial laws while maintaining stability for residents and communities . “It’s life changing for us,” Liddle says . “We want to keep our culture alive as much as possible . Rising Tide allows us to do that because we can bring back some of our own Haida laws . Action 1.02: Shift from short-term transactional arrangements to the co-development of long- term agreements that recognize and support reconciliation, self-determination, decision- making and economic independence. ===== PAGE 14 ===== Aligning laws Section 3 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act requires the Province to review and align its laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples . To advance this work, the Province established the Declaration Act Secretariat, which provides co-ordination, guidance and support across government . In 2022, the secretariat released the Interim Approach to Implement the Requirements of Section 3, which sets out government-wide processes for how ministries work with Indigenous Peoples when developing or updating laws, policies and practices . Since then, ministries across government have been applying the interim approach in legislative and policy development, with each ministry responsible for implementing Section 3 requirements within its own work . Approaches vary depending on the subject matter, scope and potential impacts of proposed laws, as well as the priorities of Indigenous Peoples . This work continues to evolve in both the policy and legal contexts . A recent Court of Appeals decision has raised questions about how the Declaration Act should be implemented . Through partnership with Indigenous leaders, processes are underway to develop a durable solution that provides greater clarity and ensures the success of our collective work .The secretariat continues to support this work by promoting consistent approaches, including through training and capacity building for public servants and helping ministries apply the interim approach and advance specific initiatives. While no legislation to align laws with the Declaration Act was introduced in 2025–26, alignment efforts continue across government . This long-term work requires sustained consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples and must reflect the needs and priorities of communities throughout British Columbia . Through partnership with Indigenous leaders, processes are underway to develop a durable solution that provides greater clarity and ensures the success of our collective work. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 14 ===== PAGE 15 ===== Story: Powering our future On the Douglas Channel near Kitimat, cedar-lined shores meet deep coastal waters where the Haisla Nation has lived, travelled and governed for generations . Today, a floating industrial structure is taking shape along this coast . The Haisla Nation, in partnership with Pembina Pipeline Corporation, is building Cedar LNG, balancing economic development with environmental stewardship . “Together with our partner Pembina Pipeline, we are setting a new standard for responsible and sustainable energy development that protects the environment and our traditional way of life,” says Crystal Smith, former chief councillor of the Haisla Nation . Cedar LNG is the first project of its kind in the world: a majority Indigenous-owned liquefied natural gas export facility . It is also one of the largest Indigenous-owned infrastructure projects in the country . “Our vision for Cedar LNG was always predicated on being able to source the cleanest power option to ensure our project delivers LNG with the lowest possible carbon footprint,” says Chief Councillor Maureen Nyce of the Haisla Nation .That vision is supported through a $200-million provincial contribution to help electrify the project and connect it to B .C .’s hydroelectric grid . “We are grateful to the provincial government for supporting our Nation’s goal of sustainably advancing development in our territory on our own terms and in accordance with our values,” says Nyce . “When Indigenous communities lead projects as owners, as is the case with Cedar LNG, we are able to ensure that these projects are developed in the most environmentally responsible manner, while generating revenues that enable us to protect our way of life and build long-term prosperity .” Cedar LNG is expected to be operational in 2028 and to export approximately three million tonnes of LNG per year . At peak construction, it will employ up to 500 people, with approximately 100 long-term jobs once operational . “We are setting a new standard for responsible and sustainable energy development that protects the environment and our traditional way of life.” As construction continues along the Douglas Channel, Cedar LNG reflects a broader shift in how projects are built in British Columbia: with First Nations leading as owners and decision-makers on their territories . The Cedar LNG facility runs on clean, B.C. energy – making it one of the lowest emitting facilities of its kind. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 15 Action 2.12: Collaboratively develop and implement CleanBC and the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy to support resilient communities and clean economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples that benefit our shared climate and advance reconciliation. ===== PAGE 16 ===== ===== PAGE 17 ===== Looking forward Implementing the Declaration Act is long-term, generational work that continues to evolve in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. Over the next year, the Province will continue advancing actions under the current plan . Work will continue to focus on addressing challenges and improving how actions are resourced, co-ordinated and delivered . At the same time, the Province is working with Indigenous partners to review and update the action plan . This includes assessing progress, identifying lessons learned and considering opportunities for improvement . Engagement will continue with Indigenous Peoples – as well as local governments, industry and other partners – to inform the next action plan covering 2028 to 2033 . While some actions will be completed by 2027, many will continue beyond the current plan . Advancing reconciliation includes strengthening relationships, decision-making processes and laws, and requires sustained effort over time. The Province remains committed to working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to continue this important work . Continue reading for details about work undertaken in 2025-26 to implement the Declaration Act Action Plan on the next page or visit: declaration.gov.bc.ca/annual-report/ Advancing reconciliation includes strengthening relationships, decision- making processes and laws, and requires sustained effort over time. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 17 ===== PAGE 18 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 18 Section 4 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act requires the Province to develop and implement an action plan to meet the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), and to do so in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples . The Declaration Act Action Plan includes 89 tangible cross-government actions in the areas of self- determination and self-government, rights and title, ending anti-Indigenous racism and enhancing social, cultural and economic well-being . A phased approach is being taken to implement and report on the Declaration Act Action Plan, as not all actions can or should be implemented at the same time . All 89 actions will be initiated within the five-year timeframe. The 84 actions reporting in the 2025/26 Declaration Act Annual Report have an icon dashboard that illustrates progress in four dimensions, along with detailed reporting on highlights, challenges and how the Province is working with Indigenous partners and other interested parties . For more information on icon design, meaning and methodology, visit https://declaration.gov.bc.ca/annual- report/measuring-progress.Declaration Act Action Plan Detailed Reporting ===== PAGE 19 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 19 ICON MEANING AND LEGEND How far along is this work? (Salmon) When we think of life, it’s cycles of transformation . We think of our relations with salmon . Salmon is the chief of the water and a representation of critical thinking, taking action and overcoming obstacles . Their cycle of birth, journey, and returning to the land remind us of our reciprocal responsibility and that, with our limited time on earth, we must contribute in a meaningful way . Salmon return the earth and feed it so that other beings may thrive . How complicated is this work? (Rock) How much work needs to be done? How big is the rock we must carry? We call on the image of the rock, which reminds us of the physicality of our test of strength competitions . The heavy lifting is not just about brute strength but about how we position ourselves and use our whole being to lift . Are there challenges? (Medicine bundle) The medicine bundle is a symbol of protection and ceremony . When it comes to risk and challenges, we are reminded of the work that our ancestors undertook to prepare mind, body, and spirit for the things creator would place in front of us . Managing risk is achieved through years of preparation, gaining knowledge, training, ceremony, and mastery . How are we working together? (Weaving) Braiding all the necessary pieces together, the land, water, and the people into spaces where deep consultation and co- operation can happen . Each strand is important, each voice is important . Started Discontinued Planning Implementation Complete Low Complexity Low Challenges Low EngagementMedium Complexity Medium Challenges Medium EngagementHigh Complexity High Challenges High EngagementComplete Complete CompleteDiscontinued Discontinued Discontinued ===== PAGE 20 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 20 GOAL Indigenous Peoples exercise and have full enjoyment of their rights to self-determination and self-government, including developing, maintaining and implementing their own institutions, laws, governing bodies, and political, economic and social structures related to Indigenous communities. 1.01 In partnership with the Government of Canada, establish a new institution designed and driven by First Nations to provide supports to First Nations in their work of nation- and governance-rebuilding and boundary resolution in accordance with First Nations laws, customs and traditions . LEAD MINISTRY: INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION Theme 1: Self-Determination and Inherent Right of Self-Government Planning Stage High Complexity High Challenges Low Engagement ===== PAGE 21 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 21 How are we working together? Leadership for this work rightfully belongs to First Nations, while the Province has a role in supporting solutions and minimizing harm while investing in First Nation-led governance rebuilding and boundary resolution. The Province provided capacity funding for 2025/26 to the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) to advance implementation. The first phase of work focuses on generating materials to shape and stimulate dialogue on options for the contemplated institution, and a comprehensive project plan for engaging relevant decision-makers and subject matter experts in the next phase of work . Tools to support advancement of this action item include case studies, a community of practice, training, readiness assessments, template agreements and community engagement resources . Are there challenges? To fully advance Action 1 .01 close collaboration between Canada, First Nations and the Province is essential . This is complex work that will take time . Competing priorities, capacity and resourcing constraints amongst the Province, First Nations and First Nations Organizations present a challenge to implementing this action in a timely manner . Nationhood rebuilding and boundary resolution remain shared priorities of First Nations, First Nations Organizations and the Province . Resourcing provided to date has resulted in incremental steps taken in the 2025/26 fiscal year to advance these priorities. The Province has heard from Modern Treaty Nations that they are also interested in being engaged in this work . Future resourcing will support First Nations’ consensus-building on the resources required to fully realize this action item and testing and adapting the tools and training developed thus far . Highlights First Nations and First Nations Organizations have been working together to advance solutions to the challenges presented by territorial overlaps for many years . Over the previous reporting year, FNLC has developed a set of tools to support Nations in their boundary resolution work . ===== PAGE 22 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 22 1.02 Shift from short-term transactional arrangements to the co-development of long-term agreements that recognize and support reconciliation, self-determination, decision-making and economic independence . LEAD MINISTRY: INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION How are we working together? The negotiation and implementation of long-term agreements is a collaborative process with First Nations that requires ongoing engagement and close working relationships . The Province is working with First Nations and the federal government to create innovative agreements that are flexible and better suited to addressing unique needs. This past year, Nisga’a Nation and the governments of Canada and British Columbia commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Nisga’a Treaty . Over the past few decades, the Nisga’a have made progress in building their government and institutions, as well as facilitating economic development for both the Nisga’a Nation and surrounding communities built on the foundation of strong relationships . Engagement is ongoing with First Nations across B .C . through regular meetings to negotiate additional agreements to support reconciliation, self-determination, decision-making and economic independence . The Province also engages with local government, the public and interest holders on an ongoing basis . Are there challenges? Ongoing engagement with First Nations can be impacted by challenges in capacity across all levels of government and First Nations partners . As new agreements demonstrate change and positive steps towards reconciliation, there will be increased demand on capacity . Modern treaties and other agreements are often complex, and their scope, intent and long-term impacts can be difficult to communicate. The Province recognizes that clear and accessible communication is essential to support public understanding of how these agreements advance reconciliation and meet the public interest . Ongoing communication and continued engagement involving First Nations, partners and the public are key to supporting transparency and informed public dialogue . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 23 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 23 Highlights Nisga’a Nation, B .C ., Canada celebrate 25th anniversary of Nisga’a Treaty – May 9, 2025 Lyackson First Nation, Cowichan Tribes, B .C . complete land transfer – May 22, 2025 Mount Benson North transferred from B .C . to Snuneymuxw First Nation – July 22, 2025 The Tŝilhqot’in Nation, the Province and Taseko Mines Limited endorse the Teẑtan Biny Gagaghut’i Agreement – June 5, 2025 ʼNa ̱ mǥis First Nation, B.C. sign joint decision-making agreement – December 15, 2025 1.03 Utilize sections 6 and 7 of the Declaration Act to complete and implement government-to-government agreements that recognize Indigenous self-government and self-determination . Actions 1 .03 and 2.04 guide the Province’s work to advance government-to-government agreements and joint decision-making arrangements that recognize Indigenous self-government and enable shared decision-making under sections 6 and 7 of the Declaration Act . Therefore, reporting is consistent across both actions . PROVINCIAL LEAD: DECLARATION ACT SECRETARIAT How are we working together? Negotiating section 6 and 7 agreements is a collaborative process with Indigenous governing bodies that involves ongoing engagement. The Province is making progress: In 2025/26, the Province signed three section 7 orders with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government, ʼNa ̱ mǥis First Nation, and Simpcw First Nation . Additionally, in 2025/26, the Province and the Tahltan Nation reached an historic milestone by jointly making regulatory decisions on the reopening of the Eskay Creek gold-silver mine; this was enabled through a section 7 agreement . High Challenges Medium Engagement Implementation Stage High Complexity ===== PAGE 24 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 24 Are there challenges? Progress continues to be made in advancing agreements that share statutory decision-making with Indigenous governing bodies, where appropriate . This work is complex and takes time, requiring cross- government alignment, approval processes, consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples and engagement with stakeholders and the public . The Province has heard concerns about a lack of progress in advancing more section 6 and 7 agreements and will continue to work to implement section 6 and 7 agreements under Action 2 .04 . The Province is also working to build awareness and understanding of what section 6 and 7 agreements are, their benefits and the process the Province undertakes to negotiate and implement them. Recognizing that limited awareness may act as a barrier, the Province is committed to sharing more information with Indigenous governing bodies, stakeholders, and the broader public as part of ongoing engagement efforts. Highlights In June 2025, the Province secured a mandate under section 7 to negotiate an agreement with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government, if and when needed, in respect of decisions under the Environmental Assessment Act relating to mining projects in the Teẑtan Area. In December 2025, the Province entered into a joint decision-making agreement under section 7 with ʼNa ̱ mǥis First Nation to support the joint establishment of forest landscape plans and joint approval of associated forest operations plans within Tree Farm License 37 . Implementation of this agreement is enabled under the Forest and Range Practices Act . In March 2026, the Province secured a mandate under section 7 to negotiate a consent-based decision- making agreement with Simpcw First Nation in respect of decisions under the Environmental Assessment Act relating to the proposed Yellowhead Copper mining project, or another mine project that is proposed to be located where the Simpcw First Nation is the primary Indigenous decision-maker . In January 2026, the Province and the Tahltan Nation reached an historic milestone through approving the Eskay Revitalization Project enabled through a consent-based agreement, The Eskay Creek mine project is the first to go through the regulatory process under a section 7 agreement. This new approach to decision-making successfully wove together Indigenous rights and jurisdiction with provincial processes under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and Environmental Assessment Act . ===== PAGE 25 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 25 1.04 & 1.05 Actions 1.04 and 1.05 guide the Province’s work to co-develop a new fiscal relationship and framework with Indigenous Peoples . The Province is consulting and co-operating on both actions through a single engagement process . Actions 1 .04 and 1 .05 state: 1.04 Co-develop with Indigenous Peoples a new distinctions-based fiscal relationship and framework that supports the operation of Indigenous governments, whether through modern treaties, self- government agreements or advancing the right to self-government through other mechanisms . This work will include collaboration with the Government of Canada . 1 .05 Co-develop and implement new distinctions-based policy frameworks for resource revenue-sharing and other fiscal mechanisms with Indigenous Peoples. LEAD MINISTRIES: FINANCE; INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION How are we working together? The Province continues to share revenues across key sectors – including gaming, mining, forestry and energy – to strengthen the fiscal capacity of First Nations governments and enable long-term planning through stable revenue sources . Since 2020, the Province has shared $628 million with First Nations under the Long-Term BC First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing and Financial Agreement . These arrangements reflect the Province’s commitment to ensuring First Nations benefit directly from economic activity in their territories and are positioned as full partners in B .C .’s economic future . Over the past year, the Province has focused on growing British Columbia’s economy by accelerating mining, energy and infrastructure projects, and strengthening the key sectors foundational to the province’s long-term economic future . In this context, the Province continued to work closely with rights holders on a project-by-project basis to ensure First Nations share in the economic returns from development in their territories, including through resource revenue sharing, equity ownership and business opportunities . Taken together, these approaches help build stable, long-term revenues for both First Nations and the Province, supporting a stronger foundation for future development . Work with the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations is also being advanced and is reported on under Action 4.49 . Planning Stage High Complexity High Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 26 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 26 Are there challenges? In the past year, broad engagement with First Nations on the co-development of a renewed fiscal framework was largely on hold. This pause was in response to significant shifts in the economic and fiscal environment for the provincial government as well as the need to respond to urgent issues, leading the Province to prioritize project- and agreement-specific measures over longer-term structural reforms. Engagement undertaken prior to the pause reinforced the scale, complexity and multi year nature of this work . Given this context, larger-scale changes to the fiscal framework were not achievable during this reporting period . Highlights The Province has continued to advance targeted opportunities to improve fiscal relationships with First Nations in the current environment . In January 2026, the Province and the Tahltan Central Government reached an historic milestone by jointly making regulatory decisions on the reopening of the Eskay Creek gold-silver mine through the first ever Declaration Act section 7 agreement. The decision reflects a strong government-to-government partnership between the Province and the Tahltan Central Government, grounded in respect, collaboration and shared stewardship . The Province is working with First Nations and the B .C . business sector to develop strong economic partnerships . To support this work, the Province is formally launching the First Nations Equity Financing Program (FNEFP) in spring 2026. The program will support equity financing opportunities for First Nations to have meaningful participation in projects within British Columbia, where there is shared interest and readiness with the Province . Through the use of the First Nations Equity Financing Special Account and partnerships with First Nations, businesses, lenders and the federal government and its agencies, the program will help ensure that provincial equity loan guarantees and other tools are responsive to First Nation investment priorities . The Ministry of Finance worked with First Nations organizations, provincial government ministries, the federal government and the B .C . business community to develop the FNEFP design and implementation . ===== PAGE 27 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 27 1.06 Co-develop an approach to deliver on the BC Tripartite Education Agreement commitment, in which the Ministry of Education and the First Nations Education Steering Committee will co-develop legislation that requires local education agreements (LEAs) with First Nations where a First Nation wants one, and that requires the application of the provincial LEA at the request of a First Nation . LEAD MINISTRY: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE ACTION COMPLETE Highlights In 2023, the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) developed amendments to the B .C . School Act that ensure a First Nation can apply a Model Local Education Agreement (LEA) where there is no existing LEA in place . First Nations and school districts are also able to use the Model LEA as a resource for negotiating a custom LEA . A number of First Nations have now applied the Model LEA . ===== PAGE 28 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 28 1.07 Update the Bilateral Protocol agreement between the BC Ministry of Education and the First Nation Education Steering Committee for relevancy, effectiveness, and consistency with the UN Declaration to support First Nation students in the K-12 education system . LEAD MINISTRY: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE How are we working together? Updates to the Bilateral Protocol Agreement will be completed with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) . A draft of the updated Bilateral Protocol is under review with FNESC . Are there challenges? Initiating this work will require significant staffing, capacity and engagement between the Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) and FNESC . Highlights A draft of the updated Bilateral Protocol is being discussed between ECC and FNESC . Engagement on a joint approach to this action is still underway due to competing priorities . Started Medium Complexity High Challenges High Challenges ===== PAGE 29 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 29 1.08 Recognize the integral role of Indigenous-led post-secondary institutes as a key pillar of B .C .’s post- secondary system through the provision of core funding, capacity funding and the development of legislation . This includes institutes mandated by First Nations, as well as a Métis post-secondary institute being developed by Métis Nation British Columbia . LEAD MINISTRY: POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FUTURE SKILLS How are we working together? First Nations Mandated Post-Secondary Institutes: The ministry is working jointly with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA) to develop a regulation, policies and procedures for implementation of the legislation . The ministry and FNESC have signed a bilateral agreement to guide this work . The ministry has undertaken a final round of consultation with First Nations including Modern Treaty Nations before finalizing the regulation, policies and procedures. Implementation is planned for 2027/28. Métis post-secondary institute: The ministry and Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) meet regularly as work advances . Are there challenges? The ministry remains supportive of MNBC’s intention to establish a Métis Institute . However, navigating the broader regulatory environment presents challenges as does the lack of ongoing sustainable funding to support the initiative . Highlights Since the First Nations Mandated Post Secondary Institutes Act received Royal Assent on May 16, 2024, joint work with First Nations partners continues with the development of the necessary regulations, policies and procedures to bring the Act into force. Implementation is expected in 2027/28. The ministry continues to work with MNBC to support the development of a Métis-led Institute . Planning Stage High Complexity Low Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 30 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 30 1.09 Work with the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, and the Urban Native Youth Association to co- develop an urban Indigenous centre that supports the childcare, housing and post-secondary needs of Indigenous learners, and strengthen the capacity of the Native Education College to provide culturally relevant post-secondary opportunities for urban Indigenous learners . LEAD MINISTRY: POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FUTURE SKILLS How are we working together? Urban Indigenous Youth Education Project: The Ministry of Infrastructure (INF) continues to work closely with Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA), Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) and other partners through regular steering committee meetings, project board meetings and ad hoc meetings on key topics . Native Education College: The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) continues to work closely with Native Education College (NEC) staff to guide the implementation of policies and procedures congruent with its transition to a public post-secondary institution and eventual entry into the Government Reporting Entity . Are there challenges? Urban Indigenous Youth Education Project: Project partners are addressing budgetary challenges and are working to revise the concept plan to align project costs with available funding from various sources . Native Education College (NEC): NEC requires additional budget and time to maintain its capacity to operate at the level required to become a public post-secondary institution and enter the Government Reporting Entity . Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement ===== PAGE 31 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 31 Highlights Urban Indigenous Youth Education Project: Collaborative work with partners continues to progress on the planning and development of the project . Native Education College (NEC): NEC continues to see growing student numbers with 140 in 2022/2023 to 357 in 2024/2025 (155%), which included 148 graduates in July 2025. In addition, the first year of its new Associate of Arts Degree - Indigenous Studies was successfully completed in the spring of 2025 . The cohort continued with year two in September 2025, and in the spring of 2026, they will be positioned to transfer to public post-secondary institutions to pursue a higher degree . 1.10 Co-develop modernized emergency management legislation (replacing the Emergency Program Act) with First Nations . LEAD MINISTRY: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND CLIMATE READINESS ACTION COMPLETE Highlights The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness developed and enacted the Emergency Management and Disaster Act on November 8, 2023, in consultation and co-operation with First Nations using a distinction-based approach . Consultation and co-operation with First Nations are ongoing through the development of regulations through virtual engagement sessions and engagement with technical teams representing the First Nations Leadership Council and Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations . In March 2025, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness offered a second year of the Indigenous Engagement Funding Program to support implementation of Indigenous Engagement Requirements described in the Act . The program has supported and strengthened communications, emergency preparedness, collaboration and relationships in emergency management between First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations, regional districts and municipalities across B .C . ===== PAGE 32 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 32 GOAL Indigenous Peoples exercise and have full enjoyment of their inherent rights, including the rights of First Nations to own, use, develop and control lands and resources within their territories in B.C. 2.01 Establish a Secretariat to guide and assist government to meet its obligation to ensure legislation is consistent with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and is developed in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples . PROVINCIAL LEAD: DECLARATION ACT SECRETARIAT ACTION COMPLETETheme 2: Title and Rights of Indigenous Peoples ===== PAGE 33 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 33 Highlights In 2022, the B .C . Government established the Declaration Act Secretariat, a central agency within government that guides and supports the implementation of the Declaration Act across the B .C . government . Since spring 2025, the Secretariat has held all sections of the Declaration Act, providing advice and coordination for the Province . 2.03 Issue guidelines from the Attorney General of B .C . to the Ministry of Attorney General legal counsel regarding the conduct of civil litigation involving the rights of Indigenous Peoples . LEAD MINISTRY: ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION COMPLETE Highlights Ministry of Attorney General legal counsel has become increasingly knowledgeable about all aspects of the Directives on Civil Litigation involving Indigenous Peoples (the Directives) and adept in their implementation in all litigation matters . The Directives are considered and applied in all new and ongoing litigation matters and they inform instructions in every matter . They are applied throughout the litigation process including pleadings, procedural issues, court submissions and inter-party communications . Consistent with the Directives, counsel are regularly encouraging and supporting negotiated outcomes in the context of active litigation . ===== PAGE 34 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 34 2.04 Negotiate new joint decision-making and consent agreements under section 7 of the Declaration Act that include clear accountabilities, transparency and administrative fairness between the Province and Indigenous governing bodies . Seek all necessary legislative amendments to enable the implementation of any section 7 agreements . Actions 1.03 and 2 .04 guide the Province’s work to advance government-to-government agreements and joint decision-making arrangements that recognize Indigenous self-government and enable shared decision-making under sections 6 and 7 of the Declaration Act . Therefore, reporting is consistent across both actions . PROVINCIAL LEADS: DECLARATION ACT SECRETARIAT; INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION; WATER, LAND AND RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP How are we working together? Negotiating section 7 agreements is a collaborative process with Indigenous governing bodies that involves ongoing engagement. The Province is making progress: In 2025/26, the Province signed three section 7 orders with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government, ʼNa ̱ mǥis First Nation and Simpcw First Nation. Additionally, in 2025/26, the Province and the Tahltan Nation reached an historic milestone by jointly making regulatory decisions on the reopening of the Eskay Creek gold-silver mine; this was enabled through a section 7 agreement . Are there challenges? Progress continues to be made in advancing agreements that share statutory decision-making with Indigenous governing bodies, where appropriate . This work is complex and takes time, requiring cross- government alignment, approval processes, consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples and engagement with stakeholders and the public . The Province has heard concerns about a lack of progress in advancing more section 6 and 7 agreements and will continue to work to implement section 6 and 7 agreements under Action 2 .04 . Implementation Stage High Complexity High Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 35 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 35 The Province is also working to build awareness and understanding of what section 6 and 7 agreements are, their benefits and the process the Province undertakes to negotiate and implement them. Recognizing that limited awareness may act as a barrier, the Province is committed to sharing more information with Indigenous governing bodies, stakeholders, and the broader public as part of ongoing engagement efforts. Highlights In June 2025, the Province secured a mandate under section 7 to negotiate an agreement with the Tŝilhqot’in National Government, if and when needed, in respect of decisions under the Environmental Assessment Act relating to mining projects in the Teẑtan Area. In December 2025, the Province entered into a joint decision-making agreement under section 7 with ʼNa ̱ mǥis First Nation to support the joint establishment of forest landscape plans and joint approval of associated forest operations plans within Tree Farm Licence 37 . Implementation of this agreement is enabled under the Forest and Range Practices Act . In March 2026, the Province secured a mandate under section 7 to negotiate a consent-based decision-making agreement with Simpcw First Nation in respect of decisions under the Environmental Assessment Act relating to the proposed Yellowhead Copper mining project, or another mine project that is proposed to be located where the Simpcw First Nation is the primary Indigenous decision-maker . 