2023/24 Declaration Act Annual Report 
Table of Contents
Message from Honourable David Eby, Premier of British Columbia + Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Declaration Act Secretariat	2
Introduction	3
Declaration Act Engagement Fund	5
Distinctions-Based Approach	6
Section 3: Alignment of Laws	7
Provincial, National and Global Leadership	7
Aligning Laws with the UN Declaration	8
Capacity Growth	11
Relationship Building	12
Section 4: Declaration Act Action Plan	13
Theme 1: Self-Determination and Inherent Right of Self-Government	13
Theme 2: Title and Rights of Indigenous Peoples	25
Theme 3: Ending Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination	42
Theme 4: Social, Cultural and Economic Well-Being	54
Shared Priorities Framework	109
Measuring Progress	111



Territorial Acknowledgement 
With respect and gratitude, the Province acknowledges that the Declaration Act Annual Report was prepared on the territories of the l?k?????n 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 us to carry out this important work. 
Message from Honourable David Eby, Premier of British Columbia + Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Declaration Act Secretariat
Together with Indigenous Peoples and all British Columbians, we’re building a stronger B.C. through partnerships and agreements that?create economic opportunities, good jobs, and help build a better future for all.?
The 2023-24 Declaration Act Annual Report outlines efforts being made across the entire provincial government to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and covers the period between April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. We are grateful to the many people whose time, energy, leadership, and expertise are reflected in the work outlined in the report.
B.C. is our home. And as neighbours, we are stronger when we work together to build a brighter future for everyone. In other words, a rising tide lifts all boats.
We all want to build a good life here – but for too long, Indigenous Peoples have been pushed aside.? Indigenous Peoples continue to face racism, discrimination, poverty and poor health outcomes.
Our ongoing work seeks to address those inequities and support the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility, and when we all do our part, we all feel the benefits.
The path of partnership laid out in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan – working together with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, local and federal governments, organizations and businesses – is the route to a better future.
This is the fifth Declaration Act Annual Report. It details work underway on 60 of 89 specific actions and reflects the tremendous efforts being made across all governments and partners to put our collective words into action in our communities. 
Partnerships are supporting healthy communities, economic opportunity, services that make life easier, and sustainable stewardship of the land, water and resources. 
We are working shoulder-to-shoulder with First Nations to develop mechanisms for co-operation and co-investment in housing and infrastructure; economic development and job creation; and new ways of achieving certainty, especially related to the sustainable development of natural resources.
This is vital to the future of our province, as communities around B.C. depend on sustainable resource development to keep people working, businesses open and local economies running.
By collaborating and co-operating with Indigenous Peoples, we are taking thoughtful action on reconciliation: 
* Building unique partnerships encourages investment and improves the services and infrastructure we all rely on.?
* Eliminating laws and policies that deny equal opportunity for Indigenous Peoples to build a good life.
* Restoring Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services, helping to keep families safely together.
* Changing the way First Nations can acquire, hold and register fee simple land in B.C., reducing discriminatory and racist barriers.
* Improving outcomes for students with First Nations educators teaching First Nations children; and implementing a new graduation requirement to ensure all students complete Indigenous-focused coursework before they graduate from the B.C. education system.
* Recognizing the importance of First Nations post-secondary institutes with funding to support the revitalization of First Nations languages and cultures and to provide quality education to First Nations learners.
By working together, we’re building strong partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, and creating a brighter future for all British Columbians.


Introduction
The 2023/24 Declaration Act Annual Report is the fifth annual report since the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) came into force in 2019. These annual reports track the progress made to advance the Province’s commitment to reconciliation in British Columbia. With each passing year, this work grows and evolves, as do partnerships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit in B.C. 
The Annual Report contains status updates for several key sections of the Declaration Act, which must be implemented in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples. Each annual report covers a year of progress, like a snapshot in time. This report covers work completed from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. 
The Annual Report contains the following sections where important work is progressing: 
* Alignment of Laws: Updates on the alignment of provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
* Themes & Action Item Reporting: The Declaration Act Action Plan includes 89 tangible, achievable actions across four themes: self-determination and self-government; rights and title; ending anti-Indigenous racism; and enhancing social, cultural and economic well-being. The 60 actions reporting in the 2023/24 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 stakeholders. For more information on icon design, meaning and methodology, visit https://declaration.gov.bc.ca/action-item-reporting/all-actions/
* Advancement of modern treaties through the Shared Priorities Framework:1 Signed in March 2022 between the Province and the members of the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, this framework renews a commitment to timely, effective and appropriately resourced implementation of modern treaties.  
* Measuring Progress: Early work on Action Plan implementation with First Nations and Métis partners has illuminated the need for cross-cutting outcome indicators rather than action specific progress indicators. To effectively measure change, the Province is developing an Action Plan Indicator Framework in consultation and co-operation with First Nations and Métis partners that will provide a common approach to measurement. 
Each piece is unique and critical to advancing reconciliation across British Columbia. The Province extends deep gratitude to First Nations and Métis partners who have guided this work and provided their valuable contributions to the 2023/24 Annual Report.


Declaration Act Engagement Fund
First Nations across B.C. are being supported to work in consultation and co-operation with the Province on implementing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, building a better future for all. Through the $200-million Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF), First Nations are eligible for approximately $1 million in funding to support government-to-government engagement with the Province on a number of priorities, helping to shape provincial laws, policies and programs. 
The DAEF, which is administered by the New Relationship Trust (NRT) on behalf of the Province, reflects a significant shift in how engagement funding is provided, as First Nations are able to self-determine their engagement priorities based on their distinct needs and interests.
As of March 31, 2024, more than 90% of eligible First Nations in B.C. had been approved for funding through the DAEF in its first year. 
Distinctions-Based Approach
The Province is required to take a distinctions-based approach in all relations with First Nations, Métis and Inuit in British Columbia. This requirement has a legal foundation in the Constitution Act, 1982; the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act; treaties; as well as the respective and distinct laws, legal systems and systems of governance of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. 
On December 5, 2023, the Province released a distinctions-based approach primer (the Primer) to assist B.C. public service employees in understanding the current legal basis for, and core elements of, a distinctions-based approach. This document helps meet this requirement by affirming the Provincial position and ensuring it is applied consistently in legislation, policy and practice.
The Primer supports public service employees to make good, consistent and informed decisions. Work is underway to develop additional resources that will provide guidance on the practical application of a distinctions-based approach. 
Almost 2,000 public sector staff have received distinctions-based approach training across many sectors and levels of government, including: 
• Crown agencies; 
• Ministry of Health executive, all management and public sector partners;
• Over 1,000 staff in the Natural Resource sector, and
• Senior executive and core government leadership.
As part of a broader plan to educate public service employees on the distinctions-based approach, the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation delivered 23 orientation sessions on the distinctions-based approach across the public service, including Caucus, Cabinet, Crown corporation boards and committees and many ministries, including Health, Housing, Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Water, Lands and Natural Resources and Mental Health and Addictions.
Section 3: Alignment of Laws 
The Declaration Act Secretariat’s core functions are to support the advancement of Section 3 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act), which mandates the Province to take all measures necessary to ensure provincial laws are aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), doing so in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples. Meeting this obligation is an essential pathway for the recognition and implementation of title and rights, including treaty rights, and for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous Peoples as protected under Section 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982. 
British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to lead these legislative transformations and there is much to be learned from the ongoing work. The core of alignment of laws work is co-development, co-operation, co-drafting and consultation with Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration Act Secretariat (the Secretariat) continues to identify the systemic and cultural shifts needed to enable success: partnering with Indigenous Peoples and the B.C. public service, applying new learnings from past feedback and further evolving existing policies, processes and systems. 

Provincial, National and Global Leadership
The Secretariat’s mandate is to ensure alignment with the UN Declaration. While delivering on this mandate, the Secretariat benefits from maintaining connection to those who developed it, as well as others across Canada and the world who are similarly involved in its implementation. 
The Province has worked with the federal government, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the University of British Columbia in pursuit of the full implementation of the Declaration Act. On behalf of the Attorney General and the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, the Province submitted a formal response to the call by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for inputs on establishing effective mechanisms at the national and regional levels for implementing the UN Declaration. This continuing work is an important opportunity for the impact of the Province’s work to be included in the official reports of the Human Rights Council, and for B.C. to partner with other states working towards similar goals, as well as to further showcase British Columbia as a global leader. 
Aligning Laws with the UN Declaration 
“The alignment of B.C. policies and laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is a monumental undertaking. Having an Indigenous-led central agency mandated to drive this work is an invaluable key to success. Their guidance and advocacy within government to shift systems and culture is work that has the potential to transform the landscape in the province for years to come. We have appreciated building relationships with the Secretariat to support the implementation of Section 3 through a distinctions-based approach that recognizes and enforces modern treaty rights in B.C.” - Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations
In 2023/24, the Province continued to develop and pass legislation consistent with the requirements of Section 3. The Secretariat’s contribution spans formal input and advice on consultation and co-operation with Indigenous partners, informal troubleshooting, review of materials and issues resolution.
Below are some examples of key legislation passed that incorporated the UN Declaration and was effectively developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples:
Bill 31 Emergency and Disaster Management Act (November 2023)
On November 8, 2023, the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) came into force, replacing the Emergency Program Act. The EDMA reflects the realities of the modern world including global pandemics, security threats and climate change. Guided by the United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, it responds to the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparation, response and recovery.
The EDMA is also an important step in aligning the Province’s laws with the UN Declaration as it:
* Recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ inherent rights of self-government, including the authority to make laws in relation to emergency management;
* Establishes a framework for agreements between Indigenous governing bodies and other authorities that can help advance shared decision-making and co-ordination; 
* Authorizes agreements with Indigenous governing bodies to coordinate the exercise of emergency powers, as well as plans, policies and programs related to the response and recovery phases; and
* Includes engagement provisions that require municipalities and regional districts to consult and co-operate with Indigenous governing bodies and incorporate Indigenous knowledge and cultural safety across emergency management practices. 
Given this scope of change and the length of the legislation, appropriate engagement on the EDMA took time. In 2019 and 2020, the Province undertook a broad public engagement process that included meetings with First Nations, Indigenous organizations and other partners in emergency management. In 2022, focused work with First Nations partners began. This included regular sessions with technical teams representing the First Nations Leadership Council and member Nations of the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, First Nations and Indigenous technical organizations and service providers to discuss the core policy interests underpinning the legislation and subsequently review drafts of the legislation. 
The Province is now developing regulations in consultation and co-operation with First Nations, including member Nations of the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, and informed by engagement with Indigenous organizations, local authorities, critical infrastructure owners, service providers, emergency management practitioners, and the public. The Province has also released a new Indigenous engagement requirements document that provides guidance for implementing the engagement provisions of the EDMA. For more information, please see Theme 1, Action 1.10.
“This is a much-needed update to the emergency management regime in B.C. First Nations maintain their rights to decide, prepare, mitigate and recover from emergencies. B.C. needs to ensure their laws and regulations will work in partnership with First Nations governments. The BC Assembly of First Nations supports the inclusion of First Nations in all areas of emergency management. This has been another historic year for wildfires and we always are the first to feel the impacts from the climate emergency.” – Terry Teegee, Regional Chief, BC Assembly of First Nations.
Bill 5 Child, Family and Community Service Amendment Act (March 2024)
In November 2022, significant changes were made to the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA) to align with the UN Declaration. This was the first legislative initiative to enable joint and consent-based decision-making agreements as described in section 6 and 7 of the Declaration Act. 
In the early work to implement these provisions, Indigenous partners identified a number of key issues for clarification and amendment to strengthen opportunities for the exercise of inherent Indigenous jurisdiction. Working in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous partners, communities and service providers, the Ministry of Child and Family Development undertook a number of multiple-partner engagement sessions to listen to the challenges, problem-solve solutions and develop legislative amendments together.
The resulting amendments expand the scope for joint and consent-based decision-making agreements in Indigenous child and family services and broaden the definition of “Indigenous child”. This ensures that Indigenous governing bodies not yet exercising their inherent jurisdiction have a pathway to identify their children, provide more culturally relevant care and preserved connection to culture. These amendments to the CFCSA also ensure that appellate courts can hear matters under Indigenous law. Bill 38 introduced a pathway for Indigenous governing bodies to refer to the Provincial court for dispute resolution under their Indigenous law, which is the same dispute resolution process available in the CFCSA. The addition of appellate courts will ensure that, where an Indigenous governing body opts to use provincial courts for dispute resolution, the full provincial appeals process is available to families. These amendments further support the multijurisdictional child and family services model and bring the Act closer to alignment as intended under the Declaration Act. For more information, please see Theme 4, Action 4.17.
Bill 40 School Amendment Act (November 2023)
The School Amendment Act supports better education outcomes for First Nations and other Indigenous students attending provincial public schools, in part through hardwiring processes for effective relationships between boards of education and First Nations.
The amendments ensure that First Nations and Treaty First Nations have the option to apply a Model local education agreement (Model LEA) with boards of education should a First Nation request it, setting out processes for information sharing, collaboration and decision-making. The amendments also take a distinctions-based approach, requiring all boards to establish an Indigenous education council (IEC) in their school districts to ensure decisions being made for Indigenous students are made by Indigenous organization representatives and people. This amendment also embeds continuous consultation and co-operation among school districts and IECs, prioritizing the views of local First Nations, their languages, histories and cultures. Finally, the amendments ensure that First Nation students who live on-reserve or Treaty lands have priority to attend public schools designated by their First Nation through the First Nation school of choice provision. 
Furthermore, these amendments support reconciliation commitments with the intent to better meet the needs of community and reflect respect for inherent rights and jurisdiction in the education sector. LEAs were a specific commitment set out in the BC Tripartite Education Agreement (BCTEA), the Declaration Act Action Plan, and First Nations school of choice evolved from LEAs. Consultation and co-operation continues in the implementation of the Bill. For more information, please see Theme 1, Action 1.06, and Theme 4, Action 4.03.
“Today is an important day for First Nation learners and the provincial education system in B.C. These changes to the School Act are aimed at improving First Nation student learning outcomes through effective relationships and processes that respect the inherent authority and role of First Nation governments, parents and communities in the education of their children and youth. First Nations control of First Nations education underpins the First Nation education system we have spent three decades building in B.C. This work includes ensuring the provincial public school system is responsive to, and respects and incorporates the perspectives of, First Nations to better support this student population in a meaningful and appropriate way.”
“Indigenous students, particularly First Nation students living on reserve, face systemic barriers that result in inequitable outcomes in the K-12 system, and so the changes in this suite of amendments represent systemic, transformative and welcome changes.” – Tyrone McNeil, president, First Nations Education Steering Committee 
Capacity Growth 
In addition to supporting individual ministries and legislative and policy initiatives, the Secretariat plays a key role in supporting the overall capacity of the provincial public service – and key external agencies and partners – to undertake this work. 
One way the Secretariat advances this capacity growth is through developing tools, guidelines and similar resources to support alignment of laws, consultation and co-operation, and the key enabling conditions needed for lasting change and system shifts. This year, the Secretariat has worked with Indigenous partners and ministries across government to initiate the development of consultation and co-operation guidance and support tools, and a broader emerging change leadership framework. The Secretariat has also initiated the development of metrics, indicators, and case studies which will more clearly illuminate progress and spread key learnings and successful practices.
“The implementation of the Interim Approach has presented us with a valuable opportunity to work with government in a way we have never seen before. The Secretariat as a driver of the Interim Approach and alignment of laws work has played an important role in First Nations’ participation in government process.  As a result, First Nations are engaging with government on more legislative pieces to align with the UN Declaration.” - Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, Union of BC Indian Chiefs
Another way that the Secretariat supports capacity is through consistent participation in cross-government committees at the executive level. These committees are a key forum through which legislative and policy initiatives are shaped and advanced through their development. Participation in them ensures Section 3 obligations are represented, and perspectives shared by Indigenous Peoples and partners are threaded throughout provincial government business. 
There is significant interest in the Secretariat's work and the alignment of laws, and Secretariat staff invest time and energy in delivering education sessions to internal and external audiences. Over the past year, the Secretariat facilitated over 28 presentations to internal and external groups, including: ministries, provincial councils, Crown corporations, board leadership, local governments and more. These education sessions provide critical awareness and understanding of the UN Declaration and everyone’s obligations to advance Indigenous human rights, including the specific obligations under the Declaration Act. 
Relationship Building
Alignment of laws work must be done in true partnership between the Province and Indigenous Peoples. The development of genuine relationships and trust takes time. In some places, these relationships already exist but in many sectors and spaces, they are just forming. The Secretariat serves a critical interlocutor role, supporting the public service and Indigenous partners to advance substantive issues through policy advice, and facilitate partnership and collaboration to mitigate issues. 
The co-development of legislation, policies and consultation and co-operation is a significant task that requires considerable capacity and resources. The launch of the Declaration Act Engagement Fund has provided for First Nations partners to invest in Declaration Act engagement work in a way that meets their needs. This includes work specific to engagement with the Province on alignment of laws, as well as consultation and co-operation. 
“The launch of the Declaration Act Engagement Fund gives First Nations the opportunity for much needed capacity funding to engage with government. This supports First Nations participation in the critical work of implementing the Declaration Act and the alignment of laws – and upholding the values of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.” - Cheryl Casimer, Political Executive, First Nations Summit


Section 4: Declaration Act Action Plan
The Declaration Act Action Plan 2022-20272 outlines the specific actions every ministry in government will take to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration over time. The Province is committed to initiating all 89 actions by 2027 and is taking a phased approach to action implementation and reporting, as not all actions can or should be implemented at the same time. 
The 60 actions reporting in the 2023/24 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. For more information on icon design, meaning and methodology, visit https://declaration.gov.bc.ca/action-item-reporting/all-actions/

Theme 1: Self-Determination and Inherent Right of Self-Government
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.

1.02
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. 
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Year 1

Highlights
Long-term agreements demonstrate a structured and intentional approach towards reconciliation. Increasing the number of signed long-term agreements demonstrates an emphasis on being intentional about progress toward reconciliation with a focus on achieving self-determination, decision making and economic independence.
Over the reporting period, ten long-term agreements were co-developed that recognize and support reconciliation, self-determination, decision making and economic independence:
* Ktunaxa Nation Interim Revenue Sharing Agreement (Columbia River Treaty) - June 8, 2023
* Syilx Okanagan Nation Alliance Interim Revenue Sharing Agreement (Columbia River Treaty) - June 8, 2023
* Secwepemc Interim Revenue Sharing Agreement (Columbia River Treaty) – June 8, 2023
* Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council Land and Resource Decision Making Agreement – June 28, 2023
* Tseshaht Contribution Agreement – July 6, 2023
* Ts'uubaa-asatx First Nation Incremental Treaty Agreement – July 7, 2023
* Nang K'uula Nang K'uulaas (Haida Nation Recognition Agreement) – July 19, 2023
* Kwadacha Nation Reconciliation Framework Agreement – February 16, 2024
* Gwa’sala-’Nakwaxda’xw Nations Consultation Engagement Agreement – 2023 to 2026
* Xwulqw'selu Watershed Planning Agreement with Cowichan Tribes – May 12, 2023
Several treaty tables are in stage 5 negotiations and after decades of hard work, the Province is working to initial treaty agreements. Initiating starts the ratification process where First Nations vote on the treaty. 
Both treaties and other agreements contribute to achieving reconciliation and creating economic opportunities and sustainable, healthy and resilient communities. Several negotiations continue on a range of agreements inside and outside of the treaty process. 

How are we working together?
The negotiation of long-term agreements is a collaborative process with First Nations that requires ongoing engagement. These negotiations involve close working relationships and the co-development of collaborative solutions. 
The Province is working with First Nations and the federal government to create innovative agreements that are flexible and better suited to addressing the needs of individual Nations. This past year, the Province signed several unique and diverse agreements to exemplify this action, including with the Haida Nation, Kwadacha Nation and others. Engagement is ongoing with First Nations across B.C. through regular meetings to negotiate additional agreements to support reconciliation, self-determination, shared decision-making and economic independence. The Province also engages with local government, the public and stakeholder groups on an on-going basis. 

Are there challenges?
The negotiation of long-term agreements is a collaborative process with First Nations that requires ongoing engagement, and this 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. Another challenge is that new and innovative approaches to achieve long-term reconciliation may require new policy and legislation. This work takes time and requires cross government co-ordination with First Nations and their representative bodies, as well as public and stakeholder engagement. 