2.05 Co-develop and employ mechanisms for ensuring the minimum standards of the UN Declaration are applied in the implementation of treaties, agreements under sections 6 and 7 of the Declaration Act and other constructive arrangements with First Nations . LEAD MINISTRY: INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION How are we working together? Co-development of policies and approaches to negotiations requires ongoing engagement during implementation ensure agreements continue to be relevant and responsive in achieving the minimum standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 36 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 36 Are there challenges? Co-developing agreements using a distinctions-based approach require rigorous engagement with Indigenous governing bodies . Challenges in capacity across all levels of government and with First Nations partners can impact ongoing engagement . As new agreements demonstrate change and positive steps towards reconciliation, there will be increased demand on capacity . Modern treaties and other agreements are often complex, and their scope, intent and long- term impacts can be difficult to communicate. The Province recognizes that clear and accessible communication is essential to support public understanding of how these agreements advance reconciliation, meet the public interest and uphold the minimum standards of the UN Declaration . Ongoing communication and continued engagement involving First Nations, partners and the public are key to supporting transparency and informed public dialogue . Highlights Examples of co-developed mechanisms in treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements that align with the UN Declaration include the following: On April 10, 2025, Kitselas community members ratified their treaty and constitution, which states that its interpretation and implementation will be informed by the UN Declaration . Kitselas’ inherent right to self-determination is emphasized in the treaty and exemplified in their own constitution . In May 2025, land in the Cowichan Valley was returned to Lyackson First Nation and Cowichan Tribes communities, which followed the signing of an Incremental Treaty Agreement by Lyackson First Nation, the Cowichan Tribes and B .C . in May 2024 . With the transfer now complete, Lyackson First Nation is adopting its first official community plan to map out a new community village for its members . On October 19, 2025, celebrations for the recently completed transfer of the 36-hectare Lightning Rock site to the Semá:th Nation occurred . This land holds deep cultural and spiritual significance to Semá:th and serves as a repository of traditions and narratives passed down through generations . On November 1, 2025, Kitsumkalum community members ratified their treaty and constitution, which states that its interpretation and implementation will be informed by the UN Declaration . Kitsumkalum’s inherent right to self-determination is emphasized in the treaty and exemplified in their own constitution . Refer to the Shared Priorities Framework section of the report for further examples of progress on Action 2.05 as they relate to the implementation of modern treaties in effect. ===== PAGE 37 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 37 2.06 Co-develop strategic-level policies, programs and initiatives to advance collaborative stewardship of the environment, land and resources, that address cumulative effects and respects Indigenous Knowledge. This will be achieved through collaborative stewardship forums, guardian programs, land use planning initiatives, and other innovative and evolving partnerships that support integrated land and resource management . LEAD MINISTRIES: WATER, LAND AND RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP; INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION; ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS; FORESTS; ENERGY AND CLIMATE SOLUTIONS; BC ENERGY REGULATOR How are we working together? Action 2.06 is supported by seven different initiatives across the responsible ministries: Collaborative Stewardship Framework (CSF), Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) Collaborative Marine Planning (including Marine Protected Areas Network and Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast), (WLRS) Guardians and Stewardship Training Initiative, (WLRS) Modernized Land Use Planning, (WLRS) Aboriginal Liaison Program, (WLRS in partnership with BC Energy Regulator (BCER)) Kitasoo Xai’xais & Nuxalk Guardians Shared Compliance and Enforcement Pilot Program, Ministry of Environment and Parks (EP) Forest Landscape Planning Projects, Ministry of Forests (FOR) Provincial staff, who are supporting the seven initiatives in Action 2.06, are working collaboratively with First Nations and Indigenous partners to develop approaches identify priorities and actions across various stages of planning and implementation . Implementation Stage High Complexity High Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 38 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 38 Are there challenges? Shifting Context Timelines and priorities have shifted as part of broader Provincial policy, impacting the initiatives’ ability to fully address the complexity of the work, and differing perspectives between partners and the Province . Capacity Challenges Challenges from capacity and funding constraints can affect the timing, sequencing and implementation of Action 2.06. These challenges require continued effort to improve alignment, collaboration and relationships among partners and the Province . Reduced opportunities to engage with First Nations partners due to fiscal climate constraints (i .e . no budget for travel) as well as temporary impacts of job action, are challenging First Nation partners’ ability to participate and engage in activities . Differences among partners in resourcing and technical capacity are contributing to participation and engagement challenges, and implementation of Action 2 .06 . Public Sentiment and Political Pressures Public opinion and sentiments towards First Nations and reconciliation have been challenging in the last year, creating additional impacts for initiatives attempting to implement actions and work collaboratively in partnership with First Nations to identify joint priorities and actions . Highlights Collaborative Stewardship Framework: Skeena Sustainability Assessment Forum (SSAF) has spent over a decade working in collaboration to build the relationships and trust needed to advance ‘data to decisions’. Working in partnership, SSAF has developed a trusted cumulative effects data set that reflects consensus on values, protocols and monitoring . This data set is currently being used in two Forest Landscape Planning processes and cumulative effects assessments of two major projects in the Skeena Region . Collaborative Marine Planning: In its second year of implementation, the Marine Protected Areas Network (MPAn) has established the Kishkosh and Kitkiata Inlets Wildlife Management Area (WMA), in collaboration with First Nation partners, protecting 1,450 hectares of important habitats for humpback whales, wild salmon, seabirds and shorebirds in the Great Bear Sea . The area includes ecologically and culturally significant sites and plays an important role in supporting food security for First Nations and coastal communities . ===== PAGE 39 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 39 Partners in the Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP) have been working together to understand how clam garden restoration can be supported . Clam gardens are living cultural sites that need ongoing care, so they require a different approach to protection and management. This work is helping guide recent discussion with MaPP partners about updates to the Heritage Conservation Act . Modernized Land Use Planning: In partnership with the Province, the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations are advancing four land use planning processes in B .C .’s northwest and north central regions . These projects have included engagement with industry, community and other partners to implement land use plans that will provide greater certainty for investors, First Nations and communities alike . Gwa’ni Land Use Planning Project on north Vancouver Island reached a major milestone on January 15, 2026, with provincial staff and First Nation partners working collaboratively on establishing and amending land use objectives within the plan area . Guardian and Stewardship Training Initiative: Has supported 28 First Nations and First Nation organizations to access training funding, and there are currently more than 100 First Nations and Indigenous organizations on the contact list for future intakes of funding . The response from First Nations and Indigenous organizations indicates that this initiative is well received, helping to strengthen relationships between the Province and Guardians programs, and supporting a diversity of Guardian programs and priorities . BC Parks and Kitasoo Xai’xais and Nuxalk Guardians Shared Compliance and Enforcement Pilot: The Kitasoo Xai’xais and Nuxalk Coastal Guardian Watchmen completed their second field season as appointed Park Rangers under section 4 of the Park Act . As guided by the Shared Compliance and Enforcement Pilot formal agreement, a joint evaluation has been undertaken to reflect on the pilot’s implementation and inform future direction in 2026 . Forest Landscape Planning: There are 15 Forest Landscape Planning (FLP) projects underway today in collaboration with First Nations across the province, covering roughly 41% of the area intended to have FLPs . One project (TFL37 pilot project) has completed a draft plan that will be considered for a joint legal establishment decision this year by the Chief Forester and the ʼNa ̱ mǥis Nation, pursuant to a shared decision-making agreement under s .7 of the Declaration Act . Four other FLPs made substantive progress on plans this past year and are targeting completion of draft plans by March 2027 . ===== PAGE 40 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 40 2.07 Collaborate with First Nations to develop and implement strategies, plans and initiatives for sustainable water management, and to identify policy or legislative reforms supporting Indigenous water stewardship, including shared decision-making . Co-develop the Watershed Security Strategy with First Nations and initiate implementation of the Strategy at a local watershed scale . LEAD MINISTRY: WATER, LAND AND RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP How are we working together? The Province and First Nations continue to advance collaborative approaches to watershed security by fostering trust, strengthening relationships and engaging in ongoing, reciprocal dialogue . The Province has chosen to focus on priority actions that directly support watershed security – improving water permitting, reviewing water rentals and developing a watershed governance framework . The B .C .–First Nations Water Table (Water Table), convened in June 2022, remains a central forum for joint dialogue and consensus-building . The Water Table, made up of First Nations delegates (the Water Caucus) and provincial representatives, provides a venue for developing shared recommendations to inform decision-makers . A joint secretariat, formed by the First Nations Fisheries Council and the Province, supports the Water Table and its subcommittees with coordination and technical expertise . The continued leadership of the Water Table contributes meaningfully to reconciliation and strengthens shared approaches to watershed protection . The Province and Modern Treaty Nations work together through dedicated pathways that reflect each Nation’s governance structures, priorities and engagement preferences . This collaborative work has included government-to-government processes, joint meetings and facilitated workshops . Together, these approaches help strengthen long-term, respectful relationships that support shared watershed stewardship engagement across watershed planning initiatives and remain tailored to the priorities of each Nation, local government and region . The Province continues to prioritize working alongside First Nations to co-develop water sustainability plans, identify local objectives and support shared decision- making in watershed stewardship . Implementation Stage Medium Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 41 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 41 Are there challenges? The Province and First Nations partners remain committed to strengthening watershed stewardship across B.C., while recognizing that capacity and resource constraints can influence the pace of progress. These shared challenges highlight the importance of clear prioritization and strong collaboration as the Province and partners advance this work together . Interest in water sustainability planning and watershed governance tools continues to grow, with a rising number of expressions of interest and requests for support. While this demand reflects increasing alignment around watershed security, limited capacity means that projects must be carefully sequenced to match available resources . This approach helps ensure that each initiative receives the appropriate attention and support needed to succeed . With current resourcing, the Province is supporting five watershed projects in partnership with First Nations . Establishing well scoped project plans remains essential to setting shared expectations and providing a solid foundation for collaborative progress . At times, work may intersect with other planning processes or broader policy discussions, which can result in watershed-related dialogue occurring at larger tables. While this can extend timelines, it also provides opportunities to align efforts and integrate watershed stewardship into complementary initiatives, ultimately strengthening outcomes . Despite these challenges, the Province and First Nations continue to work closely to prioritize actions and maintain momentum . Ongoing collaboration, careful planning and shared leadership remain central to advancing watershed stewardship across the province . Highlights The Province and First Nations continue to strengthen collaborative approaches to watershed security through shared forums such as the Water Table . These spaces remain central to advancing reconciliation and addressing watershed issues of shared concern . Engagement with First Nations, including Treaty First Nations and regional partners, continues to guide efforts related to improving water permitting, reviewing water rentals and exploring approaches that could support future watershed governance . Together, partners are focusing on practical actions that support watershed security, including work to improve water permitting processes, to review water rental fees and explore collaborative governance approaches. First Nations partners and local communities have also identified priority needs such as drought preparedness, flood resilience, drinking water protection and opportunities to streamline regulatory processes linked to watershed health . The Watershed Security Fund (Fund) continued to advance community driven watershed work in 2025 . Established in 2023 with a $100 million provincial endowment, the Fund generates annual grant funding for watershed projects. In 2024/25, an additional $7 million contribution from the Real Estate Foundation of BC supported a second intake of 28 projects across the province, supporting First Nation and community led efforts to restore and protect watersheds. The First Nations Water Caucus with the First Nations Fisheries Council of BC acting as its secretariat–and the Real Estate Foundation of BC are providing interim stewardship for the Fund . ===== PAGE 42 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 42 Local watershed governance and planning also continue to progress . For example, the Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) Water Sustainability Plan is under active co-development with Cowichan Tribes . Also, the Nicola Watershed Governance Partnership continues advancing work toward a co-developed plan on the Nicola watershed with the Nicola 5 (Upper Nicola Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Coldwater Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band and Shackan Indian Band) . 2.08 Collaborate with Indigenous partners on issues related to conservation and biodiversity in B .C . including the protection of species at risk . LEAD MINISTRY: WATER, LAND AND RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP How are we working together? The Province and Indigenous partners continue to work together to protect nature, including advancing work on biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, recovery planning for species at risk and wildlife stewardship . This work is complex and can take time . The Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation was negotiated among the members of the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Province of B .C . This agreement guides work together through the Tripartite Implementation Committee, its Secretariat and three subcommittees . These groups meet regularly to plan work, check progress and prepare an annual report . They also make sure the shared principles all partners agreed to are followed . Together for Wildlife is the B .C . government’s strategy to improve wildlife and habitat stewardship throughout the province . Goal 5 of Together for Wildlife focuses on First Nations and the B .C . government working together on wildlife stewardship . The First Nations - B .C . Wildlife and Habitat Forum is a non-representative technical advisory group that guides Together for Wildlife’s implementation . The forum provides advice on policies, procedures, communications and long-term planning that support shared stewardship of wildlife and habitat . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 43 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 43 Are there challenges? There are many pressures on the land . Industrial activities, community needs and the impacts of climate change all affect ecosystems. These pressures can lead to declining habitat and fewer traditional food sources for Indigenous communities . One challenge in meeting these pressures is the time it takes to advance conservation protections . Many conservation projects need agreement from First Nations, local communities, industry and other groups, and aligning various interests can be complex and progress can be slow . New and unexpected risks can also shift priorities quickly . For example, the appearance of Chronic Wasting Disease in B .C . created an urgent need to respond to help protect cervid populations, particularly deer, which required staff and partners to change focus on short notice. Across all levels of government and in many communities, there is strong agreement that biodiversity loss and climate change are urgent issues . Addressing them requires strong relationships, early collaboration, clear communication and adequate resources—areas where the Province and partners continue to make steady progress . The First Nation Forum members have contributed considerable effort to collaborate and provide advice rooted in experience, Indigenous knowledge and a commitment to shared goals . Provincial action and uptake on the guidance and advice of the Forum have occurred at a slow pace which has delayed outcomes . Highlights This year, there were several important achievements in the collaborative work to support conservation and strengthen partnerships between the Province and First Nations . One major success was the creation of a new Wildlife Management Area on the north coast, covering KishKosh and Kitkiata inlets . This designation was made possible through close collaboration with Gitga’at First Nation and Gitxaala Nation . The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, with partners also supported preparation for the Squamish Land and Resource Management Plan to help advance new conservation protections . In the Okanagan and East Kootenay, the Province and First Nations worked together to map, plan and test possible ecological corridors and wildlife crossings along major highways and railways . These projects help improve safe movement for wildlife and protect important habitats . Federal funding was leveraged to help the Nature Conservancy of Canada purchase 45,000 hectares of conservation lands near Fernie, as well as to support the Regional District of Nanaimo’s purchase of Hamilton Marsh . First Nations led work on wildlife monitoring in the North Cascades and identifying barriers to animal movement in the East Kootenay with support from the provincial government . The Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation includes a commitment to report annually on accomplishments . Under the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation, The Province, federal government and First Nations continued to report on shared accomplishments as work continues toward the agreement’s goals through to 2030 . ===== PAGE 44 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 44 2.09 Develop new strategies to protect and revitalize wild salmon populations in B .C . with First Nations and the federal government, including the development and implementation of a cohesive B.C. Wild Pacific Salmon Strategy . LEAD MINISTRY: WATER, LAND AND RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP How are we working together? Through the Trilateral Salmon Accord (Accord), the Trilateral Steering Committee has been established with provincial government staff from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, representatives from the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC), Treaty and Non-Treaty First Nations and representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) . The Trilateral Steering Committee are collaboratively working on priority setting and collaborative planning for the table with the Terms of Reference and a unified priority document that reflects the unique perspectives of each party. With a Tier 1 table of First Nation delegates now established by FNFC, including regional delegates from each region, the three signatories to the Accord have held initial meetings to discuss shared priorities and begin building relationships among members . The Tier 1 table has nominated two Salmon Speakers to be the lead First Nations representatives . Additional meetings are planned to continue strengthening these relationships, finalize the Terms of Reference and confirm the key areas of focus for the work ahead . Are there challenges? Due to fiscal challenges, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is restricted in the ability to allocate funding and resources to the Trilateral Salmon Accord . With uncertainty around the DFO budget and mandate there have been increased delays as DFO wait for direction from their leadership before continuing this work . To reduce the impact, the Province hasworked with partners to make hybrid and virtual options available for meetings . With these challenges impacting timelines, further work is needed to align the timelines and expectations with the processes of the provincial and federal governments . Planning Stage Medium Complexity High Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 45 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 45 Additionally, a challenge to the Accord is the fact that the FNFC does not represent all First Nations in B .C ., including Modern Treaty Nations . To overcome this challenge the Accord is open to all First Nations in B .C ., with the FNFC taking a convener role to engage and facilitate progress . Progress is being made in this regard, with the Maa-nulth First Nations having met with the FNFC and the Maa-nulth Treaty Society now attending as an observer at the trilateral table . Highlights Through the Trilateral Collaborative Salmon Table, FNFC established a provincial committee of First Nations delegates . This committee met throughout late summer and fall of 2025, bringing together First Nation perspectives from across the province to begin shaping a unified approach to protecting and restoring wild pacific salmon. In parallel, representatives from B.C., DFO and FNFC engaged with the Tier 1 Table to support collaboration and strengthen working relationships among all partners . 2.10 Reform forest legislation, regulations and policy to reflect a shared strategic vision with First Nations that upholds the rights and objectives of the UN Declaration . LEAD MINISTRY: FORESTS How are we working together? The Ministry of Forests continues to work collaboratively with Indigenous partners to advance forest policy reforms in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) . Engagement approaches include issuing formal invitations to participate, hosting virtual and hybrid information sessions to improve accessibility, and meeting with First Nations at conferences, regional gatherings and community-based forums. Ministry staff also participate in direct discussions with Indigenous leaders and technical teams to share information, hear perspectives and support ongoing relationship building . Progress has been made in strengthening dialogue and improving clarity around policy intentions . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 46 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 46 Engagement has also helped the ministry better understand regional priorities and the wide range of Indigenous perspectives across the province. There are meaningful opportunities to continue refining engagement practices . Expanding the use of virtual formats, aligning engagement with existing events, like the BC-First Nation Forestry Council ‘First Nation Forestry Forum’ and strengthening internal coordination can help reduce barriers and improve consistency . The ministry remains committed to learning from these experiences and working with Indigenous partners in a way that reflects shared priorities and supports long term relationships. The ministry advances this work through a distinctions-based approach that provides opportunities for all First Nations to share input on proposed legislative and policy changes . Engagement includes a combination of virtual and in person sessions, government to government discussions and the use of structured tools such as feedback tracking and what we heard summaries . These processes help ensure that a range of perspectives, interests and recommendations are captured . Input from First Nation partners is used to inform policy design, clarify intent and refine drafts, supporting more transparent and collaborative development of legislation and policy aligned with the UN Declaration . Are there challenges? Reforming forest legislation, regulations and policy requires sustained collaboration, technical work and coordination across many partners . The breadth of the reforms combined with the diversity of interests, governance structures and contexts, creates a complex operating environment . Capacity constraints remain a key challenge for both Indigenous partners and ministry teams . The volume of policy initiatives underway across the B.C. government can make it difficult for First Nations to engage in multiple processes at once, and ministry staff must balance engagement with ongoing operational responsibilities. These factors can influence the pace of co-development and limit opportunities for deeper, iterative dialogue . The work to reform forestry legislation and policy is ongoing in nature and will extend into the future . As policies evolve and implementation begins, additional time and coordinated effort will be required to maintain alignment with the UN Declaration while ensuring operational clarity for all parties . Despite these challenges, the ministry remains committed to advancing this work thoughtfully and collaboratively, recognizing that sustained engagement and relationship building are essential to achieving shared objectives . ===== PAGE 47 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 47 Highlights ‘Na ̲ mg ̲is First Nation - BC Joint Decision-Making Agreement ‘Na ̲ mg ̲is First Nation and the Province signed a joint decision-making agreement in December 2025 that advances reconciliation by supporting predictable harvesting and sustainable forestry operations . This agreement is the first-of-its-kind decision-making agreement for the forestry sector under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) and Forest Range and Practices Act. This work affirms that ‘Na ̲ mg ̲is First Nation are partners in forestry decisions and will enable the joint establishment of forest landscape plans (FLP) for direction about where, when and how harvesting can occur over a 10-year term and joint approval of associated Forest Operations Plans (FOPs) to spatialize the licensee’s proposed harvest. Western Forest Products has worked closely with ‘Na ̲ mg ̲is since 2021 to pilot the development of a draft FLP and FOP . The section 7 agreement negotiations are part of the Province’s commitment to reconciliation and will help ensure forest sector transparency, stability and predictability . BC Timber Sales (BCTS) Review The BCTS review engagement and subsequent legislative changes were designed and delivered in alignment with the Declaration Act, with a focus on early, meaningful and ongoing engagement . First Nations were engaged throughout the year, creating opportunities to inform policy direction prior to decisions being finalized. These changes, related to stewardship, land use, economic participation and long-term forest management, were identified by many First Nations as a high priority. Input from Nations helped shape legislative options and policy tools intended to enable greater Indigenous participation in BCTS operations . The engagement advanced Declaration Act implementation by strengthening transparency, accountability and by embedding First Nations priorities into the development of legislative and operational changes . ===== PAGE 48 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 48 2.11 Integrate traditional practices and cultural uses of fire into wildfire prevention and land management practices and support the reintroduction of strategized burning . LEAD MINISTRIES: FORESTS; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND CLIMATE READINESS How are we working together? Between April 1, 2025, and Feb 28, 2026, over 80 cultural and prescribed burns were completed . First Nations are leading or co-leading many of these projects . Through local place-based relationships, First Nations, provincial agencies and other partners define how best to work together and advance shared objectives . Strengthened co-development and co-delivery with First Nations in planning, coordinating and implementing safe burns has been critical to advancing Action 2 .11 . Partnerships are widespread and look different across regions, reflecting the unique landscapes and cultural practices of First Nations in different parts of B.C. First Nations and provincial agencies are working together on several collaborative research projects related to Indigenous fire stewardship. These include examining the impacts of planned burning on traditional food plants; assessing ecological and socio-cultural outcomes to support cultural revitalization and relationship building; and evaluating the effects of prescribed fire and wildfire risk reduction treatments on habitat for mule deer, which is a culturally significant species for many First Nations. Work has continued with interested First Nations to advance opportunities for fire stewardship agreements. Significant effort has gone into scoping options for distinctions-based, government-to- government approaches to cultural and prescribed fire that extend beyond individual projects. Shifting from project-by-project collaboration to a longer-term framework will continue to take shape in 2026-27 . Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Medium Challenges Notable Engagement ===== PAGE 49 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 49 Are there challenges? Across the province, cultural and prescribed fire programs are scaling up. This success brings its own challenges . The size, frequency and objectives for burn projects are increasing, which means greater complexity at all stages of planning, preparing for, implementing and monitoring the outcomes of burns . The work is increasingly multi-partner and multi-faceted, requiring strong coordination, a depth of knowledge for fire practitioners and project partners that takes time to build through experience. Highlights In the spring of 2025, the Cariboo Fire Centre worked with the City of Williams Lake, the Williams Lake Fire Department and Williams Lake First Nation on a series of prescribed burns in and around the city . These prescribed burns are a continuation of ongoing projects from previous years and supported early season preparedness for all participants . Over several days in early April 2025, crews carried out prescribed burns across seven sites within and adjacent to Williams Lake, treating areas ranging from six to 20 hectares . The work targeted dry, cured grasses in higher risk locations and refreshed previously treated areas where new growth and surface fuels had accumulated beneath forest canopies. All sites have a documented history of fire activity and were identified as priorities for early-season treatment. This work brought together municipal, First Nations and provincial partners in a planned and cooperative pre-season environment. Completing joint prevention activities outside of active wildfire response supports operational alignment, strengthens interagency relationships and enhances readiness ahead of the wildfire season. This collaboration at both leadership and crew levels contributes to more effective coordination during periods of elevated wildfire activity. These projects were delivered through co-operation between the City of Williams Lake, Williams Lake First Nation and the Cariboo Fire Centre, along with support from local contract crews and industry partners. This shared approach reflects a commitment to wildfire prevention and community protection, supported by local knowledge, operational capacity and on-the-ground experience . ===== PAGE 50 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 50 2.12 Collaboratively develop and implement CleanBC and the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy to support resilient communities and clean economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples that benefit our shared climate and advance reconciliation . LEAD MINISTRY: ENERGY AND CLIMATE SOLUTIONS How are we working together? The Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions (ECS) is collaboratively implementing CleanBC and the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy (CPAS) through ongoing engagement with two Indigenous advisory groups: the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) – BC Technical Working Group on Climate Change and the Indigenous Climate Adaptation Working Group . ECS is strengthening the co-operation with FNLC climate policy staff that participate in the Technical Working Group through collaborative review of emerging policy . Following discussion on the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Protocol, language was added to the Protocol clearly outlining the Province’s commitment’s related to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and consultation . This included three new sections focused on obligations under Section 35, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) and a distinctions-based approach . This wording is now available for use in future protocols and policies . Are there challenges? The current fiscal restraints and limitations on public servant travel are a current barrier to in-person engagement with First Nations and Indigenous partner organizations . Highlights Over the course of the year, the FNLC-BC Technical Working Group (TWG) on Climate Change heard from guest presenters from the Province seeking advice and input on new or changing policies and legislation . To facilitate more meaningful dialogue, the TWG developed a Protocol for Guest Presenters that is distributed to guest presenters prior to attending . The protocol includes an emphasis on providing information in advance including presentations and questions, and linkages to the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan . The protocol also requests that guest presenters have a basic Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 51 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 51 understanding of First Nations’ expectations associated with engagement/consultation, Declaration Act considerations and follow up on how input provided will be (or was) used to inform the related policies and legislation . A similar protocol for guest presenters was also developed for the Indigenous Climate Adaptation Working Group . These protocols have helped provincial policy leads and presenters to better understand how to prepare and engage with both Indigenous advisory groups and ultimately improve the collaboration with Indigenous Peoples as part of the policy development process . 2.13 Identify and advance reconciliation negotiations on historical road impacts and road accessibility with First Nations on reserve, treaty and title lands, including reporting-out on the completion and implementation of these negotiations collaboratively with First Nations partners . LEAD MINISTRY: TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT How are we working together? The Ministry of Transportation and Transit is committed to continuing engagement with First Nations that have active historical road tenure negotiations on their Reserve, Treaty or Title lands . The ministry meets regularly with First Nations that have active negotiations to resolve historical road impacts on Reserve, Treaty and Title land . These negotiations may include broader relationship agreements that outline how the ministry and First Nations will coordinate future discussions related to ministry activities on Reserve, Treaty or Title land . Each negotiation is unique and with the support of a centralized tracking system, the ministry will be able to share information on ongoing and upcoming negotiations with First Nation partners . Currently, the ministry is involved in 86 active negotiations to resolve historical road impacts on Reserve, Treaty and Title land . Are there challenges? To address concerns about information storage, the ministry implemented a new system to ensure secure platforms and data storage, which required extra time . However, substantive progress has been made on the rollout of the centralized tracking system, and the cross-ministry team developing the tool has begun ministry-wide training while continuing to migrate data to the new system . Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Medium Challenges Low Engagement ===== PAGE 52 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 52 There is a temporary strain on resources as staff are trained to use the new system, and additional time is required to verify the accuracy of migrated data . These complex road impact negotiations require significant time and resources from both the ministry and First Nations partners. The new system is expected to create internal efficiencies that will support staff and resourcing to help meet these demands. Highlights The Ministry of Transportation and Transit continues to make progress in resolving historical road impacts on Reserve, Treaty and Title lands . At the time of this report, 16 negotiations have resulted in a signed agreement that are in various stages of implementation . Targeted training for the new centralized system has been delivered to ministry staff throughout the fall and winter . Data continues to be entered into the system, and this work will continue as implementation progresses . Additional user support and training are currently underway, and the system will be implemented ministry-wide in spring 2026 . 2.14 Modernize the Mineral Tenure Act in consultation and cooperation with First Nations and First Nations organizations . LEAD MINISTRY: MINING AND CRITICAL MINERALS How are we working together? The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals (MCM) is advancing Mineral Tenure Act (MTA) reform in consultation and co-operation with First Nations, consistent with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and a distinctions-based approach . During the 2025/2026 reporting period, engagement focused on targeted bilateral discussions with First Nations to inform policy development and identify priority areas for legislative reform . These discussions supported relationship-building and early input into potential approaches . In Implementation Stage High Complexity High Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 53 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 53 parallel, the ministry advanced preparatory work to support broader consultation and co-operation, including collaboration with the First Nations Leadership Council to reconstitute a working group and develop a refreshed terms of reference . This work will support a more structured and transparent engagement process . Engagement has been informed by implementation of the Mineral Claims Consultation Framework (MCCF), with input from ongoing consultation activities helping to inform policy development of potential changes to the MTA . The ministry has also maintained communication with the mineral exploration and mining sector and other interested parties to support transparency . The planning, timing and scope of broader engagement have been influenced by available staff and resources and the need to coordinate work within a complex and evolving legal and policy context . Are there challenges? The work is being advanced within a complex and evolving legal and policy context . In 2023, the ministry was ordered by the BC Supreme Court to consult on mineral claim registrations, which has required the ministry to prioritize implementation of the MCCF, while also continuing to make progress on broader legislative reform . Further, constraints related to available staff and resourcing and the volume of concurrent engagement on initiatives across the natural resource sector have influenced the planning and timing of broader consultation and co-operation . This has resulted in periods of intermittent progress with work on MTA reform advancing slower than ordinally planned . To mitigate these challenges, the ministry has taken a phased approach, focusing on targeted bilateral discussions during this reporting period . The ministry continues to adapt its approach to support meaningful consultation and co-operation while managing these pressures . Highlights The ministry has implemented the court-ordered MCCF to support consultation with First Nations on mineral claim registration. The previous online staking system offered no opportunity for consultation and provided automatic claim registration . The new system provides for applications that are then consulted upon with a target timeline of 90 to 120 days for decisions . During the reporting period, the ministry conducted internal work to advance MTA reform through continued policy development and targeted bilateral engagement with First Nations . These discussions helped identify priority areas for reform and inform potential policy approaches for legislative change . The ministry recognizes the importance of consultation and co-operation to further inform and influence policy approaches . Progress was also made to establish foundational engagement structures, including collaboration with the First Nations Leadership Council to reconstitute a working group and supporting terms of reference . This work strengthens the foundation for future consultation and co-operation . ===== PAGE 54 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 54 GOAL Indigenous Peoples fully express and exercise their distinct rights and enjoy living in B.C. without interpersonal, systemic and institutional interference, oppression or other inequities associated with Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination, wherever they reside. 3.01 Develop essential training in partnership with Indigenous organizations, and deliver to the B .C . public service, public institutions and corporations that aims to build foundational understanding and competence about the history and rights of Indigenous Peoples, treaty process, rights and title, the UN Declaration, the B.C. Declaration Act, the dynamics of proper respectful relations, Indigenous-specific racism, and meaningful reconciliation . PROVINCIAL LEAD: PUBLIC SERVICE AGENCY; MINISTRY OF FINANCE – CROWN AGENCIES AND BOARD RESOURCING OFFICETheme 3: Ending Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination Implementation Stage High Complexity High Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 55 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 55 How are we working together? The BC Public Service Agency (BCPSA) provides human resource leadership, expertise, services and programs that contribute to better business performance across ministries . The BCPSA continues to communicate with partners to provide progress updates, review documents and incorporate feedback into the new Indigenous Crown Relations Essentials (ICRE) level one training, as well as for future companion course development . The BCPSA is the lead for internal partners in the provincial government, including the Crown Agencies and Board Resourcing Office (CABRO). CABRO, co-lead for this action item, is responsible for ensuring public sector organizations have access to this training when it is available . CABRO will adapt and deliver ICRE to Public Sector Organization appointees and will ensure appropriate information and supports are available for this audience . The BCPSA has been working through ICRE level one, draft version five revisions and supporting change management activities related to the course development, including drafting the Guide to Indigenous Crown Relations Essentials . These actions will help BC Public Service people leaders to prepare and better understand their roles in Indigenous cultural safety ahead of the course launch . The draft version five revisions of ICRE are anticipated to be shared with Indigenous partners for input in spring 2026 . Other activities to support organization readiness for ICRE include the expansion of cultural safety-related programming through the BCPSA’s corporate House of Indigenous Learning (HoIL) . The HoIL delivered cultural safety related training to over 2,800 employees between June 2025 and March 2026 . This includes webinars and face-to-face learning through experiential workshops such as Building Bridges Through Understanding the Village and launching Indigenous employee virtual circles . Are there challenges? ICRE is level one of a three-level framework previously endorsed by partners . The content for ICRE level one is vast, which is a challenge for a mandatory e-learning course . The depth and complexity of topics shared in level one requires further learning . Opportunities for further learning will be explored in level two, level three and future companion courses . Work to coordinate and align perspectives on course content across the BC Public Service has been extensive and complex, resulting in extended timelines for releasing draft version five to partners. Additionally, work to align with other Declaration Act Action Plan commitments and other legislative requirements (such as the Anti-Racism Data Act and the Anti-Racism Act) have also been contributing elements . Differing perspectives on content from internal and external partners on historical events, the ongoing impacts of colonization and legal interpretations of Aboriginal rights and title are significant. There is a risk of not accurately reflecting the diversity of Indigenous Peoples’ experiences in B.C. in course content. The BCPSA continues to work towards ensuring course content is reflective of differing perspectives . Work continues to build capacity across the BCPSA and its network of learning developers, subject matter experts and facilitators . ===== PAGE 56 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 56 Highlights Building on activities completed during the last reporting cycle, such as extensive engagement with human resources departments across the BC Public Service, work occurred within the BCPSA to prepare for the launch of ICRE . Actions such as developing the draft Guide to Indigenous Crown Relations Essentials will help prepare BC Public Service people leaders better understand their roles in Indigenous cultural safety ahead of the course launch . Extensive engagement occurred across the BCPSA and BC Public Service ministries, resulting in updates to draft content to be shared with partners in spring 2026 . Revisions include plain language edits, content on the Oregon Boundary Treaty and Douglas Proclamation and information reflecting differing First Nations and Crown perspectives. The updated drafts also highlight provincial efforts in areas such as child welfare, education, health care, implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and the Declaration Act and Action Plan . Preparatory learning focused on cultural safety continued across the BC Public Service . The HoIL expanded its offerings, including an Indigenous speakers’ series and Indigenous employee wellness circles, to further support learning and connection . 3.02 Establish an operational approach to set and achieve targets for equitable recruitment and retention of Indigenous Peoples across the public sector, including at senior levels . PROVINCIAL LEADS: PUBLIC SERVICE AGENCY; PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYERS’ COUNCIL SECRETARIAT How are we working together? The BC Public Service Agency (BCPSA) provides human resources leadership, expertise, services and programs that contribute to better business performance of ministries . The Public Sector Employers’ Council (PSEC) is responsible for strategic coordination of labour relations, total compensation planning and human resource management for the broader provincial public sector . Action 3 .02 is in the initiation phase . The BCPSA and PSEC have not engaged partners on this action plan commitment to date . Started Stage High Complexity High Challenges Low Engagement ===== PAGE 57 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 57 The BCPSA has several initiatives underway specific to Indigenous Peoples that support this action. These include: Advisory services for Indigenous applicants Support for hiring managers with recruiting Indigenous applicants A coaching service for Indigenous employees An employment exchange program with First Nations governments Internship, leadership and mentorship programs specific to Indigenous Peoples in the BC Public Service for career and leadership development The BCPSA is currently working to better understand trends in Indigenous representation in the BC Public Service and the experiences of Indigenous employees in the workplace . Through the Ministry of Citizens’ Services (CITZ), the BCPSA has supported the work of the provincial Anti-Racism Data Committee to examine racial diversity in the public service . The BC Public Service has started the next phase of research into this area focused on a qualitative lens to understanding the barriers that Indigenous and racialized employees experience as they develop their careers in the BC Public Service . The engagement will take place in 2026 and will result in a set of recommended actions informed by the lived experience and expertise of Indigenous and racialized employees . The project will be part of the Anti-Racism Data Act (ARDA) release of statistics. Where appropriate, findings from research released under ARDA and other sources will be used to inform next steps for Action 3 .02 . PSEC will liaise with employers’ associations for the broader public sector to share the work being done within the BC Public Service and learn about practices within the public sector . The BCPSA will also seek opportunities to align as practicable . Are there challenges? This action is dependent on upgrades to data systems and infrastructure that are ongoing . Current BC Public Service HR data systems do not include racialized or Indigenous identity data . To date, demographic data has been collected from employees by BC Stats through a survey to employees starting a new role and a biennial survey to all employees . The BCPSA is in a period of technology transformation with work underway to upgrade HR systems . Over time, this new technical infrastructure will provide an opportunity for First Nations, Métis and Inuit employees to self-identify . This information can inform the setting of targets and progress reporting in the BCPS over time and reduce systemic barriers . In early 2025, the BC Public Service announced a hiring pause across the organization . This direction was strengthened in February 2026 with additional restrictions on hiring and promotions, including a stronger focus on lateral-first job opportunities. Throughout these changes, the BC Public Service continues to focus on prioritizing the retention and career development for First Nations, Métis and Inuit employees in support of Action 3 .02 . ===== PAGE 58 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 58 Highlights The BCPSA and Ministry of Attorney General are supporting equity research led by CITZ that prioritizes the experiences of Indigenous and racialized employees, covering topics like workplace barriers, recruitment and career growth . This research will lead to workplace recommendations informed by these employees . Work continued across the BC Public Service to review current data management practices to responsibly broaden the collection of self-identified demographic data. Under the Anti-Racism Data Act, CITZ released two data standards: the Indigenous Identity Data Standard and Racial Identity Data Standard, in January 2026 . These standards support the safe and ethical collection and use of demographic data, including Indigenous and racial identity data . They will help to inform future demographic data collection efforts and HR systems to enable work on 3.02. As part of this process, the BCPSA is working closely with CITZ to apply recent provincial data standards developed under the Anti-Racism Data Act to new data systems . The BCPSA continues to build relationships with partners and Indigenous employees through engagement on Action 3.01 and Action 4.44 . 3.03 Conduct an external review of Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in the provincial public education system, and create a strategy, including resources and supports, to address findings. LEAD MINISTRIES: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE; POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FUTURE SKILLS How are we working together? The ministries of Education and Child Care (ECC) and Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) have committed to collaborate with the First Nations Education Steering Committee and the First Nations Leadership Council on the planning and implementation of an Indigenous-Specific Racism Review in both the public K-12 and post-secondary public education sectors . ECC and PSFS will work Started Stage High Complexity High Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 59 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 59 with the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations on how to involve modern Treaty Nations in the review . Métis Nation British Columbia will also be engaged in the work to represent the needs of Métis students in B .C . Are there challenges? Initiating this work requires staffing, capacity, funding and engagement between multiple ministries and partners . Highlights This work has been on pause since summer 2024 . The Province will continue to advance work in a way that reflects partners’ capacity to collaborate and agreed-upon priorities. 3.04 Implement a mandatory course or bundle of credits related to First Peoples as part of graduation requirements in B .C . and co-create culturally relevant provincial resources with Indigenous people for use by all educators across the K-12 education system . LEAD MINISTRY: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE ACTION COMPLETE Highlights The Indigenous-Focused Graduation Requirement was successfully implemented in the 2023-2024 school year. All students working toward a B.C. Certificate of Graduation (“Dogwood Diploma”), in English or French, must successfully complete at least four credits in Indigenous-focused coursework . Several Indigenous-focused English Language Arts and Social Studies courses are eligible to meet the requirement, and other options are available to students, including provincially authorized First Nations language courses; locally developed and approved (Board/Authority Authorized or First Nation Authorized) courses; and First Nations Language and Culture External Credentials . A number of school districts have now developed local courses with First Nations, on whose territories they operate schools, in alignment with the graduation requirement . ===== PAGE 60 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 60 3.05 Provide resources to Indigenous organizations to improve public understanding of Indigenous histories, rights, cultures, languages and the negative impacts of Indigenous-specific racism. LEAD MINISTRY: TOURISM, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORT How are we working together? The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (TACS) advances action 3 .05 through the BC Arts Council (BCAC) by providing funding to Indigenous artists, organizations and collectives . Support for Indigenous-led arts and cultural initiatives strengthens public understanding of Indigenous histories, rights, cultures and the impacts of Indigenous-specific racism throughout B.C. The work is guided by a distinctions-based approach that recognizes the unique rights, priorities and governance structures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples . A key and long-standing partnership supporting this action is with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC), a First Nations–led Crown corporation . Through annual funding of $1 .725 million, BCAC supports FPCC-delivered programs that promote artistic and cultural expression and strengthen the vitality of First Nations arts in B .C . These programs provide employment opportunities, advance intergenerational knowledge transfer and expand opportunities for public learning about First Nations histories and cultural revitalization. In 2025/26, BCAC and FPCC collaborated to strengthen outreach initiatives and improve information sharing . FPCC provides policy insight and strategic advice through regular leadership-level engagement . BCAC prioritizes Indigenous representation in governance: 25 percent of council members identify as Indigenous . Guidance from the BCAC Elder-in-Residence, Roy Henry Vickers, and Joint Indigenous Arts Advisory Circle further supports the development of an Indigenous arts strategy and policies related to governance and engagement . Together, these practices help ensure Indigenous perspectives are meaningfully integrated into council decisions and priorities in support of Action 3 .05 . Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 61 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 61 Are there challenges? TACS continues to advance Action 3 .05 in a challenging operating environment . Economic uncertainty, along with constrained capacity and limited resources within the ministry, partners, organizations and communities have affected the pace and scope of implementation. Meaningful engagement with Indigenous partners remains central to this work . However, provincial government-wide budget and travel restrictions during 2025/26 limited opportunities for in-person meetings. In addition, the impacts of province-wide staff job action earlier in the fiscal year created temporary disruptions to timelines . As a result, engagement and outreach activities shifted to virtual formats where possible . While these approaches supported continued dialogue, they did not fully replace the relationship-building and collaboration that occurs through in-person engagement . Demand for funding from Indigenous organizations and artists, including B .C . First Nations, outpaces available resources . Despite these challenges, progress continued throughout the year with creative solutions for collaboration and resourcing being sought to continue to meet community demand for Indigenous arts and culture revitalization in B .C . Highlights Progress was made toward advancing Action 3 .05 through the continued development of an Indigenous arts strategy for the BCAC . This work is guided by the Joint Indigenous Arts Advisory Circle (JIAAC), which includes Indigenous members of the BC Arts Council and Indigenous arts and culture community members . JIAAC has provided policy insight and program advice to inform the strategy’s development . The Indigenous arts strategy will be a key component of BCAC’s next strategic vision and implementation plan, aligning with the Anti-Racism Data Act, Anti–Racism Act, the Declaration Act Action Plan and strengthening support for Indigenous-led arts and cultural initiatives . Initial implementation steps have included increased funding support for Indigenous artists and arts organizations through existing BCAC grant programs and targeted strategic investments . These actions are helping expand opportunities for Indigenous artists and organizations to share their work with the public and contribute to greater understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories and perspectives . During the reporting period, BCAC strengthened connections with national organizations and networks focused on Indigenous arts and culture . These engagements support knowledge exchange across jurisdictions and create opportunities to discuss emerging priorities in arts funding and approaches that enhance public understanding of Indigenous cultural expression . The BCAC Secretariat has been engaged in exploratory discussions with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation on intersections between Action 3 .05 and Action 4 .21, including opportunities to support the priorities of urban Indigenous Peoples through potential collaboration with BC Urban Indigenous Coalitions . ===== PAGE 62 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 62 3.06 Introduce anti-racism legislation that addresses Indigenous-specific racism. LEAD MINISTRY: ATTORNEY GENERAL How are we working together? The Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Branch continues to advance Indigenous consultation and collaboration with partners through a distinctions-based approach that supports the co-development of the Anti-Racism Action Plan, as mandated by the Anti-Racism Act . Over the reporting period, the branch gathered draft commitments from across the provincial government for the Indigenous-specific racism stream of the Action Plan . Maintaining openness, transparency and fostering strong relationships with Indigenous partners remain central to this work . Indigenous partners reviewed the draft actions and provided advice and guidance . The branch engaged in ongoing discussions and written communication with partners to shape the draft Action Plan . At the same time, designated ministries were conducting their own Indigenous consultation and collaboration on their proposed anti-racism commitment for inclusion in the Action Plan . Information on the ministries’ Indigenous partners was shared with the branch’s partners to support alignment and understanding . The ongoing conversations with partners continue to inform priorities and guide the upcoming phases in the implementation of the Anti-Racism Action Plan . Next steps include sharing the final Action Plan with partners and continuing co-development of the assessment framework that will support performance measurement and reporting . Are there challenges? Engagement with Indigenous partners continues to guide development of the Anti-Racism Action Plan . Advancing this work requires coordination across the provincial government to ensure alignment and clarity throughout the development process. Staffing pressures related to labour action this past fall, along with competing priorities across ministries, have contributed to slower internal processes, and impacted timelines . Completed Stage High Complexity Low Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 63 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 63 Despite these constraints, the branch remains committed to transparent communication and meaningful collaboration with Indigenous partners . Ongoing engagement through meetings and correspondence supports shared understanding and helps ensure that Indigenous partner perspectives are reflected in the plan and its implementation. The Action Plan is scheduled for public release by June 1, 2026, in accordance with the legislated deadline. Compressed timelines, as well as resource and fiscal pressures, have at times affected the pace of information sharing, feedback collection and engagement with partners during the final stages of development . The branch recognizes the impact of these challenges and continues to provide timely updates where delays occur . Consistent with a distinctions-based approach, engagement is tailored to the unique perspectives and priorities of each partner. This includes direct dialogue to discuss specific elements of draft actions and their potential impacts, recognizing that these may differ across partners. Highlights Over the past year, the branch has conducted Indigenous consultation and co-operation using a distinctions-based approach to support the co-development of the Anti-Racism Action Plan . This work has strengthened relationships with Indigenous partners and enhanced ongoing communication throughout the development process . The branch has worked with public bodies to identify and advance key actions and initiatives addressing anti-Indigenous racism across the provincial government for inclusion in the plan . The branch has supported alignment across participating ministries by sharing best practices for Indigenous consultation and co-operation, enabling ministry-specific Indigenous engagement to proceed alongside the Ministry of Attorney General’s . Through ongoing meetings, dialogue and correspondence, Indigenous partners have provided valuable guidance and direction. This input has been shared across ministries to inform and refine proposed actions and ensure that the action plan reflects priorities identified by Indigenous partners. This process has also contributed to building trust and supporting more responsive and informed policy development . While the work involves multiple partners, evolving requirements and interconnected timelines, progress remains steady . Scheduling pressures are actively managed, and implementation remains on track as cross-ministry collaboration continues . ===== PAGE 64 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 64 3.07 Implement recommendations made in the In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in B .C . health care report, striving to establish a health care system in B .C . that is culturally safe and free of Indigenous-specific racism. LEAD MINISTRY: HEALTH How are we working together? The consultation and co-operation requirements for each recommendation will vary based on the designated implementation lead and the specific partners engaged in the work. Partnership with Indigenous organizations, leadership and communities across the province include First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), regional governance tables in the Fraser and Interior regions and Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) . Some recommendations are pursued primarily through partnerships and actions with the regional health authorities, Provincial Health Services Authority and Providence Health Care . While there are strong alignments across the province, each of the five regions maintains unique structure and processes shaped by their distinct regional context, priorities and cultural protocols and procedures . Regular working meetings occur with the vice presidents of Indigenous Health from all regional health authorities, as well as ongoing engagement with both FNHA and MNBC . Whereas progress continues to be monitored through the Declaration Act Action Plan, the current reporting framework offers limited capacity to fully capture the breadth and depth of progress across the health system on all 24 recommendations . The last public report was released in October 2023 as the 24-month progress report . The Ministry of Health (HLTH) is exploring a more comprehensive progress update to highlight key milestones, achievements and ongoing efforts since that report, to be shared with Nations, communities and health system partners . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 65 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 65 Are there challenges? The In Plain Sight report identified a critical, ongoing gap in B.C.’s health system: the absence of Indigenous-led anti-racism education . This form of racism, grounded in settler colonialism, causes ongoing harm, and without being addressed and dismantled, it perpetuates Indigenous specific racism and creates harm for Indigenous people. Without this foundational work, efforts to promote cultural safety risk being superficial, appearing respectful or inclusive on the surface, while leaving deeper structural inequities untouched, missing an opportunity to address Indigenous specific racism in a more in-depth way . It requires shifts in power dynamics, trust-building and sustained commitment . True reconciliation requires systemic shifts grounded in Indigenous self-determination, rights and leadership . The health system must acknowledge past and ongoing harm while actively committing to structural change needed to ensure Indigenous Peoples feel safe, respected and heard in every health care interaction . To effectively eradicate Indigenous-specific racism in B.C.’s health care system, accountability must be embedded at all levels, starting with HLTH and extending across leadership teams, boards of directors and frontline staff. Eliminating Indigenous-specific racism is everyone’s responsibility and HLTH must demonstrate commitment through action by enabling leadership and guiding system transformation . To address lack of coordination, accountability and common standards across the health sector, and in turn to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, four interconnected strategic priorities have been identified, in alignment with the recommendations from the In Plain Sight report. These priorities are the foundational building blocks necessary to support and sustain change that can drive measurable improvement . Highlights BCCDC Apology On December 10, 2025, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) delivered a formal apology and made renewed leadership commitments in a gathering held at the Provincial Health Services Authority offices. The event was grounded in Coast Salish protocols on the ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy ̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx ̱ wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The BCCDC acknowledged and accepted accountability for its role in upholding and perpetuating Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination. The organization recognized that its actions and systems have contributed to unsafe conditions and harmful experiences for the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, as well as for clients and staff. These harms are rooted in the structures and legacy of settler colonialism, which continue to influence health systems and practices. BCCDC Apology and Leadership Commitments to Indigenous Peoples BCCDC_Apology_Commitments.pdf ===== PAGE 66 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 66 A gift of Coast Salish teachings On May 24, 2025 Ministry of Health senior leadership, including Minister Osborne, participated in ceremony led by a Musqueam Knowledge Carrier on Coast Salish territory . The purpose of the ceremony and blanketing of leadership was to acknowledge the work ahead. The significance of the blanketing was to mark the journey’s beginning and share protection and medicine to help carry leadership through the work . The intention of sharing the teachings was that leaders must also decide to accept the teachings and the responsibility of living the teachings in the work they do . These teachings form a foundational framework for reconciliation, healing, and transformation within the health care system . Coast Salish Teachings: https://www.phsa.ca/about/who-we-are/purpose-vision-values-teachings/coast- salish-teachings 3.08 Develop and implement community-driven activities to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, beginning with the foundational activities in A Path Forward: Priorities and Early Strategies for B .C . and steps towards achieving the mandate commitment to develop a gender- based violence action plan . LEAD MINISTRIES: PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL, ATTORNEY GENERAL, FINANCE – GENDER EQUITY OFFICE How are we working together? The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (PSSG) continues to take a distinctions-based approach on this action and strives to ensure that input and representation is diverse, including gathering perspectives from urban and rural First Nations and Métis Peoples; on and off reserve First Nations Peoples; and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples . PSSG continues to meet with key First Nations and Métis organizations, committees and groups . Other ministries engage their First Nations and Métis partners in support of ministerial mandate commitments included in the Path Forward . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 67 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 67 Safe and Supported is a three-year strategy to guide cross-provincial government efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) . The Ministry of Finance (FIN) used a distinctions- based approach to engagement in developing the plan, including input from Indigenous leadership, organizations, families, survivors, women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people . The Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity and FIN also regularly engage with the Minister’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Women, the GBV Action Plan Advisory Committee, the First Nations Leadership Council, the First Nations Justice Council and Métis Nation British Columbia . Engagement has informed current initiatives, including Indigenous-led prevention, healing, safety planning and ceremony . The Province continues to work with Indigenous and community partners to monitor progress and implement further initiatives . Are there challenges? The Path Forward Community Fund is time limited . Careful consideration of resourcing and collaboration will be needed to ensure continuity of the fund in the longer term, to support future initiatives, which may be impacted when the Canada-B .C . bilateral funding agreement sunsets in March 2027 . The Province is continuing to work with the federal government to advocate for an extension to the agreement . Under Safe and Supported, funding has been provided to support Indigenous-led initiatives, including grant programs . Granting partners continue to report that interest in their grants from Indigenous applicants is robust and typically exceeds available funds . The Canada-B .C . bilateral funding agreement that is supporting many Indigenous-led approaches to addressing GBV in B .C . will be ending in March 2027 . B .C . is continuing to advocate to the federal government that the bilateral agreement be extended . Highlights On June 3, 2025, PSSG released a Status Update for the Path Forward . It includes updates on the progress made to advance the 28 key commitments drawn from the 2021 Ministerial mandate letters that reflect priorities identified in community dialogues. The Status Update also outlined cross-provincial government actions including community-based supports and initiatives in health and wellness; housing; justice and public safety; child welfare, early learning, education and skills training; and transportation, connectivity and environment . All 28 key commitments are well underway and six are complete . Also in June 2025, the Path Forward Community Fund received an additional investment of $5 million to support Indigenous-led capacity building and safety planning . The fund has to date received combined provincial and federal funding of $20.84 million that has supported five rounds of grant applications resulting in 107 community-based, anti-violence projects around the province . Through the implementation of Safe and Supported, the Province is supporting Indigenous-led approaches that centre Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, justice systems and structures and Indigenous-led healing and well-being for survivors and their families . “Lifting Up Indigenous-led Approaches” is one of the four priorities outlined in Safe and Supported: B .C .’s Gender-Based Violence ===== PAGE 68 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 68 Action Plan . More than half of the funding available each year through a four-year Canada-B .C . bilateral agreement has been allocated by the Province to support Indigenous-led approaches to addressing GBV. Allocations in 2025/26 continue to support progress on the Path Forward; provide grants for healing-focused Indigenous-led community projects through the Giving Voice project; support the First Peoples’ Cultural Council to fund First Nations cultural practices and ceremonies; support Métis Nation British Columbia’s GBV programming; and support the BC First Nations Justice Council to advance the First Nations Justice Strategy and Indigenous Women’s Justice Plan . 3.09 Identify and implement multi-modal transportation solutions that provide support and enable the development of sustainable, safe, reliable and affordable transportation options for First Nations communities . LEAD MINISTRY: TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSIT How are we working together? In 2023/2024, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit engaged with First Nation communities, governments, hereditary chiefs and First Nation organizations across B .C . on Action 3 .09, along with four other transportation initiatives . Joint engagement and the use of varied engagement approaches with First Nations allowed the ministry to hear directly about transportation gaps and challenges faced by First Nations . The approach helped reduce confusion, engagement fatigue and ensure that First Nations partners did not have to repeat information . During the initial engagement, more than 60 communities and four First Nations partners - First Nation Leadership Council, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, BC Assembly of First Nations and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations - provided in-depth feedback, resulting in a ‘what we heard’ report. In 2024/2025, the ministry re-engaged with 15 First Nations communities and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations to validate the report’s findings and provide updates on the five transportation initiatives. The ministry continues to meet with the BC Assembly of First Nations to discuss transportation-related initiatives, challenges and opportunities . Implementation Stage Medium Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 69 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 69 Action 3 .09 has enabled the ministry to gather direct feedback from more than 73 First Nation communities and four First Nation Organizations . This feedback continues to inform the development of transportation initiatives aligned with partners’ priorities and guidance . Are there challenges? The Ministry of Transportation and Transit intends to continue engaging with First Nations, providing resources, and help make connections that could support First Nations’ development of multi-modal transportation solutions . Over the next several years, capacity, resourcing and budget are factors to be addressed for managing the implementation of Action Item 3 .09 . Engagement also has increased expectation on the ministry to develop or expand programs . The ministry continues to approach Action 3 .09 collaboratively and is working across divisions to develop actions or opportunities that respond to the challenges and areas of support outlined in the ‘what we heard’ report. Highlights The Ministry of Transportation and Transit continues to collaboratively advance Action 3 .09 and is actively identifying projects and initiatives that support its objectives . This work has strengthened the ministry’s ability to coordinate and support multi-modal transportation efforts across agencies and has contributed to greater transparency and collaboration . In May 2025, the ministry released the First Nations Transportation Planning Guid e, a public resource designed to support First Nation’s land-use and transportation planning. (www.gov.bc.ca/ firstnationstransportationplanning) Following engagement with 73 First Nations and four B .C . First Nation organizations between 2023 and 2025, the ministry published a ’what we heard ’ report outlining the key gaps, challenges and barriers faced by First Nations. (www.gov.bc.ca/firstnationstransportationplanning). In partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, the ministry supported the BC Assembly of First Nations’ Low Carbon Transportation Forum in May 2025 . The ministry participated on two panels, delivered opening remarks and hosted a booth to continue discussions on First Nations transportation priorities . The ministry continues to collaborate with internal project teams, program areas, divisions, operational leaders, with other Provincial agencies and service delivery partners - including BC Transit, TransLink and BC Ferries - to identify initiatives informed by engagement feedback . ===== PAGE 70 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 70 3.10 Implement improvements to public safety oversight bodies and complaints processes, such as enhanced investments in the B .C . Human Rights Tribunal and new models for including Indigenous laws in complaints resolution . LEAD MINISTRIES: ATTORNEY GENERAL; PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL How are we working together? Tribunals accountable to the Ministry of Attorney General work with Indigenous partners through advisory committees and direct engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations . Advisory committees support Tribunals in developing reconciliation plans, building cultural competency among staff and members, identifying and implementing culturally safe and inclusive practices and creating supportive services that reduce barriers and improve access for Indigenous participants . For example, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal (BCHRT) has been working since 2020 to implement the recommendations of the Expanding Our Vision: Cultural Equality and Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights report, supported by an implementation committee, and has made marked progress as set out in its annual reports . The Environmental Appeal Board is working to update its rules and processes with the guidance of the Reconciliation Advisory Committee . In 2025 the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) met with First Nations to discuss their participation in BCUC processes, collaborated with the First Nations Energy and Mining Council to deliver seminars, and initiated a dialogue with the Métis Nation British Columbia . The Health Professions Review Board (HPRB) works regularly with First Nations Health Authority, which offers support to Indigenous parties to HPRB proceedings . Some Tribunals also participate in conferences or workshops hosted by Indigenous organizations and invite Indigenous speakers to present at Tribunal meetings . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 71 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 71 Are there challenges? Many Tribunals face growing demands on resources, including high case volumes and increasing case complexity. Others may have modest caseloads but operate with limited staff. While these challenges have slowed progress on some initiatives, Tribunals continue to plan and implement process improvements, consult and collaborate with Indigenous partners and seek ways to expand capacity for this important work . Highlights Tribunals have updated processes, rules and forms to improve services and supports for Indigenous participants. They have introduced Indigenous-specific services within case management and complaint resolutions processes, supported by dedicated staff who provide guidance, resources and an environment of cultural safety, including the BCHRT Case Managers of Indigenous Services and CRT Navigator . Many Tribunals have also expanded representation of Indigenous staff and members within their organizations and undertaken recruitment activities dedicated to broadening the diversity of Tribunal members. Recruitment of Indigenous staff and members (adjudicators) occurs through active engagement with organizations such as the Indigenous Bar Association . Tribunals continue to expand the capacity of staff and members to support Indigenous participants by providing training in truth and reconciliation, trauma informed practice, Indigenous law, cultural competency, history of government actions toward Indigenous People and implicit bias . The BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) hosts a quarterly Indigenous Speakers’ Series to support internal capacity development . The 2025 series included presentations from representatives of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition and the Gitga’at Nation . The BCUC established and subsequently expanded a permanent funding program, the Indigenous Capacity Fund (ICF), to reduce financial barriers for Indigenous government and organizations to participate in BCUC regulatory processes . ===== PAGE 72 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 72 3.11 Develop and implement comprehensive policing reforms to address systemic biases and racism . This will include: updating the Police Act, BC Provincial Policing Standards and mandatory training requirements; enhancing independent oversight; clarifying the roles and responsibilities of police officers in the context of complex social issues such as mental health, addiction and homelessness; and contributing to the modernization of the federal First Nations Policing Program . LEAD MINISTRIES: PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL, ATTORNEY GENERAL; HEALTH How are we working together? After undertaking an extensive partner and community engagement process, which was described in the previous annual report, staff from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (PSSG) worked directly with colleagues from the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the BC First Nation Justice Council (BCFNJC) throughout the spring and summer of 2025 . This work focused on consolidating the range of input that was gathered during consultations into a comprehensive inventory of potential policy alternatives for provincial government consideration. Direction was provided to ministry staff in early 2026 regarding the next area of focus for policing reforms . The immediate focus will be to establish a peacekeeper (i.e., safety officer) model for First Nations and local governments. Additionally, the FNLC and the BCFNJC policing and public safety modernization (PPSM) working group participated in several detailed consultations with PSSG policy staff throughout 2025/2026, to provide input on regulations stemming from the Police Amendment Act, 2024 . These regulations were built upon, and brought into force, important changes to the policing and public safety landscape, including: Expanding the oversight mandate of the Independent Investigations Office to include civilian detention guards, including in RCMP-policed communities . Introducing a code of conduct and training requirements for municipal police boards . Expanding the discipline authority qualifications for police misconduct investigations. Planning Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 73 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 73 First Nations PPSM working group members contributed to meaningful changes being incorporated into these regulations before they were brought into force . Feedback has also been sought from this working group regarding the regulations associated with the Firearm Violence Prevention Act . The implementation of Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) teams, in partnership with local non- profit operators, is led by the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division. Three CRCL teams are operating with local Indigenous partners: K’ómoks First Nation, Prince George Native Friendship Centre, and Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society . Future updates regarding this portion of the action will be provided by the Ministry of Health when relevant program changes occur . Are there challenges? Policing legislation is highly complex and heavily intertwined within the broader justice, public safety and social service systems. Policing involves all levels of government. The RCMP are impacted differently by elements of provincial policing legislation compared to municipal police departments . Additionally, making transformative change in policing requires increased fiscal costs for both the Province and municipal governments. Increasing costs associated with policing during a time of fiscal restraint is a challenge. Systemic reforms to policing legislation are difficult to achieve through an omnibus initiative and are best accomplished through iterative changes to various aspects of the system that are built upon each other . Additionally, the Province is not considering a transition away from RCMP contract policing into an independent provincial police service at this time . As a result, some potential policing reforms that were dependent on B .C . adopting their own provincial police service are limited from further progression . For example, the RCMP and Public Safety Canada cannot be signatories to shared decision making agreements under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act because the federal government is not subject to this Act . The PSSG team responsible for advancing this has been impacted by budgetary pressures, resulting in staff reduction. Highlights The Police Act regulations, collaboratively developed over 2025/2026, made a meaningful difference in realizing the objectives of this action. For instance, extending Independent Investigations Office oversight to civilian detention guards – including those in RCMP-policed jurisdictions – is likely to substantively improve the effectiveness of independent police oversight. This may also address longstanding concerns around ensuring accountability for serious incidents that occur in police lockups . Similarly, many Indigenous peoples reside in urban areas and introducing a code of conduct and training requirements for municipal police boards helps to empower police board appointees to perform their duties effectively, and in a manner befitting the best interests of the diverse communities they represent . ===== PAGE 74 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 74 PSSG staff have recently begun collaborative efforts to develop a peacekeeper model for use in First Nations and a safety officer model for local government contexts. Establishing the peacekeeper model in B .C . is important because it could meaningfully advance the part of this action that seeks to “clarify the roles and responsibilities of police officers in the context of complex social issues such as mental health, addiction and homelessness” . It is envisioned that peacekeepers will work alongside police, the community and other essential services to provide locally minded public safety and law enforcement supports . Additionally, in First Nations communities, peacekeepers will likely be hired directly by the First Nation, which enables them to set the goals and priorities for the program, which increases public safety self-determination and self-governance . The legislative framework for peacekeepers also allows for the enforcement of First Nations’ laws, as prescribed under future regulations . 3.12 Prioritize implementation of the First Nations Justice Strategy to reduce the substantial overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples involved in and impacted by the justice system . This includes affirming First Nations self-determination and enabling the restoration of traditional justice systems and culturally relevant institutions . LEAD MINISTRIES: ATTORNEY GENERAL; PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL How are we working together? Implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy (FNJS) continues through collaborative partnership between the Indigenous Justice Secretariat (IJS) and the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) . This partnership is guided by the Joint Implementation Plan (JP), which establishes shared priorities and coordinated workstreams across the FNJS implementation areas . BCFNJC and the Province work together through regular meetings, strategic planning processes and ongoing engagement with justice system partners to advance key initiatives, including Indigenous Justice Centres, diversion programming, Gladue services, policing oversight reform and the Indigenous Women’s Justice Plan . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 75 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 75 The JP supports alignment between provincial government ministries and BCFNJC teams while allowing work to progress based on available capacity, funding and strategic direction provided by BCFNJC’s council . Through this collaborative governance structure, partners are able to identify emerging priorities, coordinate implementation activities and address challenges as they arise . This approach continues to strengthen relationships between First Nations partners and the Province, while supporting long-term transformation of the justice system in alignment with the principles of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act . BCFNJC engages with First Nations across British Columbia through the implementation of the FNJS . This includes communities participating in Indigenous Justice Centres, diversion initiatives, policing oversight work and justice reform engagement processes . BCFNJC held a regional forum in Prince George in March 2026 and are planning a fall 2026 forum. BCFNJC staff also liaise with communities who apply to the Community Based Justice Fund and the Women’s Team has worked with communities on implementation of the Indigenous Women’s Justice Plan . Are there challenges? Implementation of the FNJS continues to progress through collaboration between the Province and First Nations partners . As the scope of implementation expands, several challenges remain . Capacity pressures continue to affect both provincial government and Indigenous partners as multiple justice reform initiatives move forward simultaneously . Growing demand for services such as Gladue products, Indigenous Justice Centre supports and diversion programming requires sustained staffing capacity and operational resources . Restrictive timelines for BCFNJC to thoughtfully engage on provincial government projects further strains capacity pressures . Implementation timelines may also be affected by the need for coordination across multiple ministries and justice system partners . Advancing systemic reform requires alignment across organizations, which can extend timelines but is necessary to ensure meaningful consultation and effective implementation. Components of the implementation of the FNJS are dependent on the engagement of external partners to advance . This networking takes additional capacity and time to develop in meaningful ways to progress the strategy . Despite these challenges, governance structures established through the JP and Bi-Lateral Leadership Table continue to support coordination and shared accountability . ===== PAGE 76 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 76 Highlights Several implementation milestones were achieved during the reporting period . Diversion initiatives continue to expand, including the establishment of the Indigenous Diversion Centre in Prince George, which has received over 80 referrals since beginning operations . Indigenous Justice Centres continue to provide integrated legal and wraparound services, with approximately 1,200 active legal matters open at any given time . Gladue services remain an important component of the justice strategy . Between April 2025 and February 2026, 426 new requests were received and 374 Gladue reports and letters were completed . Courts and justice partners continue to recognize the quality and value of these services . Progress has also been made in strengthening Indigenous-led oversight and accountability for policing . The Police Accountability Unit pilot is now fully staffed and supporting more than 75 active files; however, BCFNJC has yet to formally launch the pilot, with referrals largely coming from Indigenous Justice Centres . Additional progress includes the release of the evaluation of the Indigenous Women’s Justice Plan implementation and ongoing development of technology infrastructure, including the Information Sharing Portal, which will improve data collection and reporting related to implementation of the FNJS . 3.13 Prioritize endorsement and implementation of the Métis Justice Strategy to reduce the substantial overrepresentation of Métis Peoples in and impacted by the justice system. This includes affirming Métis self-determination, and enabling the restoration of traditional justice systems and culturally relevant institutions . LEAD MINISTRIES: ATTORNEY GENERAL; PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL Planning Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 77 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 77 How are we working together? From April 2025 through to February 2026, Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and the Indigenous Justice Secretariat (IJS) completed further engagement with provincial partners, including the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and the Ministry of Citizens’ Services, regarding the implementation of the Métis Justice Strategy (MJS), which aims to address the overrepresentation of Métis in the justice system and the harms they face within it . MNBC and IJS co-developed a detailed workplan and budget, in co-operation with included ministries . The next steps in the process include continued engagement with impacted areas of the provincial government, attaining approvals from MNBC and the Province, and seeking funding for implementation . The shared goal is to have the implementation plan approved by both MNBC and the Province in Q1 2026/27. Are there challenges? Funding for the implementation of the MJS is still being explored and is necessary to ensure MNBC can participate in both the continued development of the implementation plan, the actions required within, and further implementation of the MJS . Highlights Following endorsement of the MJS in June 2024, MNBC and IJS have co-developed a detailed implementation plan and budget to guide future implementation of the MJS . These documents were informed by further engagements with impacted ministries during the reporting period . The engagements allowed for further relationship building between the provincial government and MNBC and assisted in identifying priority opportunities of the MJS to advance . 3.14 Advance the collection and use of disaggregated demographic data, guided by a distinctions- based approach to Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determination, including supporting the establishment of a First Nations-governed and mandated regional data governance centre in alignment with the First Nations Data Governance Strategy . LEAD MINISTRY: CITIZENS’ SERVICES Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 78 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 78 How are we working together? Under the Ministry of Citizens’ Services (CITZ) and First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) protocol, CITZ held three technical-level meetings and one additional joint meeting with FNLC since April 2025 to coordinate work related to the Declaration Act Action Plan and Anti-Racism Data Act . CITZ is supporting FNLC in advancing Regional Information Governance Centre (RIGC) demonstration projects that support Nations’ community data capacity . As part of raising awareness across the Provincial government, CITZ facilitated an RIGC briefing for the Deputy Minister Committee on Digital and Data on November 27, 2025, helping situate Indigenous data governance within broader digital and data priorities . CITZ held six Zoom Circle meetings with Indigenous governing entities (IGEs) from April 2025 to March 2026, with attendance ranging from 10 to 22 participants . The September meeting agenda was collaboratively driven by Nations, who used the forum to share successes and lessons learned in their data initiatives . Notification letters for consent were sent to 575 IGE emails on March 28, 2025, for 2025 Release of Statistics and 2025-2027 Research Priorities . Consultation and co-operation meetings continue throughout the year . CITZ also finalized the co-developed, updated Indigenous Identity Data Standard with Indigenous Peoples, including IGEs and Indigenous partners (FNLC, RIGC, Métis Nation British Columbia) . Feedback was sought from Vice Presidents of Indigenous Health, the Indigenous Physician Advisor of Office of the Provincial Health Officer, the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, the Declaration Act Secretariat and the Indigenous Employees Network . The data standard was sent to IGEs for consent in October and finalized in January 2026. Are there challenges? Consultation and co-operation with IGEs is limited by available capacity and funding . CITZ capacity restraints remain an obstacle to support program implementation . In addition, Nation governments face many demands on their time and expertise, often with limited or no compensation . Highlights During the 2025/2026 reporting period, CITZ continued to advance Action 3.14 through sustained consultation and co-operation with IGEs and Indigenous partners on priority data initiatives . CITZ refined multiple engagement and consultation and co-operation mechanisms, including Zoom Circles, technical-level meetings and protocol-based coordination with FNLC . These approaches supported legislative requirements and improved data initiatives (e .g ., research priorities, and annual Release of Statistics) . A key milestone was the co-development and publication of the Indigenous Identity Data Standard, which gives a standardized and culturally safer way of asking about Indigenous identity, only where ===== PAGE 79 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 79 needed for program delivery or anti-racism purposes . The new Racial Identity Standard will supplement the Indigenous Data Standard by ensuring people with multiple racial identities (e .g ., Black and Indigenous) will be accurately reflected in the data collected by the Provincial government. Together, these standards advance a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous data sovereignty and self- determination and lays the groundwork for improved data quality, trust and accountability across the Provincial government . CITZ supported FNLC in advancing demonstration projects under the RIGC, which are designed to strengthen Nations’ community data capacity and inform the future RIGC service model . As part of convening support across the Provincial government, CITZ facilitated an RIGC briefing for the Deputy Minister Committee on Digital and Data, helping to situate Indigenous data governance within broader digital and data priorities . One supported project focuses on establishing a First Nations-controlled membership database system, with inputs from Vital Statistics, to support a trusted source of truth governed by Nations . 3.15 Adopt an inclusive digital font that allows for Indigenous languages to be included in communication, signage, services and official records LEAD MINISTRY: CITIZENS’ SERVICES How are we working together? Consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples’ took place between July 2025 and March 2026 and focused on: B .C . issued ID: Gauging Indigenous Peoples support for an approach to name registration that enables access to services . Name registration process: Exploring Indigenous Peoples’ interest in confirming or approving names in their languages for birth and name registration . Service prioritization: Identifying the services Indigenous Peoples want prioritized for including people’s names in their languages . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 80 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 80 Future consultations will explore the inclusion of Indigenous business names and place names . Early engagement on business names will begin in fiscal year 2026/2027. A summary of what was heard during the consultation on including Indigenous language person names, and proposed actions were reviewed by consultation participants (15 First Nations and Métis Nation British Columbia) and outlines the path forward to including Indigenous person names in systems and services . Indigenous partner organizations, including the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, First Nations Leadership Council, and Métis Nation British Columbia, provided early input and advice on the consultation materials to ensure clarity of the request and relevant background information was included . The Province is now implementing the actions identified during consultation, most significantly the use of alternate spelling on ID alongside the correct spelling of Indigenous language names to ensure access to services that don’t yet have the technical capabilities required to store, print or display Indigenous languages. There are significant technical, legislative, training and change management needs related to this work . The path forward outlined in the report includes further opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in B .C . to shape this work, including co-development with Indigenous Peoples of any legislative changes and more informal design engagement sessions with Indigenous individuals (community-level) participation . Upcoming engagement sessions are typically shared with Indigenous Peoples and community organizations to promote within their communities . Any Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) people interested in participating can email Indigenous.Data@gov.bc.ca to request a notification of upcoming engagement initiatives. One area identified for improvement is Inuit representation in community engagement sessions and consultation . Some promising connections have been made, and a direct connection with Inuit voices is expected ahead of future consultations . Are there challenges? The systems that support IDs (BC Services Card, BC Drivers’ Licence, BC Identity Card, etc .) and delivery of related services are very interconnected and require that work remain in unison across multiple organizations. This means aligning the timing of budget requests, staffing of projects, system development and testing . Strong governance and constant communication will ensure alignment to deliver on joint project timelines . ===== PAGE 81 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 81 An additional challenge is ensuring alignment with Indigenous People’s ID systems so that when individuals register a name using their language with the government of B .C . that same spelling can be used in their Nation’s systems . For example, Indigenous governments that issue citizenship IDs to their citizens need to ensure expanded alphabets can be captured in their systems . To support any organization looking to update their technology to include Indigenous languages, they can reference the Indigenous Languages Technology Standard and supporting resources which outlines the technical requirements for systems to read, write, store, process and display Indigenous languages . In the meantime, while systems are updated, the alternate spelling of names can be used on IDs to ensure people who’ve registered an Indigenous language name can access services . Highlights Between June 2025 and March 2026 consultation and co-operation on including Indigenous Language Person Names on B.C. issued identification was completed. This included in-depth conversations or written correspondence with 15 First Nations and Métis Nation British Columbia . Feedback from various stages of the consultation process includes: “I just think this is great to see the development and that this is occurring and it’s big, it shows the reconciliation that is happening within…[And], as Indigenous Peoples that we can provide the opportunity for our members to honour and share and have their traditional names present. I think it would be really good…great for reconciliation, recognition, and for their own personal spirits to be able to have that honored and recognized is incredible.” “Overall, we feel this report incorporates most of our Nation’s feedback. The topic is complex, and we believe the Province is approaching it in a good way.” Following the consultation that took place, an implementation plan was developed in collaboration with internal partners to support the issuance of B .C .-issued ID with both the correct Indigenous language name and alternate spelling printed on them . Given that people use their name across multiple jurisdictions, alignment across federal, provincial and territorial governments is essential to providing equitable service. The Government of B.C. confirmed that the actions identified through B.C.’s consultation with Indigenous Peoples align with approaches and service delivery processes and practices and will support Indigenous people accessing services beyond the Government of B .C . ===== PAGE 82 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 82 GOAL Indigenous Peoples in B.C. fully enjoy and exercise their distinct rights to maintain, control, develop, protect and transmit their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, languages, food systems, sciences and technologies. They are supported by initiatives that promote connection, development, access and improvement, as well as full participation in all aspects of B.C.’s economy. This includes particular focus on ensuring the rights of Indigenous women, youth, Elders, children, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are upheld. 4.01 Identify and undertake concrete measures to increase the literacy and numeracy achievement levels of Indigenous students at all levels of the K-12 education system, including the early years . LEAD MINISTRY: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARETheme 4: Social, Cultural and Economic Well-Being Planning Stage High Complexity High Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 83 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 83 How are we working together? The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) has worked closely with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) on the development and implementation of mandatory Kindergarten to grade 3 screening . This school year and next, the ministry will work with FNESC and a team of researchers on the development of a B .C . Early Literacy Screening tool that will support a classroom check of students’ reading skills across the school year, helping them to stay on track in their literacy development . This development will also help ensure First Nations schools are part of the piloting and field testing of the B.C. Early Literacy Screening Tool. Are there challenges? The K-12 Literacy Supports initiative is in year two of the three-year plan . The work underway to develop a B.C. Early Literacy Screening Tool is at an early stage. The tool will require piloting and field testing in B.C. classrooms beginning in the 2025/2026 school year and continuing into the 2026/2027 school year. While the First Nations School Association has agreed to support piloting and field testing in First Nations schools, the main issue identified in early consultation with FNESC has been the short timelines for development, as the tool is being developed and implemented for the 2027/2028 school year. Highlights All public schools were required to start literacy screening children in kindergarten in September 2025 . All 60 school districts have submitted district literacy plans outlining how they are meeting the mandatory screening at Kindergarten requirement . 4.02 Develop and implement an effective recruitment and retention strategy to increase the number of Indigenous teachers in the K-12 public education system . LEAD MINISTRIES: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE; POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FUTURE SKILLS Implementation Stage High Complexity Low Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 84 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 84 How are we working together? Following a distinctions-based approach, the Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) and the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) are working with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA) on First Nations-focused teacher recruitment and retention initiatives . ECC and PSFS are also working with Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) on Métis-focused teacher recruitment and retention initiatives . ECC and PSFS are part of a working group with FNESC and IAHLA to develop and implement initiatives to increase and support First Nation teachers . The working group meets regularly to advance a workplan outlining actions to increase the representation of First Nations in the K-12 system, including: Opportunities for First Nations-led, community-based teacher education programs . Research into district recruitment and retention practices specific to First Nations teachers. Reducing barriers to teacher certification and re-certification. ECC and PSFS are working with MNBC to co-develop Métis-led initiatives to increase and support Métis teachers in public schools. Workplans have been finalized with MNBC to outline the work that MNBC will undertake with financial support from the Province, including supports for Métis learners pursuing teacher education and targeted professional learning for Métis teachers . Are there challenges? FNESC has raised concerns to ECC and PSFS regarding current funding levels being insufficient to achieve the outcome described in the Declaration Act Action Plan . In addition, First Nations and public post-secondary institutions have identified that the funding available through the First Nations Community-Based Teacher Education Call for Proposals and the student financial supports, while helpful, is not enough to cover actual costs. Community-based delivery is more costly than campus-based delivery of teacher education programs due to the need to transport resources, including instructors and learning materials, to rural and remote locations . Living costs for students pursuing teacher education are challenging to afford as it is difficult to maintain full-time employment while enrolled in programming and/or practicum positions. Highlights In September 2025, Stz’uminus First Nation hosted a community event to celebrate the launch of their Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization in Hul’q’umi’num . Stz’uminus was one of three successful applicants from a 2024/2025 call for proposals, launched by PSFS, to support First Nations to deliver teacher education programs in their communities in partnership with public post- secondary institutions . PSFS launched a second call for proposals in September 2025 that will support additional teacher education programs delivered in First Nations communities . Graduates from these programs are expected as early as 2028 . ===== PAGE 85 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 85 Additional work underway to support recruitment and retention of First Nation teachers includes: A new scholarship, administered through the Chief Joe Mathias BC Aboriginal Scholarship Fund, to support First Nation learners completing a teacher education program . An expression of interest for school districts to work in partnership with local First Nations to develop dual credit programs for First Nation high school students aspiring to become teachers . A provincial teacher mentorship program that provides supports and services specifically for First Nation teachers . Work is also underway to support the recruitment and retention of Métis teachers . In late 2025 and early 2026, MNBC launched a community of practice and mentorship program for Métis teachers to provide opportunities for professional development and connection . Additionally, 39 Métis students received $2,500 bursaries to support with completing a teacher education program . MNBC is also preparing to launch testimonial videos to highlight Métis teachers throughout the province . 4.03 Co-develop and implement a framework for the involvement of Indigenous Education Councils in school district financial planning and reporting. LEAD MINISTRY: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE ACTION COMPLETE Highlights While Action 4 .03 is complete, the Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) is continuing to support school districts with Indigenous Education Council (IEC) implementation to ensure Indigenous Peoples have a voice in decisions and funding that impact Indigenous students . The intent of IECs is to represent all Indigenous students while also acknowledging the First Nations on whose territory the board operates. Each school district is unique, and ECC staff continue to meet with districts individually to understand their challenges and provide situation specific advice. This work is complex and must happen locally and in community, and ECC supports school districts at the provincial level to ensure that all Indigenous students, including non-local First Nations, Métis and Inuit students are advocated for . ===== PAGE 86 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 86 ECC provided IEC capacity funding in 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 to each school district as a targeted grant to cover costs associated with establishing and maintaining IECs, including secretariat support, activities and costs related to IECs carrying out their purposes . 4.04 Identify, develop and implement mechanisms and approaches to enable boards of education to better support Indigenous students, including increasing and ensuring equitable access to education and safe environments . LEAD MINISTRY: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE How are we working together? The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) continues to meet regularly with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) at the ECC-FNESC Policy and Legislation Table to discuss issues and opportunities to improve supports for First Nations students . The ministry and FNESC regularly present to B .C . school trustees on important matters in First Nations education . ECC also meets regularly with Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) at the staff level to support open and collaborative dialogue on K-12 and child care matters . Are there challenges? While ECC meets regularly with FNESC and MNBC, competing priorities limit capacity to complete this action . Planning Stage Medium Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 87 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 87 Highlights This action represents a broad suite of initiatives through which boards of education can enhance support for Indigenous students . Ongoing communication with Indigenous partners is instrumental to supporting this action, particularly through focused opportunities to discuss priorities such as at the ECC-FNESC Legislation and Policy Table and regular staff-level meetings with MNBC. The completion of Action 4.03 also supports this work as all 60 boards of education are now required to have an Indigenous Education Council to advise on providing equitable educational programs and services to all Indigenous students . The Framework for Enhancing Student Learning (FESL) is a long-standing accountability mechanism intended to focus school districts and boards of education on improving equity of learning outcomes for all students in the K-12 public system, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous students, children and youth in care and students with disabilities or diverse abilities . The ministry, working in partnership with FNESC, will continue to support school districts to improve educational outcomes and attendance for Indigenous learners through their district strategic planning under FESL, in collaboration with Indigenous Education Councils . An additional mechanism is annual letters sent to superintendents with district-level Aboriginal: How Are We Doing Reports . These letters highlight Indigenous student outcomes, including the Foundation Skills Assessment as a key indicator for literacy and numeracy development, and are created and distributed by the ministry in consultation with FNESC. Letters with 2023/2024 data were sent to superintendents in spring 2025, and letters with 2024/2025 data will be sent in spring 2026. ===== PAGE 88 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 88 4.05 Co-develop a policy framework for Indigenous post-secondary education and skills training that includes: Supporting post-secondary institutions to be more culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners and communities . Expanding the Aboriginal Service Plan program to all 25 public post-secondary institutions . Ensuring that Indigenous learners have access to student housing that is safe, inclusive, and enables them to thrive personally, academically, and culturally . Developing mechanisms for First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners and communities to play an integral role in public post-secondary institutions’ decision-making . Identifying legislative amendments needed to ensure all public post-secondary institution boards include at least one Indigenous person . LEAD MINISTRY: POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FUTURE SKILLS How are we working together? Initial discussions with Indigenous partners have occurred along with some engagement with key stakeholders. Substantive work on a new Policy Framework will commence in 2026/2027. Two of the five sub-components (2 and 3), of this Action have moved forward as indicated below: Sub-component 1 - Supporting Post Secondary Institutions (PSIs) to be more culturally relevant: This will be addressed as the Policy Framework is further developed . Sub-component 2 - Aboriginal Service Plan: The commitment to expand the Indigenous Pathways and Partnerships program (formerly the Aboriginal Service Plan) from 11 to all 25 public post- secondary institutions was completed in 2022, when public post-secondary institutions moved forward in implementing the program . The First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), through a Board resolution, did not support this expansion . A key component of the expanded program is the requirement that each institution implement Action 4 .05 of the Declaration on the Started Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Low Engagement ===== PAGE 89 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 89 Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan: “Developing mechanisms for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners and communities to play an integral role in public post-secondary institutions decision-making .” Over the past four years, institutions have reported strengthened relationships with local First Nations, Métis Chartered Communities, and other Indigenous organizations . This has included land-based curriculum, language programs and enhanced governance models . Sub-component 3 - Student Housing: The ministry is working directly with public PSIs through a Student Housing Working Group that was established by the ministry . Sub-component 4 - Developing mechanisms for First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners and communities to play an integral role in PSI decision-making: This will be addressed as the Policy Framework is further developed . Sub-component 5 - Identifying legislative amendments needed to ensure all PSI boards include at least one Indigenous person: Currently being addressed through policy . This work is sequenced after the First Nations institutes legislation . Are there challenges? Initial discussions have taken place with Indigenous partners regarding the development of a Policy Framework. Substantive work on this action will occur in 2026/27. Sub-component 1 - Supporting PSIs to be more culturally relevant: This will be addressed as the Policy Framework is further developed . Sub-component 2 - Aboriginal Service Plan: Every institution has a unique context for how to develop effective and meaningful partnerships with host First Nations, Métis Nation British Columbia and Chartered Communities, and other Indigenous organizations they work with to support the program objectives. It has been noted that when there are staffing changes (within the institution or with partners), this can be disruptive and cause delays to programming, also impacting relationships . FNESC and IAHLA have continued to object to the existing approach . The ministry will continue on-going work to ensure meaningful engagement and collaboration with all partners . Sub-component 3 - Student Housing: The challenges regarding advancing a distinctions-based approach in this area are being addressed by Student Housing Working Group and progress is being made implementing mechanisms to expand priority access to student housing . Sub-component 4 - Developing mechanisms for First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners and communities to play an integral role in PSI decision-making: This will be addressed as the Policy Framework is further developed . Sub-component 5 - Identifying legislative amendments needed to ensure all PSI boards include at least one Indigenous person: This will be addressed as the Policy Framework is further developed . ===== PAGE 90 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 90 Highlights Work with partners on the development of a new Policy Framework is in early stages . Sub-component 1 - Supporting PSIs to be more culturally relevant: This will be addressed as the Policy Framework is further developed . Sub-component 2 – Aboriginal Service Plan: This will be addressed as the Policy Framework is further developed . Sub-component 3 - Student Housing: North Island College and British Columbia Institute of Technology both opened new student housing facilities that include prioritized access for Indigenous learners . Sub-component 4 - Developing mechanisms for First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners and communities to play an integral role in PSI decision-making: This will be addressed as the Policy Framework is further developed . Sub-component 5 - Identifying legislative amendments needed to ensure all PSI boards include at least one Indigenous person: This will be addressed as the Policy Framework is further developed . 