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. 
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Year 2

Highlights
This year Tahltan Central Government and the Province entered into a second consent-based decision-making agreement under section 7 of the Declaration Act in relation to the future operation of the Red Chris mine located in Tahltan Territory. This agreement is a necessary step forward in the evolving progression of co-governance relationships between First Nations and the B.C. government. 
The Province and Tahltan Central Government will begin discussions for a third decision-making agreement related to the collaborative assessment of proposed changes to the previously approved Galore Creek copper and gold mine.
A structured and intentional approach to the negotiation of section 7 agreements under the Declaration Act demonstrates positive progress towards reconciliation. Whether joint or consent-based, section 7 agreements allow Indigenous governing bodies and the Province to work in partnership to address the legacy of colonialism and create more durable decision-making approaches. 

How are we working together?
The collaborative nature of negotiations of section 6 and 7 agreements requires ongoing engagement with Indigenous governing bodies. The Province has been working with the First Nations Leadership Council and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations on the approach to the negotiation and implementation of these new agreements. Exploratory discussions are underway with Indigenous governing bodies who are interested in developing agreements which may result in additional mandated negotiations.

Are there challenges?
Progress is being made in negotiations and the Province is advancing agreements that share statutory decision-making with Indigenous governing bodies, where appropriate. Although the Declaration Act establishes space for negotiating these agreements, statutory amendments may be required for section 6 and 7 agreements to be fully enacted This work takes time, cross-government alignment, and consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples. The Province will continue to work to implement section 6 and 7 agreements under Action 2.4 including seeking approval for legislative amendments where required. As part of any proposed legislative amendment process, there will be public and stakeholder engagement. The Province is working to build awareness of the scope and opportunities within section 6 and 7 agreements across government and with Indigenous partners, stakeholders and the public. 

1.04 and 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.
Year 1
1.05: Co-develop and implement new distinctions-based policy frameworks for resource revenue-sharing and other fiscal mechanisms with Indigenous Peoples. 
Year 2
Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation 
 
Highlights
The release of the 'New Fiscal Framework’s ‘What We Heard' report in April 2023 highlights the significant time and effort that First Nations and the Province invested in co-developing a new fiscal framework. The report summarizes the variety of perspectives and ideas raised by First Nations. It also underscores the complexity of the work and the transformational changes required to achieve a principled new fiscal framework between the Crown and First Nations governments. Going forward, the 'What We Heard' report provides a foundation to identify shared principles that reflect feedback from First Nations and apply the principles to the development of new fiscal tools and arrangements.
A key theme of the 'What We Heard' report is the strong interest among many First Nations to move beyond current revenue sharing approaches, which are seen as transactional. In response to this feedback, in March 2024 the Province implemented a new approach to accommodation in the Forest Consultation and Revenue Sharing Agreement (FCRSA) program. Under this new approach, the requirement for First Nations to agree that FCRSA funds are an accommodation will be removed from the agreement template. The Province will continue to consider the funds provided through FCRSA agreements as recognition of First Nation’s economic interests and as such, as a contribution to accommodation. However, First Nations are no longer required to contractually agree as a condition for receiving the revenue. 
As co-development of a new fiscal framework continues, the Province will also maintain the increase to FCRSA revenue sharing rates announced in April 2022. Under these increased rates, the Province is expected to share about $162 million in forestry revenues with First Nations in fiscal year 2023/24. 
Budget 2024 announced that the Province is taking action to support First Nations and the B.C. business sector in developing strong economic development partnerships through the development of a provincial First Nations Equity Financing Framework.  This framework will establish tools to support equity financing opportunities for First Nations. This framework includes equity loan guarantees and potentially other supports that begin to address the systemic barriers many First Nations face in gaining meaningful representation in projects where there is shared interest and readiness with the Province.

How are we working together?
Specific consultation and co-operation activities undertaken to date include: a discussion paper released in November 2022, followed by a virtual engagement opportunity; participation at the First Nations Leaders’ Gathering in November 2022; province-wide engagement during the fall of 2022 and winter 2023, including bilateral government-to-government meetings with First Nations and participation at regional meetings hosted by the First Nations Forestry Council; and the release of a 'What We Heard' report in April 2023. 
Given the broad scope of the new fiscal framework, engagement with First Nations across the province will be required over the five-year span of the Declaration Act Action Plan and beyond. To date, this engagement has focused on co-developing principles for a new fiscal framework and on co-developing a new approach to forestry revenue sharing. Engagement with key stakeholders in the forest sector and elsewhere is also ongoing. 
The Province is continuing to work with Modern Treaty Nations as part of the collaborative fiscal process on fiscal policy and taxation to implement Action 1.04 and the Shared Priorities Framework. 

Are there challenges?
The scale of the work and the variety of perspectives involved pose a capacity and project management risk to the implementation of this action. The Province will need to ensure that its approach to co-development honours the time and expertise of First Nations governments and leaves space for the diverse interests, priorities and needs of First Nations to be incorporated. 
The variety of perspectives raised during the engagement process to date have underscored the complexity of co-developing a new fiscal framework. The Province understands that the new fiscal framework cannot be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ model. First Nations have different values and worldviews, as well as resources in their territories. As a result of this complexity, current timelines have not matched what was anticipated in the discussion paper. On forestry revenue sharing, the Province will be re-engaging with First Nations to continue co-developing options for a new model to replace FCRSA program. 
The Province and First Nations must be confident that co-developed options will support the shared objectives of recognizing and implementing rights, advancing self-governance and self-determination, and supporting the broader economy for all British Columbians.

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 (FNESC) 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.
Ministry of Education and Child Care
Year 1

Highlights
Bill 40 was passed in the B.C. Legislature on November 8, 2023, introducing a requirement that school districts apply a Model Local Education Agreement (Model LEA) at the request of a First Nation. First Nations may also choose not to have an LEA, to remain in their existing LEA, or to negotiate a custom LEA with school districts. Legislation was co-developed with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC).

How are we working together?
The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) and FNESC have met regularly since April 2021 to co-develop the LEA approach, including a Model LEA. FNESC has been consulting with First Nations prior to the signing of the BC Tripartite Education Agreement in 2018 and, over the last four years to ensure First Nations’ directions are incorporated into the Model LEA. ECC has been meeting with First Nations and Treaty First Nations on the proposed policy since February 2023.

Are there challenges?
Organizational capacity and competing priorities for all parties impact the ability to meet key legislative timelines for Ministerial Order amendments.

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.
Ministry of Education and Child Care
Year 2

Highlights
The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) provided a grant to the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) in April 2023 for $4 million over two years to support their participation in policy, program and resource development, including engagement on this action. Engagement with FNESC on a joint approach to this action is underway to prioritize actions and ensure readiness of both partners. 

How are we working together?
Updates to the Bilateral Protocol Agreement will be co-developed with FNESC.

Are there challenges?
Initiating this work will require significant staffing, capacity and engagement between ECC and FNESC.

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 BC.
Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Year 1

Highlights
First Nations-mandated institutes play a vital role by providing First Nations learners with the opportunity to access programs that are rooted in their language and culture, and to experience success in a safe and culturally relevant environment. First Nations have repeatedly and consistently identified the need for recognition and stable funding of First Nations-mandated institutes given that they fill a critical need for First Nations’ learners that cannot be met by public post-secondary institutions. The intent of this action is to ensure that legislation enacted reflects the critical role of First Nations-mandated institutes in B.C.’s post-secondary system and establishes ongoing core and capacity funding commitments. The proposed legislation supports the alignment of B.C. laws with Article 14 (1) and (2) of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 
Through the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) secured $6 million in annual ongoing core operating funding for eligible First Nations-mandated institutes and $450,000 in annual capacity funding for institutes that meet eligibility criteria for that funding. In response to the Métis Nation BC (MNBC) business plan, strategic consultations on the Métis component of this action are underway and continue, with MNBC engaging all 40 Chartered Communities across B.C. 

How are we working together?
PSFS has been working in collaboration and consultation with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA) throughout the legislative development process. PSFS has undertaken two rounds of consultation pertaining to the policy and draft legislation with First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations.
PSFS and MNBC engage regularly at ongoing meetings and as work is developed. 

Are there challenges?
The First Nations-mandated institutes legislation was introduced in the B.C. Legislature during the Spring 2024 legislative session. Work is still required prior to bringing the legislation into force, including collaboratively developing a Cabinet regulation to establish eligibility criteria, along with the policies and processes needed to fully implement the act.

1.09
A) 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 
B) Strengthen the capacity of the Native Education College to provide culturally relevant post-secondary opportunities for urban Indigenous learners.
Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Year 2

Highlights
The Native Education College (NEC) has received conditional approval to offer their first Associate Degree in Indigenous studies, which signifies their growing capacity. Engagement and discussion will continue in 2024/25. 

How are we working together?
Work continues between the partners to advance these initiatives. For work related to the NEC, through the StrongerBC Future Ready Action Plan, ongoing operational funding has been secured.   

Are there challenges?
A) Urban Indigenous Youth Education Project: Project costs are exceeding established funding. PSFS is identifying options for managing project budget and risks.
B) Native Education College: Challenges faced by Native Education College include building capacity without additional public funding. PSFS is committed to seeking opportunities for additional funding. 

1.10
Co-develop modernized emergency management legislation (replacing the Emergency Program Act) with First Nations.
Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
Year 1

Highlights
In 2023, the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) was enacted following extensive consultation and collaboration efforts, representing a significant achievement in emergency management in B.C. The foundation of the EDMA rests upon the United Nations Sendai Framework "all-of-society" concept – a collective commitment to safeguarding communities and mitigating risks. The EDMA recognizes First Nations as true partners in emergency management and seeks ways of coordinating and harmonizing emergency management practices between provincial, local authority and First Nations decision-makers. With the enactment of the statute, attention now shifts towards the development of regulations to support its implementation. The EDMA includes a requirement for a five-year review, which will help assess the legislation's effectiveness.
The EDMA is the first piece of provincial land-based legislation developed through consultation and co-operation with First Nations since the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) came into force. The legislation includes guiding principles that set the tone for emergency management in B.C. The principles recognize that the inherent right of self-government of Indigenous Peoples includes the authority to make laws in relation to emergency management, emphasize the importance of Indigenous advice and stewardship activities in emergency management and promote cultural safety in emergency management, including incorporating relevant actions in emergency management plans, policies and programs. 
The Act formally recognizes treaty areas and First Nations’ traditional territories, incorporating the concept of Indigenous governing bodies, consistent with the Declaration Act. Further, the Act enables co-ordination and joint or consent based decision-making agreements with Indigenous governing bodies. The EDMA is an important step in aligning B.C.’s legislation with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The legislation drafting phase started in 2021 and continued until the legislation came into force on November 8th, 2023.
In December 2023, $18 million of funding was announced to support local authorities (municipalities and regional districts) and First Nations in the implementation of the Indigenous engagement requirements. Recipients can choose one or more eligible activities to address their individual needs. Recipients can also pool funding to achieve shared goals.