4.06 Promote culturally relevant sport, physical activity and recreation initiatives and opportunities that increase Indigenous engagement, participation and excellence in both traditional and mainstream sports for individuals in both urban and rural or remote areas . LEAD MINISTRY: TOURISM, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORT ACTION COMPLETE Highlights The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport’s sport branch celebrated the many achievements of the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) in fiscal 2025-2026. ===== PAGE 91 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 91 The Province provides $1.4 million in funding annually to I·SPARC, which supports eight culturally relevant sport development and performance-based programs that advance the implementation of the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Strategy (BC) . Highlights of I·SPARC’s fiscal 2025-26 programming include: In the first six months of fiscal 2025-2026, I·SPARC hosted 177 community-based youth athlete, coach and official development initiatives reaching 4,427 participants. I·SPARC supports Indigenous youth to pursue sport and recreation at all levels with programs such as Aboriginal Youth FIRST . Twenty-four youth participated in the Aboriginal Youth FIRST provincial camp from August 24 to September 1, 2025. In total, 51 certifications were achieved at the camp in activities such as lifesaving, lifeguarding, swim instruction, scuba diving and first aid. Four Aboriginal Youth FIRST alumni supported the camp planning process and served as camp leaders and facilitators . In 2022, the ministry provided $3.6 million in one-time funding to I·SPARC for the RISE Grant Program, to support programming over five years. RISE (Resilient, Inspire, Strength and Engage) grants are transformational, providing youth in and from care with up to $800 annually to pursue physical activity, recreation, sport and cultural activities . Grants can be used towards registration fees, equipment and travel costs - a unique feature of the program. In the first six months of fiscal 2025-26, I·SPARC funded 556 RISE grant applications, totaling $267,453. 4.08 In alignment with the tripartite health plans and agreements, continue to strengthen and evolve the First Nation health governance structure in B .C . to ensure First Nations are supported to participate as full and equal partners in decision-making and service delivery at local, regional and provincial levels, and engage First Nations and the Government of Canada on the need for legislation as envisioned in the tripartite health plans and agreements . LEAD MINISTRY: HEALTH Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 92 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 92 How are we working together? In 2011, the provincial and federal governments and BC First Nations representatives signed the Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nations Health Governance (the Framework Agreement), which was endorsed by the First Nations Health Council . The Tripartite partners have completed the second five-year evaluation of the implementation of the Framework Agreement, covering the period from 2019-2023 . Entering the 15th year following the signing of the Framework Agreement, the Tripartite partners acknowledge that the successes and progress to date is helping to identify new needs, priorities and perspectives . There is a growing awareness of new challenges and opportunities for improvement . In response, partners are considering how to evolve the Tripartite health partnership to meet these challenges and establish stronger foundations for greater success and progress in the years ahead . The ministry is working with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) to ensure meaningful engagement with Modern Treaty Nations (MTNs) and the Province’s distinct relationship with MTNs is upheld and prioritized . The ministry is also working in partnership with 3Nations Society and First Nations Health Authority to improve health outcomes for Tahltan, Kaska and Taku River Tlingit community members, reinforcing a shared commitment to reducing inequities for communities across the province’s northern corridor . This work continues to be supported alongside MIRR to advance relationships and remove barriers . Are there challenges? The Province continues to advance engagement and co-operation with First Nations, health governance partners and organizations . This includes evolution of the Tripartite health partnership to meet the current needs and perspectives of First Nations . The ministry continues to engage in discussions with Nations related to direct government-to-government relationships and shared decision making . The ministry is actively engaging in productive conversations with partners to identify critical priorities and next steps to best support tripartite initiatives . Establishing spaces that support meaningful joint decision-making at the local, regional and provincial levels continues to be an evolving and complex process . Work is ongoing across sectors, regions and governance structures to strengthen coordination and create environments where partners can work together effectively. The second evaluation of progress on implementing the Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nations Health Governance, covering the period 2019-2023, has now been completed . Tripartite partners are collaboratively developing an action plan to address the recommendations outlined in the report, with a shared focus on reducing barriers and improving the delivery of First Nations health and wellness services and supports . ===== PAGE 93 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 93 Highlights In June 2025, Tripartite partners released the second five-year independent Evaluation of the BC Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nation Health Governance (2018/19-2023/24). The evaluation found that the governance structure created under the Framework Agreement is established and that partners have largely fulfilled or are actively working to fulfill their respective mandates and roles. It noted that relationships among partners have strengthened over time and that the governance model has been effective in bringing provincial and regional partners together to work collectively toward shared system transformation goals . In January 2026, the Éyameth’ Health Centre opened, providing culturally safe health services open to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the North Fraser Region . The initiative is a partnership between the ministry, the Fraser Health Authority, First Nations Health Authority and Sts’ailes First Nation . In February 2026, the ministry, in partnership with 3Nations Society (Tahltan, Kaska, Taku River Tlingit First Nations), signed a Transformational Health Declaration, providing the framework to work collaboratively to achieve improved health outcomes for 3Nations communities in the northern region of the province . 4.09 As a part of the implementation of the Accessible British Columbia Act, support the identification, prevention and removal of barriers for Indigenous persons with disabilities . This includes ensuring that the development of accessibility standards considers the rights recognized and affirmed by the UN Declaration . LEAD MINISTRY: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION Implementation Stage Medium Complexity Low Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 94 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 94 How are we working together? The Accessibility Directorate focuses on improving accessibility for people with disabilities and is located within the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction . It is engaging Indigenous Peoples and partners to inform the development of accessibility standards for employment and service delivery under the Accessible BC Act . The standards development work is led by the Provincial Accessibility Committee and two technical committees, which include Indigenous representation . Quarterly updates have been shared with First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations, Métis Nation British Columbia, and Indigenous organizations - including the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, First Nations Health Authority and the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society . Ongoing engagement includes regular and one-off meetings. Feedback from these meetings has informed the development of standards and materials such as guidelines, training resources and toolkits . The Directorate has also undertaken research on the application of standards on Modern Treaty lands in response to questions raised during engagement . Ongoing engagement on draft regulations is planned to ensure Indigenous input remains integral to the process . Are there challenges? The Accessibility Directorate continues to manage work within existing resources and are prioritizing approaches that support inclusive, accessible engagement . Indigenous Peoples and partners have also reported that they have capacity pressures in reviewing proposed accessibility standards . The Accessibility Directorate is committed to collaborating with partners to identify approaches that support meaningful participation . Highlights The Accessibility Directorate continues to work with Indigenous Peoples and partners on the development and implementation of accessibility standards . Ongoing engagement has strengthened relationships and supported meaningful participation in this work . Feedback from Indigenous Peoples and partners directly informed revisions to the draft accessible employment standard, particularly around redeployment policies . ===== PAGE 95 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 95 4.10 Prioritize the implementation of Primary Care Networks, the First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative, and other primary care priorities, embedding Indigenous perspectives and priorities into models of care to increase Indigenous Peoples’ access to primary care and other health services, and to improve cultural safety and quality of care . LEAD MINISTRY: HEALTH How are we working together? The Ministry of Health (HLTH), Health Services Integration Division (HSID) conducts regular and collaborative partner meetings with First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) to support the ongoing implementation of the 14 approved First Nations-led Primary Care Centres (FNPCCs) . HSID is also working closely with FNHA to progress the ongoing service plan review of the one remaining FNPCC and support its early implementation . The First Nations-led Primary Care Initiative (FNPCI) is improving access to multi-disciplinary team-based care, including traditional wellness and mental health supports, closer to home by including mobile and virtual service delivery . FNHA conducted a rapid formative evaluation of FNPCI to gather evidence and key learnings, which included engagement with HLTH and FNPCC partners . Qualitative feedback from First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners on Indigenous cultural safety and humility activities, learning and engagement is sought in Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and FNPCCs planning and implementation activities as appropriate to the local context . Additional indicators regarding progress and outcomes as led and determined by Indigenous communities and organizations are to be decided . The provision of physician services is created through locum work within First Nations communities . Local community PCNs are engaging with First Nations and Indigenous health-serving organizations in service plan development and implementation. There are Indigenous representatives/ representation within PCNs governance structures, including at planning and steering committee tables . Representatives from each community are members of the PCN Planning and Steering Committees and are active in PCN governance . The planning and actioning recommendations of items result from engagement with Indigenous Peoples . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 96 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 96 Are there challenges? PCNs and FNPCCs have experienced service planning and implementation delays due to the health human resource shortages and related recruitment challenges across the province that significantly impact progress in regions throughout B .C . Increasing patient attachment gaps are also commonly outpacing physician and nurse practitioner recruitment in First Nations, Indigenous, rural and remote communities. Primary care parameters or compensation models are not always a good fit for relational care needs in communities . PCNs and FNPCCs have experienced challenges with capital planning as many sites require additional space and facilities to provide healthcare services to the communities in their respective regions throughout B .C . Highlights A key highlight was the 2026 opening of the Éyameth’ Health Centre by Sts’ailes First Nation - the Fraser Salish region’s first Indigenous-led health centre - offering expanded access to care including traditional Indigenous wellness services alongside western modalities of care . Services are open to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the North Fraser Region . There are 97 of 104 PCNs launched (93 percent) . There are 15 FNPCCs planned for implementation, with 10 FNPCCs having sites open and delivering primary care with a family physician or nurse practitioner recruited . These FNPCCs include All Nations Healing House, Northern Nations Wellness Centre, Wilp D’mootxw – Nec’a Yikh (The Healing House), Lu’ma Medical Centre, Kwakwaka’wakw, Coast Salish, Fraser South Wellness Centre, Fraser West, Éyameth’ Health Centre and northern St’át’imc Primary Care Centre . Although Fraser South Wellness Centre is open, it is the only FNPCC with the service plan currently undergoing review, with approved services subject to change . As of December 2025, these FNPCCs have had 26,599 patient visits and 3,601 net new patient attachments in the current fiscal year. As of December 2025, there are 98 .73 full-time equivalents (FTEs) recruited in FNPCCs, with recruitment ongoing for those sites currently approved and in early implementation . ===== PAGE 97 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 97 4.11 Increase the availability, accessibility and the continuum of Indigenous-led and community-based social services and supports that are trauma-informed, culturally safe and relevant, and address a range of holistic wellness needs for those who are in crisis, at-risk or have experienced violence, trauma and/or significant loss. LEAD MINISTRIES: PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL; HEALTH How are we working together? The extensive scope of Action 4 .11 and its 10 sub-actions lead to a wide range of approaches to engagement, with the recognition and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems being a key element of all the approaches which are largely distinctions-based . While the Ministry of Health and Indigenous partners held limited consultation and engagement on service development and delivery throughout the past year, various community-based projects continued to roll out and collaboration on monitoring and evaluation continues to be explored . The implementation of Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) teams in partnership with local non- profit operators is led by the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division. Three CRCL teams are operating with local Indigenous partners: K’ómoks First Nation, Prince George Native Friendship Centre and Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society . Future updates to this component of the action will be provided when relevant program changes occur in the future . The Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) and Ktunaxa Nation are leading Complex Care Housing (CCH) projects, and Nuxalk First Nation, Tla’amin Nation, Kekinow Native Housing Society and Lu’ma Native Housing Society have partnered with health authorities to co-lead CCH projects . In September 2025, Ministry of Health staff attended an AHMA-led group meeting (the Indigenous Collaboration Table) comprised of CCH Indigenous operators to share information on project progress, policy development and opportunities for further engagement on issues such as resident rights, staffing and service delivery requirements . The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General continues to contract and engage with Indigenous service providers for sexual assault programs, as well as the Indian Residential School Survivor Society for the delivery of their crisis line . Planning Stage High Complexity High Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 98 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 98 Gambling Support BC has contracted five regional service providers and assigned regional engagement plans to connect with First Nations, Métis Chartered Communities, urban and away-from-home Indigenous populations and Indigenous serving partners . The goal of this approach is to build relationships and socialize program services among the Indigenous populations of B .C . Currently, contracted service providers are meeting their quarterly engagement targets and building meaningful relationships, evidenced by the significant increase in community or individual driven service requests since this approach was initiated in October 2023 . These community driven service requests compelled Gambling Service BC to re-evaluate service delivery design and make necessary changes at the end of March 2026, to better meet community readiness needs . Collaboration with First Nations through ongoing dialogue on the Intervention Circle model is challenging but remains ongoing . The BC Coroners Service continues to engage with Indigenous partners through national forums, ensuring community-led approaches guide site search efforts. Input from survivors and technical experts informs trauma-informed practices, while participation in multijurisdictional panels supports shared learning and coordination while respecting regional distinctions and cultural protocols . The BC Coroners Service is also working with BC Archives and First Nations communities to clarify roles and responsibilities around coronial records . Indigenous-led investigations inform archival access needs and guidance from First Nations is shaping respectful documentation and potential exhumation protocols . In June 2025, at the 7th Provincial Gathering for First Nations investigating the sites of former Indian Residential Schools and Indian Hospitals in B .C ., input from Indigenous leaders is directly informing planning and coordination efforts. This has fostered mutual understanding and highlighted obstacles such as data access and jurisdictional clarity, which are being addressed collaboratively . This collaboration reflects a distinctions-based approach and supports culturally safe practices. Are there challenges? Several challenges continue to affect full implementation of Action 4.11. Resource and financial constraints limit consistent responsiveness, and Indigenous partners have highlighted the need for more timely support and information-sharing . Tracking Indigenous participation across programs—such as Supported Rent Supplement, Enhanced Health in Supportive Housing, Urgent Homelessness Response, and encampment response initiatives— remains difficult. Staffing shortages are also impacting progress. Recruitment for Complex Care Housing (CCH) is ongoing, and service expansion depends on finding qualified personnel. In addition, some housing projects were repaced due to fiscal pressures. ===== PAGE 99 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 99 Gambling Support BC faces limited capacity within its Indigenous service stream, constraining its ability to expand services and engagement . Although Indigenous populations experience higher rates of problem gambling, they remain underrepresented among clients . Increased outreach has driven higher demand, placing further strain on resources. Challenges also include filling vacancies among contracted service providers, resulting in service gaps . Implementation of Intervention Circles is hindered by limited funding for outreach, travel restrictions, and capacity constraints among community partners . Additional barriers include limited trust between First Nations and policing partners, as well as connectivity challenges in remote communities . The BC Coroners Service has faced constraints in capacity and travel funding, limiting participation in national forums and engagement with Indigenous partners. These limitations affect relationship- building and sustained collaboration . Similarly, staffing limitations and competing priorities have slowed progress in formalizing collaboration with BC Archives . While initial discussions have been positive, further work requires dedicated resources to ensure culturally safe and appropriate access to records . Highlights A wide variety of innovative and meaningful partnerships, programs and initiatives contribute to the advancement of Action 4 .11 . The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General provides stable, annual funding to 75 sexual assault services programs across the province, 22 of which are Indigenous- focused. This includes five centres for sexual-assault victims, one existing in Victoria and four new centres which are providing victim services and are working with police and health authorities to become fully operational . The centres provide wraparound services to survivors of sexual assault, including trauma-informed space for police interviews and medical forensic examinations among other services available if the survivor chooses them . The new programs and centres are survivor-centred, trauma-informed, inclusive and culturally safe . With funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has supported enhancement of the Indian Residential School Survivor Society’s existing crisis line providing support to Indian Residential School survivors, students and intergenerational survivors, as well as support for families impacted by missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls . The crisis line now provides province-wide and specialized gender-based violence crisis line response, including risk assessment, immediate safety planning and addressing the unique needs of Indigenous survivors of gender-based violence . The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, regional health authorities and non-profit partners, continues to deliver health supports through the Supported Rent Supplement, Enhanced Health in Supportive Housing, Urgent Homelessness Response, Homeless Encampment Action Response Team and the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing programs . ===== PAGE 100 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 100 As of March 31, 2026, 31 CCH projects are operating; nine of them are Indigenous led or co-led . Gambling Support BC increased the Indigenous Service Stream budget to $750,000 for contracted service providers to support communities in addressing gambling related harms . Intervention Circle outreach to First Nations continues . In 2025, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General provided $100,000 in capacity building grants to support the implementation of Intervention Circles in Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation and the N’Quatqua First Nation . There are two active Intervention Circles led by the Esk’etemc First Nation and Witset First Nation, with an additional three under implementation being led by Gitanmaax Band, Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation and N’Quatqua First Nation . In July 2025, Chief Coroner Dr . Jatinder Baidwan was invited to participate as a speaker at the National Site Search Forum, hosted by Nishnawbe Aski Nation – a regional political organization representing 49 First Nation communities across Treaty 9 and Treaty 5 territories in Northern Ontario . Dr . Baidwan participated on a multijurisdictional panel of chief coroners and medical examiners to support the national coordination of residential school site searches . The forum brought together technical experts, community leads, survivors and Indigenous organizations engaged in searches for missing children and unmarked graves in support of community-led and trauma-informed approaches to the investigation of former residential institution sites across Canada . In support of the BC Coroners Service’s broader efforts to align with Indigenous communities in developing a coordinated and respectful approach to records access, documentation, and potential exhumation work, Senior Deputy Chief Coroner Vince Stancato met with the Director of Archives at the Royal BC Museum . BC Archives shared details regarding the research assistance they have been providing to lead First Nations communities engaged in site investigations and the potential archival transfer of pre-1970 coronial records in accordance with the Coroners Service Operational Records Classification System. This meeting was a critical step for improved collaboration, with the goal of ensuring accurate and respectful access to historical information . In June 2025, Senior Deputy Chief Coroner Vince Stancato met with 21 lead First Nations Communities at the 7th Provincial Gathering for First Nations to review and develop and action plan related to the investigation of former Indian Residencial School sites across B .C . ===== PAGE 101 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 101 4.12 Address the disproportionate impacts of the overdose public health emergency on Indigenous Peoples by: - applying to the Government of Canada to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use, and continuing campaigns and other measures to help end the stigma and shame associated with addiction; - expanding prescribed safer supply and other harm reduction measures; and - ensuring accessibility of recovery beds, and evidence-based, culturally relevant and safe services to meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples, including youth . LEAD MINISTRIES: HEALTH; ATTORNEY GENERAL; PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL How are we working together? The Province continues to work across multiple ministries to address substance use and its disproportionate effects on Indigenous Peoples. The completed Building Relationships in Collaboration (BRIC) Grants program funded Indigenous-led initiatives that foster culturally safe police collaboration . HLTH supports First Nations Health Authority’s (FNHA) Framework for Action and Harm Reduction Policy . Indigenous partners contribute via the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) including an FNHA partnership which uses health surveillance information to estimate deaths averted due to harm reduction initiatives . Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) regularly engages in conversations on Minimum Service Standards for overdose prevention services . FNHA is engaged on the implementation of the new Prescribed Alternatives Policy . HLTH engages with FNHA to reduce barriers to accessing Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) through the Certified Practice for Opioid Use Disorder initiative and supporting nurse OAT prescribing for First Nations in B.C. FNHA offers OAT Access grants to First Nation communities across the province . Community Action Teams across B.C. strengthen harm reduction efforts and support culturally safe responses to the toxic drug crisis . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 102 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 102 Moms Stop the Harm – Healing Hearts offers peer support to families grieving substance related loss. FNHA’s Healing Indigenous Hearts program includes culturally grounded grief support . The Youth Substance Use Care team meets monthly with health authority partners, including FNHA . FNHA, MNBC, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and First Nations Education Steering Committee collaborate on Integrated Child & Youth (ICY) Teams . Are there challenges? Decriminalization: In 2023, the Province launched the pilot program to decriminalize people who use drugs . It was intended to make it easier for people struggling with substance use to seek help . The exemption expired on January 31, 2026, and was not renewed . Funding for the health navigators and outreach roles that were hired during the decriminalization pilot through the health authorities (including FNHA) will continue . Harm Reduction & Overdose Emergency Response: Partner capacity to engage across multiple initiatives varies, impacting depth of collaboration . The geographic and structural barriers to provide supports for rural and remote communities have impacted efforts to address gaps. FNHA continues to work with First Nations communities and provincial partners to mitigate barriers to ensure culturally safe service and harm reduction supports are available to all. Wildfire season disrupted engagement timelines. Complex governance and funding structures complicate coordination . Youth Substance Use: Health Authority partners continue to report the challenge of human resources and hiring qualified team members in the different youth substance use programs, especially for rural and remote locations. Integrated Child & Youth Teams: Each ICY community receives one full-time equivalent position to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit children and youth per team (some ICY communities have multiple teams) . However, this may be insufficient to meet diverse needs across school districts. The development of these roles requires fulsome engagement with local First Nations and Indigenous organizations . This engagement is necessary and may delay meeting health needs . Recruitment and hiring challenges persist due to labour market constraints . Highlights Decriminalization: BRIC grants provided funding to Indigenous communities and organizations to continue to work with law enforcement in their joint learning journeys regarding substance use, harm reduction and decriminalization . ===== PAGE 103 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 103 PSSG received $1 million in funding in 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 to support Indigenous-led initiatives related to the implementation of decriminalization with police. Funding for 2023/2024 grants was distributed in April 2024. Funding for 2024/2025 was distributed in April 2025. There was strong interest in this initiative and positive feedback from applicants . Harm Reduction & Overdose Emergency Response: In June 2025, HLTH released Minimum Service Standards for overdose prevention services, requiring cultural safety and humility in service delivery . To implement these, HLTH is working with FNHA, MNBC and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres . Six drug checking projects in partnerships with First Nations or organizations are now underway in the five health regions of the province. Youth Substance Use Services: Seabird Island Nation, in partnership with Fraser Health, plans to open an Indigenous led, six-bed treatment site for youth (19-24) in early 2026, with day programming starting in fall 2025 . Health authorities continue expanding non-bed-based services . First Nations youth navigator roles have been introduced at FNHA to support youth accessing substance use services . Integrated Child & Youth Teams: Integrated Child and Youth Teams are currently being implemented in 20 school district communities (each school district community is considered as an ICY community, which has one to six teams within each community), providing mental health and substance use services to children, youth and their families . Implementation status varies across communities, with Nicola-Similkameen and Central Coast, for example, in their early stages of initiating operations . 4.13 Increase the availability and accessibility of culturally safe substance use services, including through the renovation and construction of Indigenous-run treatment centres and the integration of land-based and traditional approaches to healing LEAD MINISTRY: HEALTH Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 104 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 104 How are we working together? The Ministry of Health continues to work in partnership with Indigenous partners to advance Indigenous-led treatment, recovery and aftercare services across the province . This includes collaboration with First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), First Nations, Tribal Councils and First Nations communities . Ministry staff are partnered with FNHA to advance the tripartite MOU First Nations treatment centre projects, replacing six existing First Nation-run treatment centres and building two new ones . Ministry staff participate in working groups under the Indigenous, Treatment, Recovery, and Aftercare Services (ITRAS) Program, bringing together First Nations, regional health authorities, service providers and other parties to guide service planning and implementation . The Province partners with Community Action Initiative and FNHA in the co-development of the Capacity Building Grant call . These grants support organizations in improving delivery of treatment and recovery services . The Canadian Mental Health Association BC, in partnership with the Province, FNHA and Métis Nation British Columbia, completed a rigorous process of selecting service operators to administer and implement 307 grant funded treatment and recovery beds . The application design and adjudication process was done in collaboration with FNHA . Providers must demonstrate how their policies and procedures foster an environment that is non-discriminatory and anti-racist . Primary Care: Health Services Integration Division conducts regular partner meetings with FNHA to support primary care program implementation and oversight . There is a plan to engage partners including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit healthcare providers and patients to provide feedback on how to improve Primary Care funded virtual care services . Are there challenges? Treatment and Recovery: Timelines for advancing some major projects are affected by construction and workforce challenges, as well as by rising project costs . Partner organizations each have their own processes and requirements and the partners have worked together to streamline . The need for treatment and recovery services has increased pressure to accelerate implementation timelines and expand capacity . Primary Care: Increasing demand for these services from First Nations communities are outpacing the availability . ===== PAGE 105 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 105 Highlights In 2025/2026, the Province invested $8.3 million in initial funding for the Tŝilhqot’in-led healing and wellness model near Hanceville. The new Red Road River Tŝilhqox model is founded on the strength of Tŝilhqot’in culture and will offer traditional treatment and land-based healing. The project will provide a continuum of care for adults, including supportive recovery beds (pre-treatment), treatment and recovery beds at Tŝilhqot’in Healing and Wellness Centre and beds for aftercare, reintegration and long- term healing (post-treatment) . The ministry supports operating funding for the Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre, which offers 10 substance-use treatment beds for Indigenous People aged 12-18 years struggling with substance use and mental health issues, including intergenerational trauma . The ministry secured funding to support operational costs for the Tsakwa’lutan Healing Centre, led by the We Wai Kai First Nation, which provides culture-based treatment and supportive recovery programming (32 publicly funded beds for adults as of February 2026) . The ministry continues to work with the Northern First Nations Alliance to develop Indigenous-led treatment and wellness services in the northwest . A new 12-bed treatment centre, Red Road North (“The Lodge”), located outside of Terrace is now open (announcement - March 27, 2026) . Through the 2025 Capacity Building Grant call, 15 Indigenous-led organizations each received one-time funding of $25,000 to enhance capacity and support delivery of treatment and recovery services focused on culture first models of healing. There are 47 .8 full-time equivalents approved at First Nations-led Primary Care Centres providing mental health and substance use supports to patients across B .C . 