How are we working together?
The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) engaged in consultation and co-operation through the development of the EDMA and supporting implementation materials. During the development of the Request for Legislation and the drafting of the EDMA, EMCR met regularly with legal and policy representatives. EMCR worked with the First Nations Leadership Council and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations to collaboratively write a three-column document, address legislative concepts, discuss technical matters and review consultation drafts.  
In 2022, focused work with First Nations partners began. In December of that year, EMCR circulated a consultation draft of the legislation to First Nations, Treaty Nations, Indigenous partners (including First Nations Leadership Council, Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations and Métis Nation B.C.) and Indigenous service providers (including B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centers, First Nations Health Authority and First Nations Emergency Service Society) and followed up with webinars to hear and address concerns. This process was replicated in April 2023 when another draft was shared. The feedback on the draft legislation was used to further refine the final statute.
Nine engagement workshops were held on future EDMA regulations for local authorities and post-emergency financial assistance. There were 212 participants including 144 different First Nations and Indigenous led organizations attended the post emergency financial assistance sessions. 
In the summer of 2023, EMCR partnered with the BC Association of Emergency Managers to offer six webinars for emergency management partners, including First Nations, on the content of the proposed legislation. In February 2024, EMCR completed three virtual engagement sessions with rights and title holders gather to feedback on future EDMA regulations. 
$18 million of funding was announced in December 2023 to support local authorities (municipalities and regional districts) and First Nations in the implementation of the Indigenous engagement requirements under the Act.

Are there challenges?
EMCR engaged the representatives of Aboriginal rights and title holders throughout the development of EDMA and is currently engaging on future EDMA regulations. First Nations provided feedback to EMCR that an area for improvement in the engagement process is reporting out on what was heard during consultation and co-operation sessions. Reporting should be done in a manner that is transparent and summarizes the ways in which feedback from rights and title holders has informed the legislation and guidance materials. The relationships with First Nations and other Indigenous partners require care and reciprocal feedback to ensure all partners are collectively working respectfully and within their capacity. 
The EDMA regulations that are currently under development will clarify the new requirements for regulated entities, including provincial ministries, local authorities and critical infrastructure operators. Communication and engagement on regulations and implementation methods is crucial in moving forward. Collaboration among First Nations, Treaty Nations, Indigenous partners, stakeholders and impacted parties is vital for navigating complexities and ensuring successful integration of EDMA initiatives. A legislated five-year review of the Act offers an opportunity for future refinement. 
Some local authorities and First Nations have requested clarity and guidance on EDMA implementation, particularly concerning capacity, to ensure effective utilization of funding programs and fulfillment of new obligations. Advice was also provided to ensure clear communication and support mechanisms are in place to support successful EDMA implementation.

Theme 2: Title and Rights of Indigenous Peoples	
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 co-operation with Indigenous Peoples. 
Declaration Act Secretariat
Year 1

ACTION COMPLETE
Highlights
The Declaration Act Secretariat was established in 2022 as a central agency within government that guides and assists the Province to ensure provincial laws align with the UN Declaration and are developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, as set out in section 3 of the Declaration Act. Learn more about the Secretariat’s work here.

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.
Ministry of Attorney General
Year 1

ACTION COMPLETE
Highlights
On April 21, 2022, the Directives on Civil Litigation involving Indigenous Peoples were published. The core objectives of the directives are to prioritize and promote resolution, innovation and negotiated settlement, and to reduce the potential for litigation involving Indigenous Peoples. When matters do result in litigation, these directives instruct counsel to engage honourably and to assist the court constructively, expeditiously and effectively.
Since the directives were published, counsel have become increasingly knowledgeable about all aspects of 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 regularly encourage and support negotiated outcomes in the context of active litigation.

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. 
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Year 1

Highlights
The negotiation of section 7 agreements under the Declaration Act demonstrates a structured and intentional approach towards reconciliation. Whether joint or consent-based, agreements under section 7 of the Declaration Act help address the legacy of colonialism by allowing the Province to work together with Indigenous Peoples on decisions that affect them. Legislative amendments are often required for these agreements to be operationalized.
The Tahltan Central Government (TCG) and the Province entered into a second consent-based decision-making agreement under section 7 of the Declaration Act in November 2023, adding an agreement for the operation of the Red Chris mine located in Tahltan Territory. 
In the fall of 2023, B.C. modernized emergency management legislation by enacting the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) to enable joint or consent-based agreements with Indigenous governing bodies.

How are we working together?
Negotiation of section 7 agreements is a collaborative process with Indigenous governing bodies that involves ongoing engagement. In addition to engaging with Indigenous governing bodies, the Province has been working with the First Nations Leadership Council and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations on the approach to the negotiation and implementation of section 7 agreements. In 2023, the Province successfully entered into a second section 7 agreement with Tahltan Central Government and secured a mandate to negotiate a third section 7 agreement. Exploratory discussions are underway with Indigenous governing bodies interested in developing section 7 agreements that could result in additional mandated negotiations. 

Are there challenges?
The Province is advancing agreements that share statutory decision-making with Indigenous governing bodies, and progress is being made in negotiations. Although the Declaration Act establishes the space for negotiating section 7 agreements, statutory amendments are required for these agreements to be implemented. This work is complex and requires cross-government alignment and consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders and the public. To this end, the Province is working to build awareness and understanding of section 7 of the Declaration Act across government and with Indigenous partners, stakeholders and the public. 

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.
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship; Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Environment and Climate Change Strategy; Ministry of Forests; Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation; BC Energy Regulator
Year 1

Highlights
Collaborative Marine Planning (i.e., Marine Protected Areas Network and Marine Plan Partnership for the Great Bear Sea):
This past year, Marine Protected Areas Network (MPAN) partners began the implementation of Marine Protected Areas in the Great Bear Sea. For example, the Province is working with Mamalilikulla First Nation on the implementation of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) in Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala (Lull Bay/Hoeya Sound) in Knight Inlet, resulting in the establishment of governance structures, the drafting of a collaborative management plan and the implementation of a language restoration strategy. In addition, the Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP), a co-led marine planning process between the Province and 17 First Nations, continues to advance the regional kelp monitoring program. Kelp is a culturally important species and an invaluable component of marine habitat, providing important benefits to communities, species and ecosystems. 
Guardians and Stewardship Training Initiative:  
Guardians play a crucial role in supporting the self-determination and governance of First Nations and facilitating the co-management of the natural environment with the Province. In April 2023, B.C. committed $8.9 million over three years to partner with First Nations representatives to co-develop the Guardians and Stewardship Training Initiative. The “Guardians Working Group”, made up of representatives of 61 First Nations with expertise and experience in managing guardians programs and activities, was convened to support this work, including collaboratively developing draft principles and parameters for the training initiative. Working collaboratively with the Guardians Working Group, the Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) funded six pilot initiatives from First Nations in B.C. and one from a First Nation organization that will support training on the ground and inform research into guardians-related curriculum development. The pilot initiatives will also inform the broader implementation of the training initiative. In February 2024, WLRS hosted a B.C. guardians gathering with over 170 attendees, providing a chance to network, collaborate and gather feedback on the guardians and stewardship training initiative. 
Collaborative Indigenous Stewardship Framework: 
The Collaborative Indigenous Stewardship Framework (CISF) and associated regional forums continue to inform key resource management decisions, objective setting and planning processes with trusted data. The governance working group executive, which provides strategic guidance and oversight for CISF, is looked to as an inclusive First Nations and provincial government co-governance model that has made progress in moving towards co-management, advancing shared decision-making, and implementing the Cabinet-endorsed recommendations for long-term collaborative stewardship throughout the past year. The 2023/24 fiscal year also represents the first year that the annual budget for WLRS included base operational funding to support the Province's long-term commitment to the collaborative stewardship model. 
Guardian Shared Compliance and Enforcement Pilot Project with Kitasoo Xai’xais and Nuxalk First Nations:
In July of 2023, BC Parks signed a formal agreement with the Kitasoo Xai’xais and Nuxalk First Nations to enable the shared compliance and enforcement pilot program. The pilot is a 2.5-3-year initiative (two years of field work plus another 6-12 months of evaluation prior to new designations) resulting in designation of 11 First Nations guardians with the same legal authorities as park rangers within the parks and protected areas in their ancestral territories. The pilot program is the first of its kind in Canada. The designated guardians now have the same suite of authorities as park rangers but remain employees of their Nations. This new partnership approach recognizes the invaluable local knowledge, capacity, presence and stewardship responsibility and authority of the Nations, while also supporting broader goals for Indigenous self-determination and enhanced environmental and cultural resource protection.
In addition to the highlighted initiatives above, the Province is also making progress on land use planning, forest landscape planning and implementation of the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement. Overall, 128 First Nations are participating in 42 collaborative stewardship tables, programs and initiatives that are making notable progress and contribute to advancing this action. 

How are we working together?
For the 2023-2024 reporting year, the focus for consultation and co-operation was for the Province and First Nations partners to agree on what policies, programs or initiatives currently demonstrate that progress on Action 2.6 is underway, and which activities, accomplishments and impacts to publicly highlight. The identified programs and initiatives jointly set priorities for environmental stewardship activities through province-wide working groups, regionally established forums and/or government-to-government partnerships, as well as integrated data and decision-making through a variety of collaborative and co-operative processes. The respect and recognition of the distinct knowledge systems of participating First Nations is key in all these processes. Each of the initiatives identified under 2.6 will contribute to the advancement of this action and each represents joint stewardship in action. 

Are there challenges?
It is a challenge to develop meaningful and comprehensive performance measures across the wide range of initiatives advancing under Action 2.6 as each has their own unique objectives, partnerships, capacity constraints, and governance structures. Other challenges include the ability to jointly secure and implement a long-term, sustainable funding model for collaborative stewardship initiatives that is equitably distributed, easily accessible, and adaptable to the evolution of shared priorities on the land and water. Additionally, this work must be integrated with related initiatives, such as: the conservation financing mechanism; Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation; Together for Wildlife Strategy; draft Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework; and with the new fiscal framework.
Possible barriers also exist within policy and legislation to advance the innovative approaches required to achieve collaborative stewardship in alignment with UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. 

2.07
(A) 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. 
(B) Co-develop the Watershed Security Strategy with First Nations and initiate implementation of the Strategy at a local watershed scale.
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Year 2

Highlights
The B.C. First Nations Water Table is a long-term governance body focused on water and watershed issues of shared concern. The water table was established in June 2022 after a year of co-planning among First Nations and the Province. It is comprised of the First Nations water caucus – First Nation delegates from major watersheds across B.C. – and several provincial ministries. The water caucus and the water table have been important spaces for co-developing the Watershed Security Strategy, advancing reconciliation, implementing the Declaration Act and addressing watershed security issues of shared concern. As part of the creation of the water table, First Nations delegates have forged structures and processes for working together, building on existing First Nations-led strategies and initiatives. 
As the Watershed Security Strategy reaches completion and transition to implementation commences, the work of the water table will also shift its focus to strategy implementation and to water and watershed issues and policy more broadly. The work of the water table is supported by subcommittees (e.g., watershed governance subcommittee). In 2024, the water table will undertake strategic planning to renew its focus. The First Nations Fisheries Council and the Province form a joint secretariat supporting the water table and its subcommittees. 

How are we working together?
First Nations in B.C. continue to stress the importance of healthy water and watersheds as foundational to all life and livelihoods. To better protect and conserve B.C.’s watersheds, a ‘whole of watershed approach’ is needed where everything within a watershed is considered – from the water and land to the people, plants and animals – and decisions are made, taking each of these elements into account. To uphold and exercise First Nations’ rights meaningfully, B.C. must recognize First Nations’ rights and responsibilities to watersheds and move towards co-development and equal authority in decision-making to protect these ecologically sensitive systems.  A distinctions-based approach forms the basis of consultation and co-operation with First Nations. First Nations and the Province each have goals related to watershed security focused on providing for the current and future generations of B.C. 
For watershed-level projects, WLRS is working in partnership with First Nation(s) and co-developing the products (e.g., water sustainability plan, Water Sustainability Act objectives, shared decision-making framework, etc.) together in a manner that reflects both Western and First Nations ways of knowing and legal traditions. Engagement is typically monthly, although for some projects it may be more frequent. The work with the First Nation on each project is unique and is developed together. As an example of this work, the Xwulqw’selu Watershed Planning Agreement was signed by the Province and Cowichan Tribes on May 12, 2023. Cowichan Tribes was subsequently designated by the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship as the person responsible for developing the Xwulqw’selu (Koksilah) Water Sustainability Plan on December 12, 2023. 
For ongoing work on the provincial-scale Watershed Security Strategy, the Province has taken a ‘multiple pathways’ approach to foster early and sustained dialogue with First Nations. The Province continues to work directly with interested First Nations, including Treaty Nations, to establish enduring and collaborative processes that reflect their distinct rights, histories and interests.  To-date, outreach has included engagement letters to all First Nations in B.C., meetings, webinars, workshops and an open invitation for engagement and co-development of the strategy in ways that meet the needs of First Nations communities. Work to finalize the strategy continues with continued engagement of a broader set of stakeholders.
Because water crosses watersheds, territories and borders, the Province also seeks to work collaboratively through the BC-First Nations Water Table to jointly define, support, implement, and achieve water and watershed security for all people in B.C. The first priority of the water table has been co-development of the Watershed Security Strategy. The water table is now considering its role in strategy implementation. 
Pathways for partnership on strategy implementation between the Province and First Nations, including many historic and Modern Treaty Nations are being built and will support enduring relationships focused on watershed security, stewardship and planning.  
Establishing long-term processes to implement the strategy together supports opportunities to meaningfully uphold and exercise First Nations rights and help move towards co-development and equal authority in decision-making. Long-term processes also support the work needed to move towards healthier and more resilient watersheds through the building of strong collaboration and partnership. All First Nations are and will continue to be invited to work with provincial government staff directly in the manner of their choosing. This approach will continue as work under Action 2.07 continues. 

Are there challenges?
One of the key challenges is having opportunities to work with all First Nations throughout B.C. Not all First Nations have the capacity and interest to participate at the water table or work with the Province directly (i.e. government-to-government) on strategy development and implementation. Some First Nations have expressed that the Province’s timelines often do not allow for their meaningful participation. Additionally, the priorities and interests of some First Nations do not always align with provincial priorities and interests. As the work to develop and implement the Watershed Security Strategy and Action 2.7 more broadly continues, a distinctions-based approach will continue to be used. The Province will continue to improve its approaches to be responsive to the ways of working together with First Nations.
In terms of resourcing, capacity is limited for both First Nations and the Province. The needs and interests around collaboration on Watershed Security Strategy co-development, implementation and water and watershed issues and policy already exceed existing capacity, and they continue to grow. Limited capacity may be an obstacle in moving ahead on strategy implementation and working with First Nations on policy, planning and governance issues more broadly should the interest and need exceed the available capacity. It is likely that priorities will be established and, through working together with First Nations, will be phased to mirror priorities and correspond to available resourcing.

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.
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Year 2

Highlights
Development of the trilateral collaboration on salmon with the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) continues and is building on productive discussions. The FNFC is initiating robust engagement with First Nations in B.C. with the intention of providing information about the initiative and having open communication and dialogue. Part of this dialogue has involved hosting sessions on the trilateral accord at FNFC’s 2024 annual spring assembly and including provincial and federal representatives in discussions with First Nations and their respective organizations. The Province has provided funding to support this work, and FNFC has released a year two annual progress report. The progress report outlines the work completed by FNFC in year two of the trilateral collaboration for salmon initiative. The next steps of the trilateral collaboration on salmon include finalizing a declaration of urgency and a signed trilateral accord. FNFC is working to garner the necessary support from First Nations leadership and determine the appropriate level and type of endorsement for the initiative. More work is required to engage First Nations not directly part of FNFC's network, including Modern Treaty Nations.
The B.C. Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) has been a successful joint initiative with the federal government, delivering funding to projects that support salmon research and protection. BCSRIF is the main avenue for WLRS to fund salmon habitat restoration work. Currently, 97 projects are coming to an end in March 2024, which will finalize the BCSRIF investment of $142.85 million in phase one of BCSRIF. 
In 2022, phase two of BCSRIF was announced with 58 new projects and $86 million in funding committed in December 2023. There are currently no plans for additional intakes for BCSRIF phase two as all funds are allocated to projects already underway or undergoing negotiations. Throughout both phases of BCSRIF, there has been significant involvement of First Nations within projects, with about 40% of projects led by First Nations.

How are we working together?
WLRS consults and engages with FNFC and DFO on a regular basis regarding the trilateral collaboration on salmon. The ministry has an existing MOU and governance structure in place with the FNFC to guide work on joint priorities. In addition, WLRS attends ad-hoc meetings with individual First Nations, Indigenous fisheries organizations (e.g., Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance, Coastal First Nations, Skeena Fisheries Commission etc.) to engage and discuss opportunities for increased collaboration on salmon recovery initiatives.
FNFC has undertaken tier two engagement and is incorporating the results into the process and structure of a pacific salmon trilateral table. Once finalized, the trilateral accord will be signed by each agency.
Through BCSRIF, 29 projects (40%) of the phase two projects that have been funded are being delivered by First Nations, with partnerships being a key component of many other projects. The projects will be undertaken by proponents between now and March 2026.
As reported under Action 2.07, the Watershed Security Strategy is being co-developed with First Nations partners. To date, outreach to First Nations has included engagement letters, meetings, webinars, workshops and an open invitation for engagement and co-development of the strategy in a way that meets individual needs. This approach will continue as work under Action 2.07 continues. Co-development of the Coastal Marine Strategy and consultation has followed a similar process.

Are there challenges?
The Province, DFO and FNFC continue to work together to discuss the trilateral accord, but no agreement has been finalized to date. 
A potential risk to BCSRIF projects is that agreements and negotiations would be unsuccessful before a contribution agreement has been signed, or there would be impacts to the project during the work that precludes the completion of the project, such as the proponent being unable to obtain necessary permits. At this time, no BCSRIF project has been unable to achieve a signed contribution agreement, and future risks are specific to individual projects and proponents.
Agreement has not yet been reached on the full scope of activities to be addressed in the Watershed Security Strategy, and it is unclear if some fundamental aspects within federal jurisdiction (e.g., fisheries management and salmonid enhancement) will be included. This may limit the extent of co-governance advanced within the trilateral accord, and it could raise questions about whether this work will garner sufficient support from First Nations. The initiative will need to ensure all First Nations are provided the opportunity for inclusion in these trilateral salmon discussions. Some First Nations prefer to work independently of the FNFC for matters affecting fish and fisheries, and some Treaty Nations work withing existing Treaty tables and associated committees. B.C. has been clear that all First Nations need equitable engagement and opportunity to participate using a distinctions-based approach to engagement.

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.
Ministry of Forests
Year 2

Highlights
Over the past year the Ministry of Forests (FOR) has worked on multiple initiatives in consultation and co-operation with First Nations, developing policy, regulations and legislation. The Ministry has successfully developed regulations to support Bill 28 (The Forest Amendment Act, 2021), developed regulations to update the Forest and Range Practices Act, and amended legislation to support cultural and prescribed fire, by strengthening compliance and enforcement and authorizing discretion in cutting and road permitting (Bill 41). Ministry staff worked in consultation and co-operation with First Nations on these changes to the regulations and legislation. FOR worked through an iterative process to ensure First Nations perspectives and priorities were considered and incorporated into the legislation as it was developed. The procedures used for consultation and co-operation are ever-evolving and improving to better align with the objectives of the UN Declaration, and to ensure a distinctions-based approach. FOR recognizes that opportunities remain to continue improving this process and looks forward to undertaking that work in collaboration with First Nations, stakeholders and the public.
FOR has worked in partnership with the First Nations Forestry Council (FNFC), through the FNFC/FOR working group, to better understand and deliver the resources and information needed to support First Nations participation in reforming and modernizing forest legislation, regulations and policy, and collectively work towards a shared strategic vision that upholds the rights and objectives of the UN Declaration the Declaration Act.  
After working together in this way, in November 2023, FOR received Royal Assent in the legislature for Bill 41. This bill was inclusive of three of the items identified in the intentions paper as necessary changes to modernize forest policy. 

How are we working together?
FOR has committed to establishing a strong distinctions-based approach to working with First Nations and Indigenous governing bodies to further the goals of collaboration and improved accountability. 
A distinctions-based approach means that the Province’s work with First Nations will be conducted in a manner that acknowledges the specific rights, interests, priorities and concerns of each of over 200 First Nations while respecting and acknowledging these distinct peoples with unique cultures, histories, rights, laws and governments. The importance of engagement through a distinctions-based approach is imperative to reflect a shared strategic vision with First Nations that upholds the rights and objectives of the UN Declaration.