4.14 Increase the availability and accessibility of resources to Indigenous partners in COVID-19 pandemic health and wellness planning and response, including the implementation of the Rural, Remote, First Nations and Indigenous COVID-19 Framework to ensure access for all Indigenous Peoples to immediate and culturally safe and relevant care closer to home . LEAD MINISTRY: HEALTH Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 106 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 106 How are we working together? The Ministry of Health, Health Services Integration Division (HSID) conducts regular and collaborative partner meetings with First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) to support program implementation and oversight . There are plans for engagement with First Nations, Métis and Inuit healthcare providers and patients to provide feedback on their experience, outcomes and opportunities to improve primary care funded virtual care services . Are there challenges? Increasing demand for these services from First Nations communities are outpacing the availability . Highlights FNHA’s First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day (FNvDOD) and First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service (FNvSUPs): FNHA Virtual Services Program has provided 72,800 client encounters with a physician since 2020 across all regions (as of December 31, 2025). Since 2023/2024 Q3, the program has had over 140,000 points of contact with clients, including follow-ups and outreach through FNHA allied care team . Since 2020, over 14,300 clients have accessed Doctor of the Day (DOD) and over 2,000 clients have accessed Substance Use and Psychiatry Services (SUPS) . The program primarily serves First Nations people, comprising 91% of DOD clients and 84% of SUPS clients in 2025/2026. High client satisfaction rates remain consistent for both DOD and SUPS . For example, 95% of clients are satisfied with DOD, 96% of clients would recommend DOD to family or friends, and 94% of DOD clients reported that the care they received was culturally safe . FNHA continues to monitor virtual service wait times and implement strategies to optimize access . The substance use pathway provides lifesaving care for clients, inclusive of First Nations people and their families affected by the toxic drug crisis. The service is unique as it provides longitudinal care, including for many individuals with high complexity health issues and/or who cannot maintain access to other services . ===== PAGE 107 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 107 4.15 Incorporate Indigenous experiences and knowledge of poverty and well-being into ongoing poverty reduction efforts and the 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy. The strategy will recognize the ongoing impacts of colonialism and include Indigenous-identified actions and progress measures. LEAD MINISTRY: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION ACTION COMPLETE How are we working together? The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR) undertook a broad distinctions-based engagement from winter 2022/2023 through spring 2024 to inform the updated Poverty Reduction Strategy, which was released on July 24, 2024 . The ministry is continuing to work with partners to incorporate Indigenous experiences and knowledge of poverty and well-being into ongoing poverty reduction initiatives and annual reporting . This includes: Providing funding in 2021 to the First Nations Summit to establish the First Nations Well Being Fund, and additional funding in 2023 to expand the Fund in support of B .C .’s poverty reduction efforts. This funding supports ongoing projects that run through 2026/2027, including engagement with First Nations to develop community-driven indicators that measure well-being . Working with Indigenous partners and cross-government colleagues to ensure new measures defined through the forthcoming First Nations Regional Information Governance Centre and broader frameworks are reflected in poverty reduction reporting. The ministry also incorporates other key indicators identified through Indigenous engagement, including food insecurity, core housing need, high school completion rates, the proportion of Indigenous children and youth in care and sense of community belonging . Receiving ongoing expertise and advice from the Minister’s Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee to support implementation of B .C .’s Poverty Reduction Strategy . The committee includes representation from the First Nations Leadership Council and Métis Nation British Columbia . ===== PAGE 108 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 108 Are there challenges? Action 4.15 requires Indigenous-identified actions and progress measures to be included in the 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy and in annual progress reporting . Work is underway across the provincial government, alongside Indigenous Peoples, to enhance existing measures and deepen understanding of well-being and quality of life in B .C . These measures will be incorporated into annual reporting as they become available, recognizing that meaningful, culturally relevant indicators take time to develop . Highlights Action 4 .15 is considered complete with the release of the 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy, accompanying amendments to the Poverty Reduction Strategy Act and the ongoing annual reporting requirements: The 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy incorporates Indigenous-identified actions and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonialism as a root cause of poverty experienced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples . As required by legislation, SDPR publishes annual reports to demonstrate progress and assess whether actions are improving outcomes for people in B .C . Future reports will include progress measures informed by ongoing distinctions-based engagement and Indigenous-led data development, supporting a clearer understanding of how poverty-reduction efforts are impacting First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples. First Nations communities are leading the development and stewardship of well-being and quality of life data through the B .C . First Nations Regional Information Governance Centre, alongside contributions of other Indigenous partners to support the development of complementary tools that reflect Indigenous priorities. As these collaboratively developed measures are finalized, SDPR will be positioned to integrate them into future updates to the strategy and annual reporting . 4.16 Co-develop a B.C.-specific fiscal framework, in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit, and in consultation with key Indigenous organizations, to support and move forward with jurisdiction over child and family services . LEAD MINISTRY: CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT Planning Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 109 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 109 How are we working together? Guided by section 4 .16 of the Declaration Act Action Plan, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (the ministry) is co-developing a provincial funding model to support First Nations’ jurisdiction over child and family services with First Nations (partners) and in consultation with Indigenous organizations . Co-development activities include virtual meetings, in-person workshops and written input to the ministry . The co-development approach is grounded in guidance from participating partners . This includes acknowledging the specific rights, interests, priorities and concerns of rights holders and Indigenous partners, and respects distinct and unique cultures, histories, rights, laws and governments . At the beginning of 2025, the ministry focused on increasing participation in co-development through facilitated virtual sessions . This approach resulted in an increase of 32 additional First Nations participating for an overall total of 72 First Nations . In spring 2025, the ministry facilitated 25 virtual co-development sessions covering 13 core funding model topics identified through earlier co-development activities in 2023-24. In May 2025, the ministry hosted an in-person workshop with co-development partners and Indigenous organizations . One hundred and two attendees representing 46 First Nations and Indigenous organizations attended . Throughout 2025, the ministry also received written input from some First Nations partners . These co-development activities supported important progress on complex policy topics related to development of the provincial funding model . This work will continue in 2026 . Are there challenges? The co-development of a funding model for First Nations’ jurisdiction over child and family services is a complex, multi-party process involving representatives from many First Nations across British Columbia, each with distinct priorities, governance contexts, and perspectives . As with other large-scale co-development initiatives, balancing inclusivity, meaningful engagement and timely progress has presented challenges. Perspectives on the pace of the work have varied, reflecting differing expectations and levels of readiness across participants . Given the scope and significance of this work, partners have highlighted the importance of clarity around implementation sequencing and transparency in costing to support shared understanding . As the first province undertaking the co-development of a provincial funding model to support jurisdiction, both the ministry and partners are navigating new policy and fiscal terrain, which has required careful consideration and ongoing learning . At the intergovernmental level, the federal government is currently operating under an interim funding approach . Timelines for the development and implementation of a long-term federal funding model have not yet been confirmed. Aligning a provincial funding model with a future federal approach will require continued collaboration amongst all parties . ===== PAGE 110 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 110 Participation in co-development has also been influenced by broader capacity considerations, as many First Nations are advancing multiple priority initiatives simultaneously . All First Nations in British Columbia have been invited to participate in engagement opportunities, and the ministry continues to recognize the importance of creating space for participation as First Nations determine their own levels of involvement . Highlights The ministry continues to work with First Nations to finalize the jurisdiction funding model, recognizing partners’ need for greater detail and transparency to support this progress . 4.17 In collaboration with B .C . First Nations and Métis Peoples, and Inuit, continue implementing changes to substantially reduce the number of Indigenous children and youth in care through increased prevention and family support services at all stages of contact with the child welfare system . LEAD MINISTRY: CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT How are we working together? The Ministry of Children and Family Development continues to work collaboratively with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners to advance Indigenous jurisdiction and transform the child and family services system . Agreements enabled under legislation are initiated by First Nations and Indigenous Governing Bodies (IGB) and carried out in a manner, frequency, and timeline that reflects their needs. These agreements may be between the Province and a Nation (bilateral), or between a Nation, the Province and Canada (trilateral). The scope of these agreements (e.g. prevention and/or protection services and communities, children and families served) are determined by the relevant First Nations and IGBs . The ministry continues to engage with Indigenous Services Canada and IGBs at coordination agreement tables . Additionally, the ministry continues to negotiate community agreements under section 92 .1 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act to support information sharing, consultation, and co- operation with First Nations, Modern Treaty First Nations and Indigenous communities . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 111 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 111 The ministry is also advancing cross-government work through the Child and Youth Wellbeing (CYWB) Plan and Outcomes Framework, which takes a whole-of-government approach to improving outcomes for children, youth and families, including those interacting with the child welfare system . This includes integrated work related to Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN), emphasizing early intervention, prevention and coordinated service delivery . The CYWB Plan and Outcomes Framework has included engagement with First Nations leadership and Indigenous partners, and the Province is entering a broader, phased public and distinctions-based engagement process to ensure Indigenous perspectives on child and youth well-being are reflected. Are there challenges? Implementing Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services in B .C . remains complex and resource intensive . The number of First Nations pursuing coordination or community agreements continues to increase, requiring significant staff capacity, cross-ministry coordination and alignment with federal processes under An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (federal Act) . While the legislative foundation for Indigenous self-government has been established, integrating multiple legal systems and ensuring consistency across Provincial, Federal and Indigenous laws presents ongoing operational and legal challenges . The ministry is also navigating the evolving federal funding landscape and recognition processes . Both the province and the federal government are currently using interim funding approaches to support these agreements . As the province moves forward on co-development of a long-term provincial funding model with First Nations, integration with the federal approach will be important . Providing child and family services to Indigenous Peoples in B .C . is increasingly complex and will require examining current resources, and potential new processes and structures, to make sure child welfare services are delivered in a coordinated and seamless way . Capacity limitations, both within the ministry and amongst partners, can affect the pace of negotiations and implementation. Ongoing focus on training, staffing support and partnership coordination is essential to meet growing demand. As implementation of the CYWB Plan and Outcomes Framework advances, continued engagement with Indigenous partners, including First Nations leadership, will be essential to ensure a distinctions-based approach that supports improved outcomes Highlights The ministry has signed five coordination agreements, nine bilateral Child, Family and Community Service Act section 92 .1 community agreements and 128 information-sharing agreements . The ministry is in the process of negotiating five additional coordination agreements and an additional 10 bilateral Child, Family and Community Service Act section 92 .1 community agreements . ===== PAGE 112 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 112 Practice modernization has also advanced through the integration of the Aboriginal Policy and Practice Framework, trauma-informed approaches, and new training initiatives that emphasize culturally safe, prevention-focused service delivery. These efforts shape and enrich the way the ministry works with Indigenous partners and contribute to a system that upholds and advances Indigenous self- determination, strengthens families and communities, and ensures children remain connected to their culture, language and identity . 4.18 As committed to in the First Nations Children and Youth in Care Protocol, co-develop and implement measures to support improved education outcomes of current and former First Nation children and youth in care, including meaningful data collection to inform policy planning and service delivery . LEAD MINISTRIES: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE; CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT; POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FUTURE SKILLS How are we working together? The Ministries of Education and Child Care (ECC), Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) and Children and Family Development (MCFD) meet regularly with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) as a technical working table to review, discuss and implement protocol workplan deliverables . An oversight table with representation from senior leadership at FNESC and FNLC, and the ministers of ECC, MCFD and PSFS are required to meet twice per year to review and provide feedback on progress to date . The oversight table last met on December 8, 2025, and is tentatively scheduled to meet in fall 2026 . Are there challenges? The work involves some challenges regarding organizational capacity based on competing priorities for all parties (ECC, MCFD, PSFS, FNLC and FNESC) to meet key milestones and deliverables within the established timelines . Identified limitations to existing legislation and information sharing agreements may require changes, which could impact the ability to complete components of the action . Implementation Stage High Complexity High Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 113 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 113 StudentAid BC: Any expansion to the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program and the implementation of a debt relief initiative for former children and youth in care would require an additional budget . Highlights In January 2025, the ministries published the inaugural Children and Youth in Care: How Are We Doing? report as required by Action 4 .18 and the First Nations Children and Youth in Care Protocol (the Protocol) . A second edition of the report is scheduled to be released in spring 2026 . The oversight table will continue to meet bi-annually to ensure that the objectives of the protocol and the workplan are being met . The technical working table is also exploring mechanisms to appropriately and consistently identify children and youth in care to provide educational support as needed . 4.19 As part of a commitment to an inclusive, universal childcare system, work in collaboration with B .C . First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples to implement a distinctions-based approach to support and move forward jurisdiction over child care for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples who want and need it in B .C . LEAD MINISTRY: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE How are we working together? The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) is signatory to the Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on First Nations Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC), working collaboratively with the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and the Government of Canada . This partnership supports the parties to collaborate, dialogue, and jointly take action on initiatives as self-determined by First Nations in B .C . Two technical working groups on licensing and regulations, and capital and infrastructure, provide avenues for dialogue . Started Stage High Complexity High Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 114 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 114 Since spring 2025, ECC has met with Modern Treaty Nations and First Nations on several initiatives, including: Proposed amendments to the B .C . Child Care Licensing Regulation Changes to the School Act and Ministerial Order to enable child care on school grounds Updates to the draft Early Childhood Educators (ECE) Standards of Practice Occupational Competencies Program Guide Proposed approach for prioritizing new post-secondary institutions seeking to offer ECE programs ECC collaborated with Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and other Indigenous partners to review policy changes related to optional fees for extended hours under the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative, the waitlist prioritization framework, the Child Care Licensing Regulation and proposed amendments to the School Act . Monthly bilateral meetings with FNLC technical staff, the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) and the First Nations Education Steering Committee support continued dialogue and information sharing on ELCC initiatives . In addition, ECC is working closely with contracted Indigenous partners, including the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC (AHSABC), BCACCS, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), and MNBC to develop updated service agreements that reflect community priorities. Are there challenges? Achieving the long-term goals of Action 4.19 will require significant shifts in ELCC policy to address service inequities and meet the complex and unique needs of communities, and these changes will take time . Indigenous-led and self-determined ELCC systems depend on stable, long-term funding; however, funding levels under new agreements and broader fiscal and economic conditions may limit progress and affect shared priorities under Action 4.19. Implementation also continues to be challenged by limited workforce and infrastructure resources, which can hinder distinctions-based approaches . Many rural and remote communities face persistent barriers to accessing the supports, workforce and facilities needed for high-quality, inclusive child care . Families in many regions continue to experience wait times for inclusive child care supports . ELCC responsibilities span multiple ministries, which requires strong cross-government coordination to address regulatory barriers . Collaboration across multiple orders of government, First Nations, MNBC and Indigenous organizations and child care providers is essential. Without effective communication, service delivery risks becoming fragmented . ===== PAGE 115 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 115 At the same time, provincial and federal funding and reporting timelines do not always align with Indigenous governance processes, which can limit opportunities for meaningful engagement and decision-making with First Nations, MNBC and Indigenous service organizations . For example, federally established timelines associated with the 2025 renewal of the bilateral agreements and development of the 2026–2027 action plan constrained the time available for engagement with First Nations partners . Longstanding barriers to Indigenous ELCC can also contribute to frustration among First Nations, MNBC and Indigenous partners, particularly when progress on shared priorities is slowed . Highlights The Tripartite MOU between FNLC, the Province and Canada continues to strengthen co-operation and alignment across jurisdictions, supporting reconciliation, self-determination and the advancement of First Nations jurisdiction in ELCC . In March 2026, the Tripartite MOU Political Table brought together political leadership from the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN), the First Nations Summit, Canada and the Province . The table reviewed progress on the Tripartite MOU workplan and discussed priorities that reflect key feedback from First Nations. ECC worked closely with First Nations, MNBC and Indigenous organization partners to refine the language and concepts in the draft ECE Standards of Practice and Occupational Competencies Program Guide. This collaboration helped ensure the competencies reflect culturally safe and responsive care and acknowledge the history and experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada . In partnership with AHSABC, BCACCS, FNHA, MNBC and BCAAFC, ECC co-hosted three Circle Back engagement sessions in Vancouver, and Prince George and on Vancouver Island . These sessions provided updates on ministry and partner initiatives and shared key findings from the 2024 regional Indigenous engagements . ECC also collaborated with AHSABC, BCACCS, BCAAFC, FNHA and MNBC on the inaugural Early Learning and Child Care Act Annual Report, 2024-2025, working jointly on the outline and narrative . Through service agreements with the FNHA, AHSABC and MNBC, ECC is supporting culturally-based care that is responsive to community priorities . The Province supports over 2,200 Aboriginal Head Start spaces (approx . 1,470 First Nations-led spaces and 810 Indigenous organization-led spaces) and the creation of 160 new Métis-led child care spaces across five new child care programs funded through space creation funding . ===== PAGE 116 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 116 4.20 Advance a collaborative, whole-of-government approach in the partnership between the Métis Nation of British Columbia and the Province of B .C ., respecting Métis self-determination and working to establish more flexibility and sustainability in funding. LEAD MINISTRY: INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION How are we working together? The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) and Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) continue to advance a whole-of-government approach, as outlined in the Letter of Intent signed by the Province and MNBC in 2021 . The ongoing reconciliation process focuses on advancing shared socio-economic priorities . The BC–MNBC Relations Working Table supports ongoing dialogue and coordinated engagement across its table structure, which includes an annual Métis Summit, a quarterly Senior Leadership Table with deputy minister participation, and five social sector sub-tables. These sub-tables bring together senior representatives from key social ministries to collaborate on shared priorities in Health & Wellness, Housing, Economic Development, Culture, Heritage & Language and Emergency Management . Are there challenges? Budget constraints, reduced capacity and working through the application of the Distinction-based Approach have impacted progress on implementing this action . Highlights MIRR’s relationship with MNBC continues to strengthen through ongoing collaboration and a shared commitment to serving Métis people and communities. Monthly staff-level meetings support this partnership by enabling open dialogue, early identification of opportunities, and coordinated planning for Senior Leadership Tables, sub-tables, the annual Métis Summit, and key provincial reporting, including the Action Plan and funding agreements . Collectively, these touchpoints support new engagement opportunities while ensuring alignment with ongoing sub-tables . Implementation Stage Medium Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 117 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 117 As an example of related social sector work, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and MNBC signed a protocol agreement in November 2025 to provide culturally informed programs and ensure services are delivered to reduce barriers and support Métis learners and job seekers, increasing Métis participation in post-secondary education and the labour market . MNBC works with federal and provincial partners, post-secondary institutions, employers and MNBC Chartered Communities across B .C . to advance shared priorities through service delivery, policy development and strategic partnerships . The Health & Wellness table is finalizing its own Terms of Reference, marking an important milestone in its ongoing work to strengthen the Province’s partnership with MNBC . This foundational document will guide collaborative efforts to advance culturally grounded health, mental health and harm reduction outcomes for Métis people in B .C . 4.21 Bring together key Indigenous urban leaders to create a provincial urban Indigenous advisory table to develop and implement a 5-year plan to address the priorities of urban Indigenous Peoples, including a focus on Elders, youth, children, women, men, 2SLGBTQQIA+ and persons with disabilities . LEAD MINISTRIES: INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION; SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION How are we working together? The Province is partnering with urban Indigenous organizations on establishing an engagement model to support collaboration with urban Indigenous leaders . This work takes on a community-led approach with a focus on relationship building which increases the Province’s awareness of the contributions and history of urban Indigenous people and cultural safety . In 2025, the engagement model evolved to include a broader group of partners following the work outcomes of the Provincial Urban Leaders Working Group and the Urban Coalitions Fall Gathering in 2024 . In addition to the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR), partners in the BC Urban Indigenous Caucus now include the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, B .C .’s urban Indigenous coalitions, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Aboriginal Housing Management Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 118 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 118 Association and other urban Indigenous organizations . Partners met bi-weekly through 2025 with participation dependent on focus area under discussion . In 2025, MIRR and partners planned and hosted sessions in Nanaimo, Kamloops, Prince Rupert and Fort St . John to further expand engagements on Action 4 .21 in these regions . An internal urban cross-ministry working committee is also being established to keep ministries informed and involved on urban-related topics and build awareness of urban Indigenous organizations’ contributions across the province . These engagements will help to identify priorities and topic areas for discussion at the in-person gathering described in Action 4.22 . Are there challenges? As an active member of the engagement model being established, the Province continues to focus on building strong relationships with partners, which demonstrates a commitment to improving the lives of urban Indigenous Peoples . This approach can be resource intensive as it requires in-person gatherings relying on culturally-grounded facilitators to engage participants. Partners continue to reflect the need for durable funding and a continued prioritization of funding for urban Indigenous service providers . Highlights The Province is committed to an Indigenous-led process that brings together urban Indigenous leaders to create better outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in urban areas . In 2025, MIRR led the BC Urban Indigenous Caucus meetings, a bi-weekly series previously led by a coalition, that alternates between sessions focused on internal coalition needs and virtual-gatherings that enable external partner presentations . With the consensus of all partners, the Caucus has broadened from coalitions only and is now comprised of urban Indigenous coalitions in B .C ., the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and other partners, such as Aboriginal Housing and Management Association and Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC . The Caucus discussed Declaration Act Action Plan items, urban priorities and other reconciliation activities . Since April, presenting ministries have shared funding opportunities, partner projects, ministry programming and major policies with urban Indigenous partners . At these presentations, feedback is sought and received from urban organizations . In fall 2025, engagement sessions were held in smaller urban regions where there has been a lack of opportunity to engage on the Declaration Act implementation . Sessions in Kamloops, Prince Rupert, Fort St . John and Nanaimo, B .C . were well received and aligned with existing feedback that an engagement model for urban people will help the Province understand the unique perspectives of this demographic . MIRR views the engagements, as well as the bi-weekly series described above, as significant progress in the implementation of this action item . ===== PAGE 119 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 119 4.22 Ministers and executives across the provincial government social sector will meet annually with urban Indigenous service organization leaders, such as the provincial urban Indigenous advisory table (see Action 4 .21), to discuss successes, innovations, and challenges of supporting the social, cultural and economic needs of urban Indigenous Peoples . LEAD MINISTRY: INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION How are we working together? The Province continues to engage with partners and urban Indigenous organizations to build an engagement model that enables communication and collaboration between the Province and urban Indigenous organizations that serve Indigenous Peoples . Action 4.21 and Action 4.22 are intrinsically linked, and should work together concurrently, rather than in a linear fashion with one following the other . Gathering in-person to discuss issues, priorities and opportunities is seen as a demonstration of implementing Action 4 .21, and potentially furthers progress on the actions 4 .21-4 .24 which are specific to urban Indigenous Peoples. By meeting annually with urban Indigenous service organization leaders, a foundation of increased trust was established, which was crucial to the success in developing an engagement model described in Action 4 .21 . The approach involves valuing a community-led approach, holding a continued focus on relationship-building . In addition to the external engagement model, an internal cross-ministry working committee is being established to keep provincial ministries informed and involved on urban-related topics . This will also help increase the Province’s awareness of the contributions made by urban Indigenous organizations. The priorities identified through continued engagement with partners helped to define topics for discussion at the in-person gathering. Are there challenges? Establishing an engagement model to demonstrate reconciliation with urban Indigenous Peoples is priority work . It can be resource intensive with the reliance on in-person gatherings that facilitate culturally-grounded approaches towards engagements . Partners have noted that Action 4 .21 and 4 .22 are intrinsically linked, and that the full implementation of both actions requires in-person engagements with senior leaders . The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) staff are working with partners to share costs, leverage in-kind supports where possible and identify host locations that limit travel . Implementation Stage Medium Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 120 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 120 Highlights In 2025, MIRR led the BC Urban Indigenous Caucus meetings, a bi-weekly series previously led by a coalition, that alternates between sessions focused on internal coalition needs and virtual- gatherings that enable external partner presentations . With consensus of all partners, the Caucus has broadened from only involving coalitions to being comprised of urban Indigenous coalitions in B .C ., the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and other partners, such as Aboriginal Housing Management Association and Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia . The Caucus discusses Declaration Act Action Plan items, urban priorities and other reconciliation activities . Since April 2025, invited ministries share funding opportunities, partner projects, ministry programming and major policies with urban Indigenous partners . At these presentations, feedback from urban organizations provides ministries with valuable insights into the needs and perspectives of urban Indigenous people. Partners have shared feedback describing the historical decisions that influenced current-day programs, which led to exploratory discussion on broadening the relationship between the ministry involved and the coalition . Other examples include the support networks being established, such as the various organizations in Fort St . John that collaborated to ensure youth attended a National Indigenous Peoples’ Day event . Engagement sessions in Kamloops, Prince Rupert, Fort St . John and Nanaimo were held in the fall of 2025 . The sessions were well received, and the feedback emphasized that an engagement model for urban people is crucial for the Province to understand the unique perspectives of this demographic . MIRR views the progress made during this period as significant towards the implementation of this action item . 4.23 Undertake a cross-government review of provincial supports and services for Indigenous Peoples in urban settings and develop a plan with clear timelines that will provide greater collaboration and coordination to meet needs . LEAD MINISTRY: INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION Planning Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 121 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 121 How are we working together? The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) has worked with ministries across government to gather information on programs, funding and services available between 2018 to 2025 that are accessed by Indigenous Peoples living in urban areas . The review of nearly 95 programs has led to the identification of initial insights, core themes, gaps, challenges and areas for further collaboration. Advancing Action 4.23 is limited to an internal review; however, the general findings of the work have been shared with partners who are involved in Actions 4.21 and 4.22 . While no formal discussions or engagements with external partners have taken place to date, initial themes have been shared with ministries with the greatest number of programs. As MIRR continues to analyze data/input and identify emerging insights, these findings will be shared with urban organizations involved in engagement through Action 4.21 and are expected to influence gatherings coordinated towards implementation of Action 4 .22 . The data analysis will support the development of a plan with clear timelines that will provide greater collaboration and coordination to meet needs of the urban sector and provincial government partners . Are there challenges? A main challenge relates to the number of programs across provincial government and the potential for a significantly expanded scope, which is why a phased approach to this work is underway with a review focused on Indigenous-specific programming. Capacity to develop complex plans is a challenge, however, in future years, consideration may be given to government programs that are widely accessible but used disproportionately by Indigenous people, such as social assistance or justice-based programs. MIRR has also observed that these programs may also benefit from an in-depth evaluation from an Indigenous perspective and/or by those with lived experience. Highlights The Province continues to focus on building strong relationships with partners . MIRR is updating the Guide to Indigenous Organization and Services a public-facing website that lists Indigenous-led organizations, agencies, governments and service providers . The updates make progress on action 4 .23 and are directly responsive to ensuring the accuracy of public information . Providing accurate information on Indigenous organizations supports better coordination and information internally across provincial government and the public . ===== PAGE 122 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 122 4.24 Expand support to Aboriginal Friendship Centres and other urban Indigenous organizations that serve the needs of urban Indigenous people in B .C . while also acknowledging that Aboriginal Friendship Centres and other urban Indigenous organizations play a vital role for those that wish to connect to their cultures and traditions . LEAD MINISTRY: INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION How are we working together? Working together to ensure the needs of urban Indigenous Peoples are met has created stronger relationships between the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) and Indigenous organizations, such as B .C .’s urban Indigenous coalitions, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association and others . Strengthening these relationships has helped the Province identify priority areas of focus and ensure meaningful feedback has been incorporated into the policies and programs that impact urban Indigenous Peoples . Each of the Actions 4 .21 – 4 .24 are linked, with the understanding that establishing an engagement model ( Action 4.21 ), gathering senior leaders regularly ( Action 4.22 ), and ensuring an understanding of available programming and plan ( Action 4.23 ), would inform making progress on this action . Are there challenges? Partners continue to reflect the need for durable funding and a continued prioritization of funding for urban Indigenous service providers . MIRR staff are working to maintain strong relationships, while looking for ways to balance needs with available resources . Although partners have expressed concerns over the uncertainties in the current funding climate, there is a general understanding of the Province’s current fiscal pressures. MIRR is making best efforts to minimize the impacts of expenditure management on our partners including urban Indigenous organizations . Started Stage High Complexity High Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 123 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 123 Highlights MIRR continues to support the implementation of Action 4 .24, recognizing the important role that urban Indigenous organizations play in serving the needs of urban Indigenous Peoples in B .C . Relationships remain positive and collaborative, with a strong focus on implementing what is possible under Action 4 .21, through establishing an engagement model and coming together as described in Action 4 .22 . Through meaningful engagement processes now being piloted in Action 4.21 efforts, staff in MIRR and other ministries can gain valuable insight as to how programs, policies and initiatives serving urban Indigenous people can better meet their needs . 