In 2022, FOR and FNFC established a working group to collaboratively identify how best to support First Nations in policy, regulatory and legislative work and to develop tools and pathways to support First Nations rights holders. 
The FNFC/FOR working group meets monthly to discuss current FOR policy initiatives, related to the known interests and concerns of First Nations in British Columbia. At these meetings, FOR reports out on the progress of, and discusses with FNFC, the Action Plan item 2.10 and the work of reforming forest legislation, regulations and policy to reflect a shared strategic vision with First Nations. The working group has also developed resources and has hosted online and in-person events and networking opportunities to support First Nations rights holders to engage in consultation and co-operation on this work.  
Specifically, the working group hosted four in-person events throughout the province in 2023 for First Nations representatives and FOR staff to come together to discuss priority topics. These events were a continuation of the series of four events the FNFC/FOR working group hosted in 2022 and there are plans to continue hosting these events together to create space for discussion and collaboration. These events, and the collaboration with the FNFC, provide FOR staff with opportunities to meet with First Nations representatives in a workshop and networking setting. They provide additional consultation and collaboration opportunities outside of direct government-to-government discussions and engagement with rights holders.
FOR has engaged with over 140 First Nations on topics under modernizing forest policy in British Columbia (the intentions paper), through government-to-government meetings, surveys, facilitated engagement sessions and through written correspondence.
FNFC reports to the First Nations Leadership Council, and through that reporting structure, the work associated with this action is being monitored by the First Nations Leadership Council.

Are there challenges?
Reforming forest legislation, regulations and policy that reflects a shared strategic vision with First Nations and that upholds the rights and objectives of the UN Declaration is an ambitious and significant undertaking. Navigating how to do this effectively takes time to ensure shared efforts foster collaboration and align with collective goals and values. 
Capacity pressures within the Ministry of Forests and amongst First Nations to ensure comprehensive consultation and co-operation are creating challenges in the timely completion of work. Internally, FOR is mitigating this challenge by ensuring that staff have clear processes, training, resources and tools to engage and consult fully with all First Nations in alignment with the Declaration Act. Due to limited resources and capacity, some Nations are challenged to engage in all of the work of FOR in a fulsome way. The high volume of initiatives and work being done limits the amount of engagement each Nation has the capacity to participate in. FOR will continue to monitor and adapt timelines as needed to ensure effective and complete consultation and co-operation, which can be complex and challenging with over 200 First Nations. 
While FOR has a strong working relationship with FNFC, FNFC does not represent Aboriginal rights holders, and FOR staff must ensure they directly contact all First Nations in the manner to which the Province has committed, in order to engage on legislation, regulations and policy work that may have impacts on their territory. Engaging with over 200 First Nations on provincial-level changes is a complex but vital undertaking that can be challenging to effectively deliver. To manage this effectively, FOR staff are being provided with support for engagement planning, as well as the tools and resources needed to allow for full engagement with all First Nations on legislative, regulatory and policy work.

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.
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Year 1

Highlights 
2024 marked the third year of the Indigenous climate resilience forum. This year, 349 participants came together to share and learn about various perspectives, initiatives and insights related to Indigenous climate resilience. Over the three-day virtual forum, 143 B.C. First Nations and 15 Nations outside of B.C. attended the event. In addition, 101 different organizations also attended the event, of which 36 were Indigenous organizations, including 23 First Nations organizations, three Métis organizations, and 10 unspecified Indigenous organizations. Fourteen First Nations communities and Indigenous organizations presented at the forum. This is an increase from the forum held in March 2023, which included 235 people representing 113 First Nations and Indigenous organizations. The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy’s Climate Action Secretariat (CAS) and the B.C. Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) collaborated with the Indigenous climate adaptation working group to host the forum. This year’s event included keynote speaker David Suzuki; Elder and Knowledge Keeper, Shane Pointe; and Youth Witness, Taylor Behn-Tsakoza.
In collaboration with Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative and First Nations Emergency Services Society, the Province launched the Indigenous climate resilience capacity-building pilot project. The $2 million pilot project has been extended to the end of 2024/25. Program design is underway and four regional climate action coordinators have been hired and are being onboarded. The pilot project steering committee, with representatives from Indigenous Climate Adaptation Working Group (ICAWG) and the First Nations Leadership Council – BC Technical Working Group on Climate Change (FNLC-TWG), will provide oversight over the life of the project. In 2023, Minister George Heyman joined ICAWG members (Co-Chair Denni Clement and Judy Wilson) at the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai to talk about the collaboration between the Province and Indigenous Peoples through ICAWG and the pilot. The pilot tests known models (as demonstrated by the CFN-GBI Climate Action Coordinator network) for enhancing Indigenous capacity in climate adaptation and resilience and demonstrates the value of this increased capacity of First Nations from around the province to inform potential future investment. It is intended to support First Nations to pursue their climate adaptation planning and implementation priorities and protect First Nations’ title and rights and their holistic health and well-being from the impacts of climate change. 
The First Nations Leadership Council, with financial assistance from the Province, will support a climate capacity and needs assessment for First Nations. The initiative will identify climate capacity best practices, needs, gaps and challenges within First Nations communities to support and strengthen their capacity and it will be available to First Nations to prepare for and respond to climate change. This assessment will also identify barriers to the implementation of self-determined climate change actions and First Nations participation in provincial decision-making on climate initiatives, and help to develop solutions to those barriers. 
CAS worked with the FNLC-TWG and the ICAWG to collaboratively develop indicators noted below for Action 2.12: 
Appropriate mechanisms or governance structures have been developed to support collaborative implementation of CleanBC and the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy, as well as collaborative prioritization and work planning. The expected outcome is a formal structure for Indigenous advisory/working groups to engage in dialogue, provide strategic advice and ensure the perspectives, knowledge and experience of First Nation/Indigenous rights and title holders are included in development and implementation of climate initiatives.
Collaborative prioritization and work planning with Indigenous advisory/working groups, with the outcome of meaningful engagement and collaboration with advisory/working groups on areas of shared priorities pertaining to CleanBC, the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy, and the First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan; and 
A number of Indigenous partners, First Nations title and rights holders and treaty rights holders meaningfully engaged, with the outcome of broad engagement with Indigenous Peoples on climate initiatives in addition to collaboration with advisory/working groups (e.g. 95 participants from Fall 2022 CleanBC engagement).  

How are we working together?  
CAS meets monthly with the FNLC-TWG and are making progress on the collaborative implementation of CleanBC and CPAS. First Nations rights-holders are also engaged directly on policy and legislation development projects associated with CleanBC and CPAS, in accordance with a distinctions-based approach.  
For example, CAS utilized different approaches for First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations and Métis according to each group’s distinct rights, laws, legal systems and systems of governance during engagement on new policies relating to the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, including: Province-wide net zero target, net zero new industry, output-based pricing system, and the oil and gas emissions cap. First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations were engaged on the policies as rights holders in B.C. Métis Nation BC was included through information sharing but was not engaged as a rights-holder. In 2023, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Forests, CAS continued engagement with First Nations and First Nations organizations that was initiated in 2021 on the B.C. Forest Carbon Offset Protocol (FCOP), also following a distinctions-based approach.  
CAS is working with FNLC-TWG to further improve the provision of consistent information to First Nations on future planned engagements. CAS is also working with FNLC and ministry partners to continue to improve co-ordination, alignment and prioritization on engagement in the climate action space and communicate how First Nations’ input and feedback is used in a way that is more integrated across policy issues.  
The ICAWG comprises people who identify as Indigenous (i.e. have First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit ancestry) and have expertise and/or experience related to climate change adaptation and advancing climate action in their communities and/or as part of their work. CAS meets with ICAWG monthly to discuss matters related to implementation of the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy, including planning the Indigenous Climate Resilience Forum.  

Are there challenges? 
Both the FNLC-TWG and the ICAWG provide valuable input to numerous provincial ministries to ensure consultation and engagement processes and policy/legislative development related to climate change and adaptation are aligned with the Declaration Act. 
CAS has adopted a distinctions-based approach to create engagements tailored for First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations as rights holders and utilize a separate approach to engage with Métis. These tailored approaches were used to engage on the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 policies including: province-wide net zero target, net zero new industry, output-based pricing system, and the oil and gas emissions cap. Concerns have been raised regarding the capacity of First Nations to meaningfully engage in co-development of policies and legislation associated with B.C.’s climate plans, with some expressing a need for additional supports and information when conducting analyses and engaging on more technical matters. CAS has also heard concerns from First Nations about the need to improve the co-ordination of engagements and priorities and provide more clarity on how the Province is integrating feedback from engagement activities, as well as the need for more resources/training to support non-Indigenous staff to effectively action the Declaration Act and engage First Nations in a culturally safe manner.  

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.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Year 2

Highlights
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) is creating processes and technology solutions to track and report on historical road impacts. This provides the opportunity to improve the Province’s relationship with First Nations by increasing transparency and allowing MOTI’s Indigenous relations teams to learn from other negotiations, develop creative solutions, and create a more coordinated approach. MOTI will now be able to track and report on the status of important relationships or historical road impact agreements and highlight benefits for First Nation communities. 
MOTI recognizes that the historical road impact negotiations with First Nations partners are complex, time consuming and can take years to resolve. This new system for storing, tracking and reporting information has a spatial component, which will allow MOTI to understand current and future negotiations so MOTI can plan and resource accordingly. Because this information will now be easily accessible, MOTI can share information transparently, which will help progress negotiations. Currently, MOTI has 59 active negotiations to resolve historical road impacts on reserve, treaty and title land, and 11 projects with a signed agreement in various stages of implementation.

How are we working together?
MOTI meets regularly with First Nations that have active negotiations to resolve historical road impacts on reserve, treaty and title land. These negotiations can include a broader relationship agreement to outline how MOTI and involved First Nations will co-ordinate future discussions related to MOTI activities on reserve, treaty or title land. 
Each negotiation is unique, and with the help of a centrally tracked system, MOTI will be able to share information of ongoing and upcoming negotiations more transparently with First Nations partners. 

Are there challenges?
These complex road impact negotiations require time and resources from both MOTI and First Nations partners. After the implementation of the central tracking system, interests to resolve the historical road impacts on reserve, treaty and title land could increase within negotiations. The new system will create internal efficiencies that will support MOTI staff and resourcing to help meet these demands. MOTI is ensuring that the new system can keep sensitive information related to these negotiations secure and private by utilizing secure platforms and data storage. The release date for the new centralized project management tool will be announced later in 2024. Substantive progress has been made and the cross-government team creating the tool has started rolling out targeted training. Project data will be entered this summer.