4.25 Work with Indigenous Peoples to build more on- and off-reserve housing and pursue new federal contributions . LEAD MINISTRIES: HOUSING AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS; INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION How are we working together? In 2018, B.C. became the first province in Canada to invest in First Nations’ housing on reserve, an area of federal jurisdiction . When accepting applications, BC Housing’s Building BC programs are open to Indigenous applicants to support off-reserve housing and First Nations to support on-reserve housing. As of February 2026, there are 3,200 homes delivered or underway for Indigenous people through the Indigenous Housing Fund, with 1,335 homes on-reserve for First Nations . The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs (HMA) has dedicated resources that support meaningful engagement and consultation on ministry initiatives, including legislation, regulations, policies and programs which work towards shifting systems in B .C . to enable more housing development across the province . This includes working with Indigenous leadership organizations such as the First Nations Leadership Council, Métis Nation British Columbia and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations on Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 124 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 124 key provincial initiatives. BC Housing is proud to work together with Indigenous non-profit housing providers, First Nations, and other Indigenous organizations to create new affordable and culturally appropriate homes that help to address housing needs in local communities . The ministry works with Indigenous partners to advance economic development opportunities while addressing the pressing housing need for all British Columbians through actions such as the Attainable Housing Initiative; a partnership between the Province and the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil- Waututh Nations and BC Builds projects both on-and off-reserve. Are there challenges? Given fiscal constraints, the Province needs to adjust the pace of housing investments to ensure the pace of delivery of housing is aligned with available funding . The Province remains committed to addressing the housing crisis and investing in new affordable housing. The Province continues to advocate to the federal government to fund on- and off- reserve housing through the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Housing Forum . The Province continues to urge the federal government to announce a successful proponent for the National Indigenous Housing Centre, following the close of a Request for Proposals more than two years ago . The Province is committed to supporting this initiative, which is expected to deliver essential funding to address the significant core housing needs of Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern regions . There are also many systemic challenges associated with Indigenous housing in B .C . These challenges include the ongoing impacts of colonialism, poorly built and ageing on-reserve homes and limited utilities and infrastructure that make improvements difficult. Many communities also face serious over-crowding, particularly in on-reserve housing, which accelerates the deterioration of homes and contributes to inadequate living conditions. In addition, there is a shortage of energy efficiency and weather-resilient housing, especially in northern and remote communities and a significant need for more affordable housing for Indigenous Peoples across B.C. Highlights There have been many notable successes over the past year on Indigenous housing across B .C . Examples include: Twenty new rental homes opened November 2025 for First Nation families and Elders in a boat-access only, on-reserve community near Prince Rupert . Led by the Lax Kw’alaams Band and managed by the Lax Kw’alaams WAAP Housing Society, the development includes two three-bedroom four-plexes and two three-bedroom six-plexes . Each home will also include a fully accessible bathroom and bedroom on the ground floor, as well as an accessible ramp at each entry. ===== PAGE 125 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 125 In the city of Courtenay, 40 affordable homes at Naut’sa mawt, managed by the Wachiay Friendship Centre Society, opened in May 2025. Prioritized for Indigenous tenants, the building offers accessible studio and one-bedroom units with rents from $500 to $1,300 and is located next to the Friendship Centre to foster cultural exchange . In Mission, 65 affordable homes are under construction on Kwantlen First Nation land, backed by a $19 million Provincial investment. The Kwantlen First Nation Affordable Housing Society will manage the buildings, which include one- to three-bedroom units and shared community spaces . These projects reflect B.C.’s commitment to inclusive, culturally grounded housing that supports well- being, strengthens community ties and promotes long-term sustainability in both urban and rural settings . 4.26 Strengthen the health and wellness partnership between Métis Nation British Columbia, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, and support opportunities to identify and work to address shared Métis health and wellness priorities . LEAD MINISTRY: HEALTH How are we working together? Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), the Ministry of Health (HLTH) and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) maintain a regular sub-table focused on Métis health, mental wellness and harm reduction priorities . Key areas include funding and capacity to support Métis-specific work, Métis cultural wellness, Métis mental health and wellness programming, harm reduction supports, health promotion initiatives and improvements to provincial health information systems . Planning Stage Medium Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 126 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 126 During 2025/2026, progress included development of a draft work plan that set out key priority areas, current initiatives underway across both partners and identified practical steps to improve coordination with Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) . Through the work of the sub-table, HLTH representatives now participate in regular leadership-to-leadership meetings with RHAs . This engagement supported clearer, more consistent information sharing and strengthened how Métis specific knowledge and priorities are shared between MNBC, RHAs and HLTH . The Office of the Provincial Health Officer and MNBC have also been collaborating on the Métis Population Health Program and are set to launch the first interim report in 2026 titled Taanishi Kiiya: Miiyayow Métis Saantii Pi Miyooayaan Didaan BC. Are there challenges? Maintaining reporting requirements with external partners has been noted by MNBC as an ongoing concern . In response, HLTH has moved to consolidate disparate funding streams, including legacy funding from the former Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, into a single multi-year funding arrangement with streamlined reporting . MNBC has identified funding and capacity constrains, which continue to influence the pace and scope of program development. In 2025, the end of several federal funding streams affected multiple MNBC health and wellness programs, including peer support outreach, health system navigation, counselling supports and services related to intergenerational trauma . In response, HLTH provided temporary funding to maintain these programs through the 2025/2026 fiscal year and is exploring longer-term options to address these funding inequities . MNBC has identified several priority areas in need of sustained long-term funding, including system governance, funding to support Elders and rural citizens and the management of identity-specific barriers affecting 2SLGBTQQIA+, youth, girls and women. Highlights The Métis Health, Mental Health and Wellness, and Harm Reduction Sub-Table (which includes HLTH, MNBC and MIRR) has made substantial progress on the creation of the draft work plan that identifies shared priorities and will be positioned to clearly measure progress, with time-phased goals, and key performance indicators over the next several years once fully implemented . Through the work of the Sub-Table, the relationship, partnership and commitments of MNBC, HLTH and MIRR staff continue to advance and grow . ===== PAGE 127 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 127 4.27 Review the principles and processes that guide the naming of municipalities and regional districts, and evolve practices to foster reconciliation in local processes . LEAD MINISTRY: HOUSING AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS How are we working together? The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs (HMA) has established a relationship with Tla’amin Nation staff during work on Action 4.27, including regular virtual meetings to discuss progress on Action 4.27. During 2025, ministry staff developed a draft engagement plan and sought and incorporated feedback from Tla’amin Nation staff and the Declaration Act Secretariat. Prior to seeking broad feedback on a draft engagement plan for Action 4.27, ministry staff intend to take time to gather additional perspectives on the approach from other ministries and partners in 2026 . In the context of a distinctions-based approach, it is important that the language, culture, heritage, history and land-based connections of the First Nation(s) on whose territory a local government is located are honoured, acknowledged and understood by communities across B.C. Ministry staff recognize that local government names and local First Nations’ interest in those names will be unique across the province and that the local context, history and reconciliation priorities will be different in each. Are there challenges? Ministry staff plan to seek further input from other sectors and clarification on the overall strategy and approach to Action 4 .27 to support alignment across naming work more generally . There is some risk that this may slow down planning next steps for this work; however, understanding the interests and perspectives of other ministries and sectors involved in naming work may support this work broadly . Additionally, there are capacity limits that are impacting the pace of progress on this work . In addition, ministry staff intend to explore connections between other streams of work, including the Anti-Racism Act and other provincial sectors involved in naming to consider how to support community conversations about First Nations place names and naming generally . These conversations must consider how to confront Indigenous-specific racism and support cultural safety during engagement processes . These discussions can have a negative impact on First Nations who are facing intergenerational trauma and experience systemic racism in B .C . and Canadian society . Planning Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 128 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 128 Local discussions about First Nations place names reveal that there are diverse views on the matter, and it can be challenging for locally elected officials, local government staff and local First Nations to manage these discussions and related processes . While aspects of this work have no easy answer or pathway to follow — particularly where racist attitudes surface — the development of guidance may assist with managing these challenges . Highlights The restoration or reclamation of First Nations place names is identified in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action as an important reconciliation step . It is part of recognizing, preserving and strengthening Indigenous histories, languages and cultures . Guidance materials that are co-developed with First Nations and local government partners will be a first step to supporting local governments and First Nations to better understand the work they can do together to support the revitalization of First Nations place names locally . While considerable work has been completed on a draft engagement plan for Action 4.27, ministry staff recognize the interconnectedness of this work with that of other ministries and plan to take time in 2026 to explore approaches to naming across sectors . These discussions will further inform Action 4 .27 and highlight the ongoing work being done on First Nations language revitalization and place names across the province . 4.28 Draft a report with recommendations for how BC Parks can better reflect Indigenous Peoples’ histories and cultures in provincial parks and protected areas . LEAD MINISTRY: ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS ACTION COMPLETE ===== PAGE 129 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 129 Highlights BC Parks continues to work alongside First Nations partners to ensure that their histories and cultures are represented at decision-making tables and through collaborative cultural heritage projects . The completed report, “Reflecting Indigenous Peoples’ Histories and Cultures in BC Parks and Protected Areas: Progress Report and Recommendations” will be used to guide a strengthened approach to BC Parks’ partnerships with First Nations . Moving forward, the report will also be used to inform the renewal of the BC Parks Reconciliation Action Plan, ensuring that the feedback and recommendations provided by First Nations partners are carried forward into other realms of BC Parks’ work . 4.30 Support Indigenous language revitalization through sustainable funding . LEAD MINISTRIES: INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION; POST SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FUTURE SKILLS How are we working together? The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) worked collaboratively with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) over the past five years to secure both community-level program funding and core operational funding for First Nations languages, heritage and arts revitalization . FPCC’s role in cultural revitalization remains critical to reconciliation and First Nations’ self-determination . Between 2018/19 and 2025/26, B.C. committed $160 million to FPCC and the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation in support of First Nations languages, heritage and arts revitalization . The Indigenous Languages Fluency Degree Framework is a First Nations-led initiative being advanced by First Nations Education Steering Committee, Indigenous Adult Higher Learning Association and a number of First Nations working with their public post-secondary partners . The Ministry of Post- Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) provided funding for First Nations and First Nations mandated institutes to deliver years one and two of a four-year degree program . PSFS committed $1 million in annual funding from the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan over three years ($3 million in total) to support First Nations and First Nations mandated institutes in the delivery of this initiative . Implementation Stage Medium Complexity High Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 130 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 130 PSFS provided Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) with annual funding of $300,000 over three years (2023/24 to 2025/2026) through the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan. This funding supported Michif language revitalization including increasing community capacity to promote Michif learning opportunities . Are there challenges? In partnership with FPCC, the B .C . government will continue to work with the federal government towards long-term sustainable federal funding to serve the interests of First Nations and the public . Community demand for language revitalization in B .C . exceeds current funding levels, despite consistent progress being made . Funding for the Indigenous Language Fluency Degree (ILFD) Framework does not meet the current and on-going needs of the existing programs or support expansion beyond the existing six sites . Highlights The Province remains com mitted to supporting First Nations’ languages, heritage, arts and cultures programming with $15- million per year announced in Budget 2025 for FPCC . Reliable, annual operational and program funding to FPCC enables communities to take a long-term, strategic approach towards addressing their goals . Cultural revitalization, which includes the revitalization of language, is also creating an economic impact and B .C . is leading Canada in this work . Final reports from funded projects in 2024/25 indicated that FP CC grants support ed more than 5,100 jobs and provided training to more than 1,200 people, with more than 3,600 participating in immersion programs . The ILFD Framework provides a model for First Nations, First Nations-mandated institutions and public post-secondary institutions to partner on the delivery of laddered certificate–diploma–degree pathways. The minister of PSFS has approved five degrees that align with the ILFD Framework, noting a sixth degree is under development . These First Nations-led degrees have provided a groundbreaking pathway to language fluency. The Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency at UBC Okanagan, developed in partnership with the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and the En’owkin Centre, was the first Indigenous language fluency bachelor’s degree in Canada. It was designed specifically in response to community-identified needs. As of early 2026, over 200 students from First Nations have participated in the six funded language fluency degree program sites: 159 students have completed a credential at the certificate or diploma level and 19 degree credentials were granted. Supported through funding by PSFS, MNBC has offered virtual introductory Michif language learning opportunities, as well as developed an advanced Southern Michif course curriculum . MNBC is also strengthening community capacity to deliver Michif language learning and programming through community training and resource development on Indigenous Langua ge Revitalization best practices . ===== PAGE 131 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 131 4.31 Develop full-course offerings in First Nation languages and implement the educational Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the K-12 education system . LEAD MINISTRY: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE How are we working together? The Ministry of Education and Child Care is continuing to engage with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) on a joint approach to this action . Are there challenges? Long-term, sustainable funding is required to complete this action. Significant resources will be needed to complete this action due to the diversity of First Nations languages in B .C . Competing priorities within the Declaration Act Action Plan have delayed progress on this action . Highlights Engagement with FNESC on a joint approach to this action is still underway . Started Stage High Complexity High Challenges Low Engagement ===== PAGE 132 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 132 4.32 Co-develop a K-12 First Nations Language Policy and associated implementation plan for the public education system with the First Nations Education Steering Committee, including ensuring that the language and culture of the local First Nation(s) on whose territory(ies) a board of education operates schools are the ones primarily reflected in any First Nations language and culture programs and services of the board . LEAD MINISTRY: EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE How are we working together? The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) is continuing to engage with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) on a joint approach to this Action . Other priority work has delayed the discussion of Action 4 .32 . Supporting First Nations languages has been acknowledged as a key priority and the ministry will continue work on this action with FNESC prior to engaging more broadly with First Nations rightsholders . Are there challenges? Progress on this action has been delayed due to partner competing priorities, limited capacity and significant resources being required to support the diversity of First Nations languages in B.C. Highlights ECC remains committed to advancing work on this action with FNESC . When this work resumes, timelines will be jointly determined by FNESC and ECC . Started Stage High Complexity High Challenges Low Engagement ===== PAGE 133 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 133 4.33 Co-develop a policy framework to support repatriation initiatives . LEAD MINISTRY: TOURISM, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORT How are we working together? The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (TACS) is advancing the co-development of a policy framework to support repatriation initiatives (the Policy Framework), building on decades of Indigenous leadership and advocacy . The co-development is guided by an external Repatriation Steering Committee with representation from the First Nations Leadership Council (comprised of the BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of B .C . Indian Chiefs), the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, Indigenous heritage experts and the provincial government . A cross-government working group supports the alignment of related government policies and communication . The Policy Framework is intended to provide guidance, standards and a set of tools that will inform the return and control over the care for Ancestors and Cultural Belongings to First Nations in British Columbia. It is intended as a first step in a Provincial response to complex repatriation needs. A province-wide engagement gave opportunity to identify priorities, challenges and outline necessary steps to advancing repatriation in the province . More than 300 participants from First Nations in B .C . and heritage-holding organizations participated in 13 in-person and virtual sessions, as well as three focused and two validation sessions held between September 2025 and March 2026 . Engagement findings will inform policy framework drafting. Are there challenges? First Nations in B.C. have identified a need for legislation, funding and capacity within Nations as well as heritage holding organizations to facilitate repatriation . Currently, the scope of work is focused on policy development and repatriation in British Columbia . Limited, fragmented and inaccurate records and understanding of where Ancestors and Cultural Belongings are being held is part of the complexity of advancing this work . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 134 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 134 Repatriation is also emotionally and psychologically burdensome for descendant communities and is impacted by intergenerational trauma . The process of advancing the stewardship, return and control of Ancestors and Cultural Belongings in B .C . needs to be undertaken with care and be Indigenous led . Calls for advancing repatriation by First Nations date back decades and there is a need to develop trust and meaningful continuity in the work with government and heritage-holding organizations . Funding for the Policy Framework implementation will be required . This includes capacity building, repatriation related activities including ceremony, infrastructure needs and Indigenous protocols . Highlights The 2025/2026 province-wide engagement reached more than 300 participants in person and online and included meetings with representatives from 100 First Nations, 21 affiliated Indigenous organizations, 36 heritage-holding organizations, sessions with legal experts and the Reciprocal Research Network, as well as conversations with many other key and/or impacted individuals. Insights from these engagements will inform policy framework drafting, recommendations for next steps and implementation. It underscored the need for a flexible, Indigenous led, relationship focused approach to repatriation . In June 2025, the First Peoples’ Cultural Council released two reports that support repatriation for First Nations in B .C . From Stealing to Healing: Repatriation and B .C . First Nations provides the history, context and impacts of repatriation for First Nations in B .C . The Repatriation Cost Analysis: A Framework and Model describes steps and estimates the costs of First Nations-led repatriation, from beginning planning to long-term caretaking after Ancestors and Cultural Belongings are repatriated . 4.35 Work with First Nations to reform the Heritage Conservation Act to align with the UN Declaration, including shared decision-making and the protection of First Nations cultural, spiritual, and heritage sites and objects . LEAD MINISTRIES: FORESTS; TOURISM, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORT Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 135 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 135 How are we working together? The Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project (HCATP) is being led through the Joint Working Group on First Nation Heritage Conservation (Joint Working Group) with input from the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations (Alliance) . The Heritage Conservation Act (HCA) consultation and co-operation plan outlines in detail how the Province will consult and co-operate with First Nations on this work, taking a distinctions-based approach . The first two phases of engagement (Phase 1 in summer - fall 2022, and Phase 2 was fall 2023) included five in-person and four virtual engagement sessions with First Nations, as well as an online survey, written submissions and government-to-government meetings as requested . Feedback was received by way of oral commentary during engagement sessions and meetings, responding to questions via interactive presentation voting software and through survey responses and written submissions . In spring 2025, the B .C . government, in consideration of the feedback received, provided direction on the scope and timing for proposed changes to the HCA, initiating the third phase of the project . Phase 3 consultation and co-operation opportunities were designed and led by the Joint Working Group and included five virtual engagement sessions, government-to-government meetings, written submissions, an online feedback form and a new public-facing website and public survey . A submission to the Province with proposed changes to the HCA is now being developed collaboratively by the Joint Working Group, with input from the Alliance . Feedback received from First Nations, First Nations organizations, local governments, stakeholders and the general public is being incorporated into this submission . Are there challenges? The amount of interest and engagement in the HCATP during phase 3 engagement led to a decision to provide additional time and opportunities for parties to review proposed changes to the HCA in greater detail and provide meaningful feedback . Public dialogue and understanding of alignment of laws work indicate a need for increased education among stakeholders and the public to support successful implementation of proposed changes to the HCA . Limited public understanding of the current legislation and misinformation in the media created challenges in phase 3 engagement . Project materials were updated accordingly and a plan for continued public education and outreach is being explored to support implementation . Due to current fiscal constraints, there is no dedicated funding or resources at this time for implementation of the proposed changes; however, changes will be phased in over time to support successful implementation . ===== PAGE 136 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 136 Highlights In spring 2025, the B.C. government confirmed that the HCATP remained a priority and provided direction on the scope and timing of proposed changes to the HCA . Following this direction, consultation and co-operation with First Nations and engagement with local governments, stakeholders and the general public for phase 3 of the HCATP was held between July- November 2025 . Phase 3 consultation, co-operation and engagement focused on the 50+ proposed changes and how best to implement them . Throughout phase 3: Written materials were provided to First Nations, local governments and stakeholders that provided an update on the project and outlined the proposed changes and key engagement questions . Virtual engagement sessions were held for First Nations (three full day and one half day), local governments (one half day) and stakeholders (two half day) during August and September . Written submissions were welcomed, and feedback forms were created as a voluntary option to assist with providing feedback . Government-to-government meetings with First Nations and meetings with First Nation organizations, local government and key stakeholders were hosted upon request . The Joint Working Group on First Nations Heritage Conservation presented at the November 2025 First Nations Leaders’ Gathering . A new public-facing website was launched with information on the proposed changes, practical examples, frequently asked questions and a survey for the general public to complete . There were high levels of participation in phase 3 engagement . Across all forms of engagement, there was representation for 101 First Nations, five Indigenous organizations, 90 local governments, four local government organizations and 144 individual organizations . The public survey received 2,037 submissions . Feedback heard through the above means is being incorporated into a submission of proposed changes to the HCA for consideration by the Province . First Nations will have an opportunity to review the submission subject to confidentiality protocols. ===== PAGE 137 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 137 4.36 Ensure every First Nations community in B .C . has high-speed internet services . LEAD MINISTRY: CITIZENS’ SERVICE How are we working together? First Nations Health Authority The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the Ministry of Citizens’ Services (CITZ) work in partnership, through a Memorandum of Understanding, to expand high speed internet access and strengthen digital services in First Nations communities across B .C . This collaboration supports health and wellness outcomes, information sharing, coordinated action and improved community resilience and quality of life . Connectivity is foundational to accessing health and wellness services, including primary care, mental health, e health and traditional healing . In 2024, the partnership was strengthened through a contribution funding arrangement focused on expanding connectivity in underserved First Nations communities . Since April 2025, FNHA funding has supported eight agreements with service providers to deliver connectivity projects in First Nations communities, advancing First Nations led health and wellness priorities through improved digital infrastructure . First Nations Technology Council The Connectivity Division within CITZ has actively supported First Nations Technology Council led research by contributing provincial connectivity data, analysis and insights to inform Indigenous led digital equity work . This includes direct collaboration on the Indigenous Digital Enablement Series, which examines connectivity access, affordability, spectrum and digital skills gaps across First Nations communities . This work reflects a broader understanding that Action 4.36 is not limited to physical broadband infrastructure alone. By examining affordability, reliability, and digital skills, the Indigenous Digital Enablement Series recognizes that access must be usable, reliable and affordable, and that communities require the skills and capacity to fully benefit from high speed internet. Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 138 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 138 Coastal First Nations CITZ and Coastal First Nations (CFN) have established a sustained, government to government partnership that positions connectivity and digital capacity as foundational enablers of Declaration Act Action Plan implementation, particularly Action 4 .36 . CITZ is formally included in the CFN–BC Regional Accord, which under the Accord, connectivity infrastructure and digital capacity are explicitly identified as core elements of regional economic revitalization, and foundational to other Accord priorities, including emergency response, health, stewardship, education and small business development . Are there challenges? There are several programmatic risks to achieving the 2027 connectivity targets: Environmental Disruptions: Build cycles are vulnerable to delays caused by emergencies and extreme weather, particularly in wildfire- and flood-prone areas. Technology Limitations: Some remote homes may only be serviceable through solutions like Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites . Highlights As of January 2026, approximately 88 percent of homes on First Nations reserves and Treaty Lands have access to high-speed internet, with coverage expected to exceed 96 percent once all approved projects are completed . Additional projects are still being approved, which will further improve these numbers . 4.37 Provide funding to assist Indigenous tourism businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to further support recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in B .C . LEAD MINISTRY: TOURISM, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORT ACTION COMPLETE ===== PAGE 139 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 139 Highlights In 2021 and 2022, the Province invested $8 million through the BC Indigenous Tourism Recovery Fund to support the recovery and growth of Indigenous tourism businesses impacted by COVID-19 . Delivered in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), the fund provided grants to Indigenous-owned tourism operators including lodges, resorts, restaurants, outdoor adventure companies, galleries, and gift shops . The fund helped businesses navigate the economic challenges caused by pandemic-related restrictions throughout the province . Eligible businesses received grants of up to $45,000 to help cover expenses such as rent, utility bills, health and safety upgrades and to transition to online services . In total, the funding supported more than 300 Indigenous tourism businesses throughout B .C . and helped maintain or create nearly 1,200 jobs in communities throughout the province . One example of the fund’s impact is Talaysay Tours, which used its grant to develop a virtual tour of Stanley Park. The interactive experience taught viewers about the trees and plants of the Pacific Northwest and highlighted their traditional uses by Indigenous Peoples for food, medicine and technology . As Brenda Baptiste, chair of ITBC, noted: “ITBC worked hard with stakeholders and provided a support system for businesses to continue operating during the pandemic .” 4.38 Provide investments to Indigenous Tourism B .C . to support Indigenous tourism, Indigenous job creation, preservation of Indigenous languages, celebration of Indigenous cultures and the stewardship of territories, and to tell the stories of Indigenous Peoples in B .C . in their own words . LEAD MINISTRY: TOURISM, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORT ACTION COMPLETE ===== PAGE 140 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 140 How are we working together? The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (TACS) meets with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) every six weeks to discuss progress on the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative (ITTI) and identify challenges, successes, areas where support is needed and upcoming opportunities for further collaboration . ITBC also submits written progress reports bi-annually, as well as an annual report complete with financials. A distinctions-based approach provides ITBC with the flexibility to allocate the funding, within the program parameters, based on Indigenous tourism partners’ specific needs and to meet tourism partners at their respective stages of tourism readiness and development . This approach ensures that the work is Indigenous led. The ITTI provided ITBC with the flexibility to offer training that was tailored to the needs of Indigenous communities and peoples . TACS and ITBC maintain a very strong partnership and continue consulting and collaborating with each other on Indigenous tourism opportunities and impacts . Are there challenges? No challenges identified. Highlights In March 2023, TACS in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR), provided $6 million to Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) to design and deliver Indigenous led, culturally grounded training and education programs for Indigenous tourism workers and employers throughout British Columbia . In 2025/2026, ITBC continued delivering the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative (ITTI) in its final year. The initiative empowered Indigenous tourism workers, entrepreneurs and communities by providing culturally relevant training, professional certifications, educational programming and work placement opportunities that strengthen Indigenous participation and benefit in the tourism economy. To date, more than 2,700 individuals from all six tourism regions throughout the province have participated in ITTI programs . A key component of the success of the initiative was the work of eight regional Indigenous tourism specialists, who supported First Nations communities and Indigenous tourism businesses in accessing training opportunities and advancing local tourism development . Training programs offered through the initiative included occupational, marine and wilderness first aid; SuperHost® certification; FOODSAFE™ certification; Indigenous Ambassador training; developing and packaging tourism products; building sustainable tourism businesses; and tourism digital marketing essentials, among others . These programs supported Indigenous entrepreneurs and tourism workers in building practical skills, strengthening business capacity, and enhancing visitor experiences . As a result, the initiative contributed to improved tourism readiness, the development of market-ready Indigenous tourism businesses, and a skilled workforce prepared to deliver authentic and meaningful Indigenous experiences to visitors . ===== PAGE 141 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 141 4.39 Work with the Province’s Economic Trusts and First Nation partners to develop a mechanism that ensures inclusion of First Nations at a regional decision-making level . LEAD MINISTRY: JOBS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH How are we working together? The Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth (JEG) has been working closely with the Regional Economic Trusts— the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) and Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT)—to advance Action 4 .39 . In fall 2025, JEG established a working group that included First Nations representatives from each Trust region . This group has been co-developing policy options to support transitioning of the Trusts into a co-governed model . Additionally, as of March 2026, each Trust has achieved the following: ETSI-BC: Completed consultations with First Nations in its service region, submitted an engagement report to the Province and continues to work with First Nations and other Indigenous-led organizations across the region to support access to funding intakes . ETSI-BC also keeps First Nations informed about the status of Action 4 .39 through its quarterly eNews . ICET: Sanala Planning, an Indigenous planning firm, completed consultations with First Nations in ICET’s service region and provided both the Province and ICET with an actionable First Nations strategic recommendations report related to Action 4 .39 . The report draws on in-depth, facilitated meetings with 33 First Nations, as well as outreach and engagement with 53 First Nations, supported by a detailed What We Learned report . NDIT: Completed consultations with First Nations within its service region and submitted an engagement report to the Province . NDIT also engaged Candace Newman and Ashley Wright to develop an Indigenous implementation plan, which will offer thoughtful guidance by incorporating institutional insights and supporting the creation of inclusive mechanisms within the Trust’s work and decision-making processes . Planning Stage High Complexity Low Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 142 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 142 Are there challenges? JEG has received valuable feedback from First Nations partners, which has helped identify several considerations for moving forward . For example, ETSI-BC noted challenges related to timelines and complexity of policy options . ICET emphasized interest in additional Provincial allocation to the Trust . NDIT highlighted concerns regarding First Nations’ capacity to participate meaningfully in these projects, given multiple competing priorities . In addition, during the working group sessions with First Nations partners, JEG heard feedback regarding the timelines associated with this initiative . Highlights JEG continues to strengthen its relationships with Indigenous partners through ongoing collaboration and consensus-building, supported by feedback from the First Nations working group and other First Nations partner organizations . These insights have contributed to meaningful progress on Action 4 .39 . Additionally, as of March 2026, each of the Trusts has shared key highlights that reflect this momentum: ETSI-BC reported notable steps toward advancing Indigenous inclusion in governance . The board chair—who is a member of the Simpcw First Nation—actively participates in the working group for Action 4 .39 . In preparation for future co-governance, ETSI-BC has also engaged an Indigenous consultant to support the Board in decolonizing its governance policies . ICET emphasized the impact of its independent, Indigenous-led engagement process, which ensured that Indigenous self-determination guided the work in alignment with Article 4 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples . This process produced community-driven recommendations from First Nations to both the Province and the Trust, marking a shift from traditional consultation toward a structural inclusion approach in shaping the Trust’s future . ICET also created regular opportunities for local government leaders and MLAs to hear directly from First Nations, fostering a multi-year regional dialogue that built strong consensus across Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments . NDIT highlighted several collaborative achievements, including an increase in Indigenous-led applications to its funding programs. The Trust also finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with First Nations Health Authority and Northern Health Authority to support inter-city transportation, and it continues to work closely with Indigenous leaders on multiple transportation (rail and bus) and connectivity initiatives . ===== PAGE 143 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 143 4.40 Ensure Indigenous collaboration in the development and implementation of the BC Economic Plan, including a technology and innovation roadmap . LEAD MINISTRY: JOBS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH DISCONTINUED This action item was aligned with the StrongerBC Economic Plan and the strategic framework it provided for building a clean and inclusive economy in British Columbia . The StrongerBC Economic Plan outlines 70 actions to be implemented across various ministries . The plan is considered to be substantively implemented and does not require further detailed tracking of individual actions . The ministry worked in close partnership with First Nations communities throughout both the development and implementation stages . There is a continued focus on consultation and information sharing with the intent of enabling meaningful collaboration in the future . Lessons learned from actions taken in support of 4 .40 will inform future collaboration on economic strategies, including Indigenous engagement on Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada . 4.41 Work with First Nations, Métis chartered communities and urban Indigenous organizations to provide funding for self-determined, community-led programs for Indigenous Peoples to upgrade skills, obtain credentials, secure employment, and develop and support community economies . LEAD MINISTRIES: POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND FUTURE SKILLS; SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY REDUCTION Implementation Stage Medium Complexity High Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 144 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 144 How are we working together? Under the Indigenous Skills Training and Education (ISTE) program, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) sends out a call every year to all First Nations to advise them of available funding. Program staff work with interested First Nations to support First Nation-led, community-based program design and delivery of skills training and education projects based on their needs and priorities. This fiscal year, PSFS also provided direct funding to the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) to allocate to First Nations for community-based programming . PSFS and FNESC staff meet regularly and share funding information and reporting. ISTE program staff also work with Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), as the representative organization of Métis Chartered Communities, to provide funding for Métis people to support skills training and post-secondary education initiatives through MNBC’s Skills Training, Employment and Post- Secondary (STEPS) program . PSFS also meets monthly with MNBC and prioritizes collaboration work based on mandate and capacity . In addition, PSFS, MNBC and Employment and Social Development Canada have established a Tripartite Working Group to share best practices, reporting and how best to coordinate provincial and federal labour market funding . PSFS also provided direct funding to the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres through the ISTE program to support education initiatives for urban Indigenous Peoples across B .C . In summer and fall 2025, SDPR and PSFS held joint engagement sessions with BC First Nations, MNBC, and ISET program service providers to help inform future WorkBC Employment Services and PSFS training programs . In 2023/2024, SDPR committed $23.3 million over three years to establish the New Relationship Trust Indigenous Labour Market Fund, a third-party granting program supporting First Nations governments and Indigenous organizations across B .C . in identifying and addressing employment gaps, training opportunities and barriers to participation in the workforce . To date, 100 projects have been approved, totalling $12 .1million . Since April 2025, $6 .68 million has been allocated to 56 projects to advance labour market goals and strengthen community capacity . Between April 2025 and February 2026, SDPR Community and Employer Partnerships provided $0 .5 million to Quatsino First Nation Economic Development Corporation, $0 .36 million to Squamish Nation and $0 .47 million to Kulspai Learning Village to fund Indigenous-led skilled trades training programs that help participants upgrade skills, earn credentials, secure employment and grow local economies . ===== PAGE 145 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 145 Are there challenges? Requests for funding from First Nations under the ISTE program exceed available budget . PSFS has been using an interim approach to the administration of the ISTE program . FNESC and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association have expressed concern regarding the current approach and whether it is meeting the needs of First Nations through a distinctions-based approach . Early in the rollout of the Indigenous Labour Market Fund, SDPR and the New Relationship Trust worked collaboratively to identify that limited awareness of the fund among eligible recipients was impacting early uptake . SDPR’s Community Employer Partnership Team recognizes that reporting requirements can be challenging for First Nations and is committed to keeping them streamlined and supporting Nations when reporting is required . Highlights The ISTE program launched for fiscal year 2025/2026 on July 21. ISTE program staff work collaboratively with First Nations to develop funding requests that are reflective of their priorities and cultural considerations . The program provides funding for in-community education and training opportunities . An unprecedented response was received and the program closed to requests for funding on September 15, 2025 . This year, there are 47 contracts serving 68 First Nations serving an estimated 1,250 participants . Funding has also been provided directly to FNESC to administer to First Nations through its established First Nations-led processes . This approach has strengthened relationships with partners and supported the delivery of numerous post-secondary and Adult Basic Education programs in communities . Since April 2025, a more informative SDPR website and proactive outreach at community gatherings, such as the First Nations Leaders’ Gathering, have helped increase Indigenous Labour Market Fund application numbers . Since October 2025, one new Community and Employer Partnership project has been added . ===== PAGE 146 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 146 4.42 Co-develop economic metrics to help evaluate progress as reconciliation is advanced . The baseline data will begin to address the persistent gap in Indigenous-specific economic metrics and through this co-designed effort, build a comprehensive set of data to measure Indigenous economic well-being and track progress over time . LEAD MINISTRIES: JOBS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH; INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION DISCONTINUED The approach to Action 4 .42 was a co-led initiative between the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) and the Reconciling Ways of Knowing Stewardship Society (RWoK) . RWoK focused on a series of Indigenous-led workshop sessions to inform the development of Indigenous-specific economic metrics . The Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth (JEG) provided technical expertise as it related to gathering data and developing metrics . RWoK’s work led to the development of a First Nations Census Feasibility Study that was co-designed with First Nations partners . This census explored the viability of data relating to sovereignty, governance and wellbeing metrics . The work completed by RWoK during this action item confirmed that developing a single, universally accepted set of Indigenous-specific economic metrics is neither feasible nor desirable. Pan-provincial metrics are challenged in reflecting the diversity of First Nations’ economic values and priorities. Supporting First Nations to define and govern their own economic metrics is believed to be a more promising approach. While this specific project will not continue, Indigenous economic data work is being undertaken by the Regional Information Governance Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Citizen Services related to Action 3.14 . ===== PAGE 147 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 147 4.43 Co-develop recommendations on strategic policies and initiatives for clean and sustainable energy . This includes identifying and supporting First Nations-led clean energy opportunities related to CleanBC, the Comprehensive Review of BC Hydro, and the BC Utilities Commission Inquiry on the Regulation of Indigenous Utilities . LEAD MINISTRY: ENERGY AND CLIMATE SOLUTIONS How are we working together? The Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions works with Indigenous partners to advance clean and sustainable energy opportunities across B .C . The ministry applies a distinctions-based approach, working directly with First Nations as well as Indigenous organizations such as the First Nations Leadership Council, First Nations Major Projects Coalition, New Relationship Trust, and First Nations Energy and Mining Council to engage on policy changes . Additionally, the Action is supported by non-Indigenous organizations such as BC Hydro, the British Columbia Utilities Commission, Canadian Infrastructure Bank, Clean Energy Association of BC and Natural Resources Canada . Through working and advisory groups, the Province brings together partners to discuss issues and collaborate on solutions . Examples such as the Remote Community Energy Strategy Working Group highlight the importance of sustained engagement approaches to long-term change . Through support in project development and funding, these collaborations have contributed to successful Nation-led clean energy projects including the Haida Solar North Project and Ulkatcho’s Anahim Lake Solar Farm . The ministry also partners with Indigenous organizations to provide cultural, technical and policy analysis as well as research on regulatory barriers for utilities and clean energy development . Feedback from these partnerships informs the policy process and has led to innovative programs for funding and supporting the capacity of energy projects . Engagement with Indigenous youth advanced through employing two Indigenous youth interns and a webinar on empowering Indigenous youth in the energy sector to increase awareness of clean-energy career pathways . Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 148 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 148 Are there challenges? Several external factors impact the ability for First Nations to participate in meaningful engagement and advance clean energy projects. Economic uncertainty driven by tariffs, inflation, affordability pressures and growing energy demand have increased urgency for clean energy infrastructure development . These conditions have contributed to compressed timelines for regulatory and legislative changes to enable project development . First Nations have raised concerns on the pace of these processes and reduced opportunity to engage . These pressures are compounded by limited provincial and federal funding for project capital and capacity support . Further work is needed to simplify regulatory environments in order to facilitate more opportunities for First Nations to participate in clean energy projects . First Nations that are not project proponents have expressed challenges in participating in the economic opportunities, such as employment and procurement opportunities, made available by energy projects due to lack of targeted workforce development and training support . Highlights Building on the Powering our Future: BC’s Clean Power Action Plan, the Province, in partnership BC Hydro, launched a second call for power to acquire up to 5,000 GWh per year . The 2024 call included a First Nations economic participation model that required a minimum 25 per cent First Nations equity ownership . The 2025 call also included a minimum 25 per cent equity ownership opportunity for First Nations and weighting criteria for a First Nations Community Economic Benefits Credit. Responding to engagement with First Nations from the 2024 call, BC Hydro made targeted adjustments to expand opportunities for multi-Nation proposals and establish a First Nations clean energy representative to provide guidance to First Nations through the request for proposals process . Two Nation-led remote community energy projects were completed with support from the Community Energy Diesel Reduction Program and the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative . The Haida Solar North Project and Ulkatcho’s Anahim Lake Solar Farm reduce diesel reliance, support economic development and demonstrate collaborative planning between First Nations, BC Hydro and the Province . Work with the BC Assembly of First Nations advanced several low carbon transportation actions, including a draft assessment report and action plan published October 2025, 11 First Nation-led pilot projects for community low carbon transportation plans, the First Nation low carbon transportation forum in May 2025, and a First Nation low carbon transportation planning guide . Collaboration with the First Nations Major Projects Coalition has studied different cases of First Nations participation in energy projects and helped identify key conditions that enable successful major clean energy projects partnerships with First Nations, with an emphasis on early and sustained partnership, long-term capacity building and First Nation leadership in project planning and decision-making . This work presents opportunities to strengthen future approaches to enhance support for First Nations’ leadership in B .C .’s energy sector . ===== PAGE 149 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 149 4.44 Review, evaluate and improve B .C .’s Indigenous Youth Internship Program . PROVINCIAL LEAD: PUBLIC SERVICE AGENCY How are we working together? The BC Public Service Agency (BCPSA) operates the Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP) amongst a suite of leadership and development programs available to Indigenous Peoples . The Internship Program Advisory Committee includes representatives and/or IYIP alumni from the First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Métis Nation British Columbia and Indigenous BC Public Service employees . The BCPSA led an evaluation of IYIP with contracted vendor MNP LLP . Partners were invited to a walk- through of the IYIP evaluation with MNP . MNP conducted surveys, interviews and focus groups with current and former IYIP staff, alumni, intern supervisors and mentors within the BC Public Service and Indigenous organizations . The diversity of partner perspectives was key in guiding co-development at each stage of this action to date . The committee and Indigenous organization partners were invited to engage in the draft report and data analysis in December 2025 and will be invited to participate in co- development activities as the action proceeds . In aligning IYIP evaluation data collection with Anti-Racism Data Act research, the evaluation data may also impact engagement strategies for recruitment and retention work on Action 3.02 . Are there challenges? The IYIP has 460 alumni and an even broader network of mentors and supervisors across the BC Public Service and many Indigenous organizations . While not an obstacle to date on this project, building in adequate time for meaningful engagement continues to be a key part of this action . Implementation Stage Medium Complexity Low Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 150 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 150 Highlights The BCPSA and MNP continue to adhere to the principles of ownership, control, access and possession (OCAP) . Project data was shared with the Anti-Racism Data Act Research Committee in December 2025 with the intention to enhance available data for related research on Indigenous employees’ experience in the BC Public Service . Interviews conducted by MNP were noted by some Indigenous partners as highly responsive and engaging . 4.45 Prioritize and increase the number of technology sector training opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and other groups currently under-represented in B .C .’s technology sector . LEAD MINISTRY: JOBS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH DISCONTINUED As part of the government program review, the two Future Ready Skills Program training programs funded for two of three years will no longer be funded for the third and final year. The Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator training program will continue to be funded under a separate arrangement through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction . ===== PAGE 151 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 151 4.46 Improve economic supports for Indigenous workers and employers by increasing access for Indigenous clients to the Ministry of Labour’s services and programs, including employment standards, workers’ compensation and workplace safety . LEAD MINISTRY: LABOUR How are we working together? The Ministry of Labour continues to make steady progress in aligning its work with the principles of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act . Engagement to date indicates that, while this work is recognized as important, First Nations and Indigenous partners are currently focused on other priorities . The ministry will continue to maintain dialogue and seek opportunities to engage as interest and timing align . The ministry has conducted recent consultations on proposed legislation (e .g ., eliminating sick notes and job-protected leaves); however, this has resulted in limited feedback from First Nations and Indigenous partners to date. This may reflect the broad application of labour statutes, which are designed to apply to all workers in the province, including Indigenous workers . The ministry’s statutorily mandated services—delivered through the Employment Standards Branch (ESB), Workers’ Advisers Office (WAO), and Employers’ Advisers Office (EAO), are designed to serve workers and employers across the province rather than specific communities or sectors. Outreach efforts, including WAO-led education and training opportunities, have also not generated responses to date . The ministry continues to identify appropriate and proportionate engagement approaches with Indigenous partners and organizations that serve Indigenous Peoples, particularly in relation to legislative and regulatory initiatives . Planning Stage Medium Complexity Low Challenges Low Engagement ===== PAGE 152 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 152 Are there challenges? ESB, WAO and EAO are statutorily mandated to deliver services to all workers, their dependents and employers across the province, including Indigenous Peoples . The broad scope and general applicability of labour law that impacts all workers and employers, requires wide ranging engagement to reach all potentially impacted Indigenous workers and employers has had limited success in engagement to date . Outreach efforts, feedback and participation from First Nations communities and Indigenous partners have been limited, noting other engagement priorities such as health care, child welfare, housing and resource development . Internal capacity constraints have also affected implementation. The ministry, particularly ESB, is currently experiencing significant workload pressures and operational backlogs. As a result, staff and resources are focused on meeting legislated service delivery obligations, which limit flexibility and available capacity to undertake additional engagement activities to ensure that services are meeting the needs of Indigenous worker and employers . Highlights During the reporting period, the ministry made meaningful progress in building internal capacity to support reconciliation, with a particular focus on culturally informed and trauma informed service delivery . In fall 2025, WAO and EAO engaged Len Pierre Consulting to deliver training on trauma and equity informed practice to all staff. This initiative strengthened staff awareness and understanding of trauma informed approaches, while deepening cultural awareness and sensitivity in relation to Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized groups. The training equipped staff with practical tools to better support Indigenous clients and to provide services in a respectful, safe and responsive manner, aligning with Declaration Act principles of dignity, respect and inclusion . In addition, EAO and WAO have continued their practice of integrating reconciliation into workplace culture through annual staff learning breaks recognizing key dates of significance, including Red Dress Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Moose Hide Campaign, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous Veterans Day. These learning opportunities foster reflection, shared learning and ongoing dialogue and demonstrate wise practices in embedding reconciliation into everyday organizational practices rather than limiting it to formal engagement activities . Collectively, these initiatives represent tangible progress in strengthening organizational readiness, enhancing cultural competency and supporting reconciliation from within the ministry, positioning staff and programs to engage meaningfully and effectively with Indigenous partners as opportunities arise. ===== PAGE 153 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 153 4.47 Advance a collaborative approach to cannabis-related governance and jurisdiction between First Nations and the Province that reflects common objectives to protect youth, prioritize public health and safety, strengthen First Nations governance capacity and secure economic benefits for First Nations. LEAD MINISTRY: AGRICULTURE AND FOOD How are we working together? The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is advancing 4 .47 through direct government-to-government engagement with First Nation and Modern Treaty Nation governments (First Nations) under the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act (CCLA), including Section 119 (s .119) agreements . Section 119 provides a unique opportunity to advance shared interests related to cannabis by enabling variances to provincial cannabis legislation, subject to Cabinet approval . Dialogue continues between the ministry and First Nations who currently hold or are interested in entering section119 cannabis agreements . First Nations regularly bring forward new perspectives and ideas to strengthen section119 agreements and collaborative governance of cannabis . As one example, several First Nations have engaged the ministry on early-stage ideas for Indigenous-led approaches to cannabis governance and jurisdiction . Draft policy materials around 4 .47 were circulated by the ministry to the First Nation Leadership Council (FNLC) in early 2025 . Throughout the year, FNLC and the ministry have continued to meet to discuss advancing Action 4 .47 within the shared context of limited capacity and competing priorities . Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to progressing this work within existing capacities. The ministry also endeavours to include First Nations perspectives in broader cannabis sector projects . For example, the B.C. Cannabis Legal Market Strategy, an internal tool to coordinate B.C.’s efforts to support the provincially regulated cannabis sector, includes a key goal that cannabis is governed collaboratively with First Nations alongside public health and safety goals . Additionally, in the summer and fall of 2025, First Nations participated in ministry-hosted engagements focused on provincial regulations around cannabis retail sales, including cannabis sales at events and market control mechanisms . Planning Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges Medium Engagement ===== PAGE 154 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 154 Are there challenges? Implementing Action 4 .47 through a broad, province-wide approach to cannabis governance would require significant input and resources from First Nations and leadership organizations, as well as multiple areas within the ministry and across the provincial government . This work could also intersect with federal cannabis jurisdiction and federal participation could also be necessary to facilitate collaborative governance arrangements between First Nations and the Province . Resources available to advance this work on a province-wide scale are limited, as all partners are managing competing priorities and emerging issues, such as responding to emerging economic pressures and other sectoral demands . As such, the ministry has been focusing on advancing Action 4 .47 through direct government-to-government engagement with First Nations . Advancing Action 4 .47 requires balancing and careful navigation of diverse perspectives and priorities . Meaningful progress takes time, strong coordination across multiple governments, and ongoing engagement with First Nations and leadership organizations . Highlights The ministry is advancing government-to-government work with First Nations through section 119 of the CCLA. In 2024, the mandate for section 119 agreements was expanded to include a new financial component . Since then, new negotiations have been undertaken under this enhanced mandate, with several new agreements currently nearing completion . Ongoing engagement between First Nations and the ministry continues to create space for new perspectives and innovative ideas towards continued evolution of section 119 government-to-government agreements . The ministry also continues to develop tools and programs to support First Nation governments, communities and Indigenous entrepreneurs in the broader agriculture sector, including cannabis . Examples include the Indigenous Small-Scale Greenhouse Training Project and the B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service . ===== PAGE 155 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 155 4.48 Work with the B .C . Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food and other Indigenous partners to identify opportunities to strengthen Indigenous food systems and increase Indigenous participation in the agriculture and food sector . LEAD MINISTRY: AGRICULTURE AND FOOD How are we working together? Ministry of Agriculture and Food (AF) staff are supporting Indigenous communities, organizations and entrepreneurs in developing food security, agriculture and food-related initiatives . Under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), the Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Program (IFSAP) provides $2 million over five years to strengthen food sovereignty and sector participation. This is complemented by the B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service, which supported over 345 inquiries last year and a $30 million program delivered by the New Relationship Trust (NFT) concluding in 2025 . IACAF continues to advance priorities, including economic revitalization, investment in Indigenous food systems, addressing policy gaps affecting access to traditional foods and promoting awareness and education . IACAF’s work includes partnering with Indigenous Tourism BC to support training initiatives, the development of decision making tools for Indigenous enterprises and funding free greenhouse management training delivered by an Indigenous professional agrologist . The Food Systems Program delivered by Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I-SPARC) with funding contributions from AF supported 337 food security projects in 112 unique Indigenous communities . Building on work to expand access to traditional foods in public institutions, Feed BC hosted a four-part “Cooking in Two Worlds” learning journey for staff from 24 K-12 schools. AF also supports Nation-driven priorities, including Cowichan Tribes’ engagement on the Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) Watershed Sustainability Plan and Kitsumkalum First Nation’s transition to a dual purpose commercial and Food, Social and Ceremonial fishery. The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) advances alcohol policy through a relationship based approach that prioritizes cultural safety and responds to community-identified needs. Implementation Stage High Complexity Medium Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 156 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 156 Are there challenges? Indigenous food systems face several interconnected challenges that affect long-te rm stability . Limited funding, short funding cycles, and complex application and reporting requirements can make planning difficult and place strain on staff capacity. In many communities, a small number of individuals are responsible for multiple projects while also responding to urgent community needs, which can slow progress. Indigenous entrepreneurs, urban and off-reserve Indigenous Peoples, Métis chartered communities and rural and remote First Nations experience unique challenges, highlighting the importance of distinctions-based approaches . Policy and program alignment also plays a role . Changes in government priorities, along with legislation can affect how Indigenous food lands and practices are recognized. Alcohol-related engagement remai ns a challenge for the LCRB, as it often intersects with grief, recovery and tra uma, requir ing slower, relationship-centred approaches that strain capacity and coordination . Highlights IACAF and AF supported the development and pilot of training materials for Indigenous participants to strengthen the long-term operational sustainability of small-to medium-scale greenhouse enterprises . The 2025/2026 phase of the initiative has provided individualized consultation and coaching services tailored to the stage of development and operational needs of each greenhouse project, a virtual workshop series and peer networking and created a dedicated webpage that houses the training resources . Building on earlier IACAF-supported work, this phase expanded from resource development to hands-on technical and operational support led by Indigenous subject-matter expert and Professional Agrologist, Julian Napoleon . His expertise and communication style have supported projects at every stage, from early planning and re-starts to fully operational greenhouses . The project remains responsive, evolving through participant feedback and real-world application . Training materials are tailored to small- and medium-scale operations, reflecting the practical challenges and opportunities identified by participants. This fiscal, the project delivered 19 one-on-one coaching sessions (with more requested), launched a virtual cohort with close to 153 participants and hosted five workshops. Support has reached over 59 greenhouse enterprises, demonstrating strong sector demand . Participants report stronger confidence and clearer understanding of greenhouse management, supported by training that reflects the operational realities of small- to medium-scale Indigenous food producers . Emerging peer networks are contributing to more stable capacity across participating communities . This phase has also strengthened AF’s understanding of the sector and is helping shape policy directions aligned with IACAF priorities . Timed to support the 2026 growing season, this project is having immediate impact and strengthen community-driven food systems ===== PAGE 157 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 157 4.49 Review existing provincial mandates to enhance treaty and self-governing Nations’ fiscal capacity to deliver services to their citizens . LEAD MINISTRY: INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION How are we working together? Modern Treaty Nations, working collectively as the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, continue to work with the Province to advance Action 4 .49 and the Shared Priorities Framework through dedicated government-to-government tables. The parties continue to co-develop new fiscal policy for consideration by their respective decision makers . The parties are also continuing work on the lands and resource management funding model adopted in 2024; specifically, to co-develop criteria and an evaluation framework for an incremental funding component in cases where Modern Treaty Nations can demonstrate expenditure need beyond the core funding that is currently provided . Are there challenges? The Province and Modern Treaty Nations continue to make progress towards this action in an effort to produce principled and tangible outcomes for modern treaty citizens and all British Columbians . A challenge lies in ensuring a shared understanding of modern treaty rights and shared priorities across all ministries and agencies of the provincial government. This work requires a significant investment of time by all parties to ensure everyone is brought along in the process . Highlights The Province and Modern Treaty Nations are working to renew the Province’s mechanism for transferring funding under modern treaties to further reflect the jurisdiction and autonomy of Modern Treaty Nations . Together, progress has also been made towards the development of an overarching Modern Treaty Collaborative Fiscal Policy, which is intended to lay out principles, methodologies and other provisions to guide fiscal relationships between the Province and Modern Treaty Nations. Implementation Stage High Complexity Low Challenges High Engagement ===== PAGE 158 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 158 The Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations and the Province have co-developed a Shared Priorities Framework to advance treaty implementation in British Columbia . LEAD MINISTRY: INDIGENOUS RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION How are we working together? The Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations (Alliance) works with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation to coordinate the implementation of the Shared Priorities Framework, track overall progress, and identify new implementation priorities . The work to implement the Shared Priorities Framework is a whole-of-government task and occurs across ministries through projects, programs and other activities, including the meaningful involvement of Modern Treaty Nations in policy and legislative initiatives .Shared Priorities Framework with Modern Treaty Nations Implementation Stage Medium Challenges High Engagement High Complexity ===== PAGE 159 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 159 The work on the Shared Priorities Framework is being done in consultation and co-operation with Modern Treaty Nations working collectively as the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations . The approach being taken is to concurrently develop and strengthen the Province’s government-to-government relationships with Modern Treaty Nations while achieving the intended outcomes of the Shared Priorities Framework . The degree of consultation, co-operation, accommodation and collaboration varies across and within the projects, programs and other activities aimed at implementing the Shared Priorities Framework . The approach is as cooperative, collaborative and accommodating as the project, program or other activity allows . Are there challenges? Implementing the Shared Priorities Framework is influenced by the availability of dedicated provincial staff and the need to balance competing priorities within a challenging fiscal environment. These factors can affect the pace and continuity of work. There is also an awareness that these realities may shape how treaty partners experience the pace of implementation, which underscores the importance of ongoing communication and relationship-building . Efforts are ongoing to strengthen and reinforce understanding of the Shared Priorities Framework, treaty obligations, and the Province’s unique relationship with Modern Treaty Nations across government . Limited timelines for engagement on key legislative and policy initiatives can be an added challenge in implementing the Shared Priorities Framework . Highlights Implementing the Shared Priorities Framework demonstrates the Province’s ongoing commitment to modern treaty relationships and treaty implementation . This reinforces modern treaties as providing a blueprint for reconciliation and a foundation for government-to-government relationships based on mutual respect and established rights . Some highlights from 2025/2026 include: The fifth annual Premier’s Forum was held in June 2025, hosted on Nisga’a Nation territory. The Premier’s Forum is a gathering of the Premier, Cabinet and the leaders of Modern Treaty Nations . It serves as a reaffirmation of the relationship the Crown holds with Modern Treaty Nations. Planning is underway for the sixth annual Premier’s Forum to be held in June 2026 . A follow-up meeting to the Premier’s Forum was held in October 2025 at the executive level to initiate technical discussions on specific matters that emerged from the forum. One of the topics was the Province’s Implementation Policy Framework, a commitment made at the Premier’s Forum to address gaps in whole-of-government treaty implementation . Development of the Province’s Implementation Policy Framework has been initiated and is proceeding in consultation and co-operation with the Alliance . ===== PAGE 160 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 160 The Province continues to roll out and support the uptake of the codeveloped guidance for BC Public Service employees on engaging with Modern Treaty Nations . This work aims to ensure government employees understand and enforce treaty rights and obligations and uphold the government-to- government relationships between the Province and Modern Treaty Nations . The Shared Priorities Framework includes a priority to establish fiscal arrangements to fulfil treaty rights and obligations . In support of this, the Province and Modern Treaty Nations continue to collaboratively explore approaches to transferring provincial funding under modern treaties to further reflect the jurisdiction and autonomy of Modern Treaty Nations . Progress has also been made in the continued drafting of a provincial policy intended to guide the collaborative development of fiscal arrangements between the Province and Modern Treaty Nations . The Province and Modern Treaty Nations are also continuing work on the lands and resource management funding model adopted in 2024 . This work is further reported under Action 4.49 . ===== PAGE 161 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 161 ===== PAGE 162 ===== Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Annual Report / 2025–26 162 ===== PAGE 163 ===== ===== PAGE 164 =====