2.14
Modernize the Mineral Tenure Act in consultation and co-operation with First Nations and First Nations organizations.
Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation
Year 2

Highlights
The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (EMLI) is committed to working in consultation and co-operation with First Nations and First Nations organizations to modernize the Mineral Tenure Act (MTA). In July 2023, a dedicated MTA Modernization Office was established along with a working group with the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) technical team and First Nations Energy and Mining Council (FNEMC). The working group has focused on co-development of foundational documents for the reform. Engagement with First Nations was initiated in September 2023, and a First Nations Technical Advisory Group was established to support this work in March 2024.  
  
How are we working together?
The Ministry has established tables for government-to-government conversations with nations, a First Nations technical advisory group to provide policy recommendations related to mineral exploration, and a working table with FNLC and the BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council (FNEMC) on the alignment of a new statute with the UN Declaration.

Are there challenges?
While the work to establish a dedicated MTA modernization office was underway, a decision by the B.C. Supreme Court (BCSC) (Gitxaala vs. British Columbia (Chief Gold Commissioner)) in September 2023, found that the Province has a constitutional duty to consult First Nations on mineral claims. The decision was suspended for 18 months to allow time for the Province to design and implement a consultation process for claim staking. 
EMLI is required to undertake the work directed by the BCSC, while simultaneously taking on the broader and transformational work of MTA reform. Differentiating the near-term consultation and co-operation work to develop a consultation standard for claim staking from the broader alignment of the statute with the UN Declaration is complex.
Pre-engagement information sessions in March 2024 identified the degree of broad public interest in the reform, specifically a desire to see focused conversations with various interested groups. EMLI has been responsive to this interest through establishing dedicated engagement opportunities for industry and providing publicly available information on the reform.

Theme 3: Ending Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination
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.
BC Public Service Agency; Ministry of Finance – Crown Agencies and Board Resourcing Office
Year 1

Highlights
In alignment with a distinctions-based approach, the Public Service Agency (PSA) is working with the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations (the Alliance) historic treaty nations, and Métis Nation BC (MNBC) to develop and deliver a learning framework that addresses the learning needs identified in this action item. These partners provide guidance and feedback on the mandatory Indigenous Crown relations essentials e-course (level 1 of 3) content currently under development. 
Co-development of learning with partners is proving successful in two key ways. First, it enables the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples about the history of B.C. to be better integrated. Secondly, the ability to jointly identify learning for BC Public Service (BCPS) employees will improve experiences pf Indigenous Peoples when they interact with the provincial government. 
The timelines for launching the courses have been adjusted to accommodate partner engagement so that the work can be more effective and for the opportunity for meaningful partner participation in course development. The final course content will be made available to Crown Agency boards through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Crown Agency and Board Resourcing Office (CABRO).

How are we working together?
In Spring 2023, with primary partner FNLC, the PSA endorsed a three-level training framework for the BCPS to meet learning requirements outlined in action item 3.01. Between February and July 2023, FNLC and PSA co-developed an instructional design plan for level one mandatory training for all BCPS employees, the Indigenous Crown relations essentials e-course. In August and September 2023, the instructional design plan was shared with the Alliance and MNBC to discuss co-development of companion courses (out of scope to action item 3.01) to supplement the mandatory e-course. In Fall 2023, PSA also met with historic treaty nations, urban coalitions, the BC Association of Friendship Centres and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami to discuss training development to support this action item. 
PSA worked with external subject matter experts on content development for Indigenous Crown relations essentials, which was provided to interested partners in March 2024 for input. Once feedback from partners is received and incorporated to all parties' satisfaction, it is anticipated the pilot activities for this e-course will begin in Spring 2024. 
PSA meets and maintains regular email contact with partners to provide progress updates and seek advice on the companion course approach, followed by emails to share resources and receive feedback. Input from partners is integrated into Indigenous Crown relations essentials content development and/or held for future course development. 
Engagement with First Nations, Métis and Inuit BCPS employees occurs regularly via an Indigenous employee feedback group formed to support PSA's three action items and through the Indigenous employee network. All interested internal and external partners will be invited to participate in the course pilot to validate that the course meets the intended learning outcomes. CABRO has sought feedback through interviews of Indigenous members of Crown agency boards to inform the design and delivery of training to all Crown agency boards.

Are there challenges?
Building capacity within the PSA to lead this work has required an investment of time and resources. Dedicating learning developers, subject matter experts and facilitators is key to ensuring the success of remaining course development and delivery. Given the rapid increase in requests for Indigenous engagement, partner capacity to support continued co-development is a major consideration, though to date it has not been an obstacle to progress on Indigenous Crown relations essentials course development.
There is a risk of not accurately reflecting the diversity of Indigenous Peoples’ experiences in B.C. in course content. The learning required to adequately address action item 3.01 is also vast. These challenges are being mitigated by contracting subject matter experts to revise content and through the creation of companion courses, which supplement the mandatory training in the Indigenous Crown relations essentials e-course. Having companion courses will provide BCPS employees with opportunities to learn more about and better understand distinctions-based approaches to working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in B.C., including urban Indigenous Peoples.
Although timelines have been impacted, steps have been taken to help ensure that course content reflects the perspectives of all partners and that the three-level framework scaffolds learning and guides BCPS employees through foundational and skills-based learning opportunities to meet the intended outcomes of this action item. 

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.
Ministry of Education and Child Care; Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Year 2

Highlights
In August 2023, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) sent a letter to the Ministers of Education and Child Care (ECC) and Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) requesting the initiation of an Indigenous-specific racism review in British Columbia’s K-12 and post-secondary public education sectors. In response to this letter, work on this action has expanded to include a post-secondary review with PSFS. 
An Indigenous-specific racism review of B.C.’s public education sectors has been identified by First Nations leadership and the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) as an integral aspect of reconciliation and an opportunity for truth-telling, in addition to being a health and safety issue. The primary driver of this work is to address systemic racism in the K-12 and post-secondary sectors, following a student-centered approach. The review will take a distinctions-based approach while ensuring the involvement of local First Nations, Treaty Nations and additional Indigenous groups to address Indigenous-specific racism in B.C.’s public education sectors.

How are we working together?
ECC, PSFS, FNESC, and FNLC met in October and November 2023 to initiate discussion about timelines, a workplan and expectations for an Indigenous-specific racism review in the K-12 and post-secondary education sectors. A technical table has been formed with these partners to co-develop a terms of reference and a workplan for moving forward. MNBC has been informed of upcoming engagement on this work.  

Are there challenges?
Initiating this work requires significant staffing, capacity and engagement between multiple ministries and partners, which would require significant funding to support the work.

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.
Ministry of Education and Child Care
Year 1

Highlights
The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) implemented a new graduation requirement in the 2023/24 school year to ensure all students complete Indigenous-focused coursework before they graduate from British Columbia’s K-12 education system. The new requirement will impact approximately 40,000 students graduating this school year.

How are we working together?
ECC engaged with First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) to co-develop resources in support of the graduation requirement. With the support of ECC, FNESC offered a number of professional development sessions to support the effective implementation of this initiative. 

Are there challenges?
Risks and obstacles have been overcome; the work is complete.  Previous challenges related to communications, specifically around building awareness and understanding of the importance of the new graduation requirement among teachers and school staff, students, families and the general public; and providing classroom teachers with access to resources and professional development opportunities to build their competence and confidence in delivering the provincial courses that meet the new requirement.

3.06
Introduce anti-racism legislation that addresses Indigenous-specific racism.
Ministry of Attorney General
Year 2

Highlights
In follow-up to the Anti-Racism Data Act, tabled in June 2022, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations (the Alliance), BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) and Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) were consulted and engaged in 2023-24 to gather thoughts on the new broader anti-racism legislation and explore how government could address systemic racism within its programs and services. 
A collection of in-depth what we heard reports was received. A report from the FNLC shared the key conditions and expectations of First Nations in B.C. with respect to the anti-racism legislation. A report from the Alliance included the Modern Treaty Nations’ collective interests in the legislation. MNBC provided a report with extensive recommendations for the Province to implement through legislation, policies, programs and funding. These three reports were shared publicly online at [antiracism.gov.bc.ca/history/what-they-heard-reports/] in March 2024. Including consultation and engagement with FNLC, the Alliance, BCAAFC and MNBC, more than 7,000 people from across B.C. shared their input on the anti-racism legislation in 2023 through a public online questionnaire and over 200 community-led sessions.
The anti-racism legislation was introduced and became law in the Spring 2024 legislative session.

How are we working together?
The policy and engagement teams continue to collaborate with First Nations and Métis partners using a distinctions-based approach to co-develop the anti-racism legislation. Regular co-development and follow-up meetings were hosted from January 2023 to March 2024. Meeting materials such as policy framework, policy backgrounder and drafted legislation documents have been shared prior to the meetings to ensure meaningful participation. The feedback received was incorporated and an echo meeting with each of FNLC, the Alliance, BCAAFC and MNBC was organized to allow for opportunity for review of feedback incorporated. Consultation and co-operation are ongoing for this legislative initiative.		

Are there challenges?
To ensure proper application of a distinctions-based approach in the development of the anti-racism legislation, the team worked closely with the Declaration Act Secretariat to confirm alignment with cabinet-endorsed approaches. While the legislation has been co-developed with regular consultations with First Nations and Métis partners, the team engaged and sought feedback from the Declaration Act Secretariat and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres to ensure voices from Indigenous individuals who live far from their home community were also included in the legislation’s development.

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.
Ministry of Health
Year 1

Highlights
The Ministry of Health’s In Plain Sight (IPS) task team, which included representation from the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Métis Nation BC, provincial health authorities and other ministries and health system partners, created to fulfill the obligations of recommendation #24 of the report In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care, concluded their 24-month mandate. The 24-month IPS task team report was publicly released in October 2023.
Monitoring of progress towards full implementation of the IPS recommendations will now happen under Action 3.7, which includes annual reporting to ensure accountability.
The task team members’ knowledge, experience and wisdom have achieved considerable progress on the recommendations and have laid the groundwork with the necessary partners, organizations, and teams to ensure that this collaborative work continues to move forward. The Province recognizes that some of this work will take several years to complete, for example, including new or amended legislation. Some of the significant advances that have been seen within this past year include: 
1) Recommendation 1: Health sector collective agreements ratified for 2022-25 (with the Facilities Bargaining Association, the Health Science Professional Bargaining Association, Resident Doctors of BC, the Ambulance Paramedics and Ambulance Dispatchers Bargaining Association, the Community Bargaining Association, and the Nurses Bargaining Association) and the Physician Master Agreement include new provisions to address systemic racism and cultural safety and humility. The new language is a vital first step in creating lasting change by confronting Indigenous-specific racism, promoting cultural safety, identifying and removing collective agreement barriers, and increasing representation of Indigenous employees in the health system. The new provisions include cultural leave and addressing the recruitment and retention of Indigenous employees.
2) Recommendation 2:  In June 2023, the provincial government provided significant support with changes such as the inclusion of all health authority employees under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, which makes it easier to denounce racism and discrimination by supporting witnesses to speak up when they see wrong being done. 
3) Recommendation 23: The Province’s prospective new medical school at Simon Fraser University will set a new direction by embedding Indigenous knowledge systems in learning, research and practices of healing into the curriculum. 
4) Recommendation 22: The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) launched its anti-racism strategy in April 2023 with additional resources for teachers. For the 2023/24 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 course work.

How are we working together?
The various elements of the recommendations require different approaches for consultation and co-operation depending on who is leading the implementation and who the key partners are. Partnership with Indigenous organizations, leaders and communities across the province primarily include FNHA, MNBC, FNHC, regional partnership tables and the FNLC.  Some recommendations are being pursued primarily through partnerships and actions from health authorities.  The approach that each health authority is taking on implementation can be driven by their relationships with FNHA, MNBC and regional Indigenous leaders and governing bodies, and while there are significant alignments across the province, each region can have a unique structure and processes that work in that regional context. There are also regular working meetings with the VPs of Indigenous health from across the health authorities as well as regular meetings with MNBC and FNHA. The Ministry of Health continues to observe and learn from the consultation and co-operation pathways that other projects and ministries are following in addition to the guidance provided by the Declaration Act Secretariat, FNHC and MNBC. The Ministry has identified a need to consider Modern Treaty Nations and their unique status as treaty rights holders, as well as urban Indigenous organizations, Elders, youth and Indigenous Peoples with disabilities, in the work ahead.

Are there challenges?
The greatest risks to full implementation in a timely manner are: 1) competing priorities and pressures across the health system and within Indigenous organizations and communities; and 2) finite capacity and resourcing across government and Indigenous governing bodies for meaningful engagement and partnerships. There is recognition that Indigenous organizations and communities and government have finite capacity and multiple competing priorities and crises to manage particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change issues (i.e. wildfires, floods, etc.).

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.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General; Ministry of Attorney General; Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
Year 2

Highlights
At the end of the 2023/24 reporting cycle, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General was preparing to introduce the first phase of Police Act legislative amendments, which are focused on municipal police governance and oversight, and represent an interim step towards longer-term and broader legislative modernization. The bill includes over 80 amended sections and 40 new sections, as well as numerous consequential amendments to 22 other provincial statutes. By March 2024, the ministry had distributed grants to support community-led engagement with diverse and intersectional British Columbians and provided capacity funding to First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations for co-development of policing policy during the second phase of legislative work.
Beginning in February 2024, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions initiated an engagement process to discuss Indigenous-led mental health crisis response services.
As a complement to these policing and mental health policy reform efforts, in July 2023 the Province announced the locations for three new peer assisted care teams and nine new mobile integrated crisis response teams. Six of the new mobile integrated crisis response teams were launched between October 2023 and January 2024. 
A total of $1.536 million in funding was provided by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in 2023/24 to interested First Nations (all 200+ First Nations and Métis Nation BC were invited to apply), the First Nations Leadership Council, the BC First Nations Justice Council and community organizations, to support capacity and engagement for the second phase of policing policy co-development. This amount included 37 community-led engagement grants totaling $0.350 million, including five engagement grants for urban Indigenous-serving organizations totaling $0.050 million; and capacity funding for over 50 First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations and leadership organizations totaling $1.186 million.
Three peer assisted care teams are currently operational in the North Shore, New Westminster and Victoria. Three additional peer assisted care teams are in the process of being implemented in the Comox Valley, Kamloops and Prince George. Seven mobile integrated crisis response teams are currently operational in Abbotsford, Port Coquitlam/Coquitlam, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Penticton, Vernon and the West Shore. Two additional mobile integrated crisis response teams are in the process of being implemented in Squamish and Prince Rupert. 

How are we working together?
The new policing and oversight legislation will be co-developed with interested First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations and Indigenous leadership organizations such as the BC First Nations Justice Council. Capacity funding is available to support this work. A draft consultation and co-operation plan has been developed to ensure meaningful co-development at each stage of the policy and legislation development process.  
Robust engagement with First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations is underway with support from Deloitte’s Nation building advisory services team. Eight in-person regional sessions took place in March 2024. Over 20 virtual and in-person sessions are scheduled to take place over the summer of 2024 focused on co-developing policy that will become the foundation of new policing and police oversight legislation. The ministry is also meeting with First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations who wish to participate in government-to-government meetings outside of the consultation sessions.  
The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions is working with Mahihkan Management to conduct engagement on Indigenous-led crisis response. Mahihkan Management has conducted 10 Indigenous engagement sessions throughout the province in both in-person and virtual formats, with two more sessions to come. Engagement sessions were open to all Indigenous Peoples in B.C., including First Nations, Métis and Inuit. Mahihkan Management is also offering an engagement survey for those who wish to contribute in a written format. These engagements will inform potential development of Indigenous-led mental health crisis response models in B.C. 

Are there challenges?
Due to the scale and complexity of co-developing new policing and police oversight policy and legislation, significant capacity, time, and efforts are required of First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations and Indigenous leadership organizations to meaningfully participate in the co-development process. For this process to be effective, partners are required to arrive at a shared understanding of the policy and legislation co-development process and there is limited experience and best practice available to partner groups, the ministry and within government in general.  
Capacity and resources also need to be secured to plan for and implement the reformed policing policies and programs once new legislation has been enacted, which could include but is not limited to the creation of new police oversight and training models.  
Given the scale, complexity and funding implications associated with this initiative, some reforms desired by partners may need to be prioritized over others to ensure meaningful progress can be made in the key areas.  Staffing numbers and experience, in addition to partner capacity, remain key considerations in the successful completion of policing policy reforms. 
To effectively implement new mobile integrated crisis response teams, health authorities and the RCMP must determine roles and responsibilities. 

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.
Ministry of Attorney General; Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Year 1

Highlights
In June 2023, a new Indigenous Justice Centre (IJC) opened in Chilliwack.  IJCs provide culturally appropriate information, advice, supports and representation for all Indigenous Peoples involved in the justice system for both criminal and child-protection matters. IJCs aim to address the circumstances that may have led to the offences in the first place and ensure that needs, such as housing, mental health and addictions treatment and employment services are addressed. There are already IJCs operating in Prince George, Prince Rupert, Merritt and a virtual IJC. As part of the Safer Communities Action Plan, a further five IJCs opened in Victoria, Vancouver, Surrey, Kelowna and Nanaimo in late 2023 and early 2024. Six more IJCs plan to be opened by the end of fiscal year 2024/2025. 
On April 1, 2021, the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) took on delivery of Gladue Services from Legal Aid BC for all Indigenous Peoples in B.C. Since that time, the volume of Gladue report requests has increased to over 500 in 2023/24. A Gladue report is a report prepared for sentencing, bail, appeals, long term offenders hearings, dangerous offenders hearings or parole hearings that provide the court with comprehensive information on the offender, their community, and their family as well as a healing and restorative justice plan as an alternative to prison time. Under BCFNJC’s leadership, the program transitioned to a staff writer model from what was previously a contracted writer model.

How are we working together?
In developing the strategy, BCFNJC consulted with First Nations leadership over numerous meetings and summits. Consultation with First Nations communities continues when needed to execute strategies that operate at the community level. Consultation with communities occurred over the fall of 2023 regarding the Indigenous Women's Justice Plan, the Indigenous Youth Justice Plan, transition of legal aid services for Indigenous Peoples, and identification of future Indigenous Justice Centre locations. B.C., BCFNJC and the federal government host a tripartite leadership circle, and an annual tripartite ministers' meeting.

Are there challenges?
The implementation workplan was endorsed in 2021, and both BCFNJC and the Province are advancing work on individual strategies while awaiting funding for full implementation.  

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.
Ministry of Attorney General; Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Year 1

Highlights
The Province and Métis Nation BC (MNBC) continued negotiations and engagement on the Métis Justice Strategy throughout 2023-24. The Province deferred making an endorsement decision in summer 2023 and continued engagement with MNBC through fall-winter 2023/24. The Province is now working towards endorsement of the Métis Justice Strategy during fiscal 2024/25.

How are we working together?
Métis Nation BC completed consultation with Métis people through their Chartered Communities on the development of the Métis Justice Strategy in 2019. Additional consultation will be completed as required during the implementation of each recommendation in the Métis Justice Strategy.

Are there challenges?
Financial constraints have limited MNBC's capacity throughout engagement and negotiations. The Province continued engagement with MNBC through fall-winter 2023/24, which consisted of several series of engagements and negotiations to finalize the Métis Justice Strategy. The Province is now working towards endorsement of the Métis Justice Strategy during fiscal 2024/25.

Theme 4: Social, Cultural and Economic Well-Being
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.
Ministry of Education and Child Care
Year 1

Highlights
The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) releases the Aboriginal: How Are We Doing? Report annually. For the second year, superintendents of each of the 60 school districts received letters with district-level reports that also highlighted the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) as a key indicator for literacy and numeracy. ECC acknowledges the importance of mechanisms such as the FSA to maintain accountability in school districts for improving outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students throughout the province. 
School districts are required to report FSA results through the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning, and ECC will continue to collaborate and support school districts to improve outcomes for Indigenous learners within their strategic planning, collaborating with First Nations, Métis Chartered Communities and key stakeholders through the process.

How are we working together?
Engagement with First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), B.C. Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) and Métis Nation B.C. (MNBC) is required to address the broader scope of this action and increase participation in FSAs to support improved literacy and numeracy outcomes. Measures for addressing literacy and numeracy assessment results are included within discussions at the Advisory Group on Provincial Assessment III (AGPA III), which includes FNESC and MNBC. Bilateral conversations between ECC and FNESC are also happening on assessment system topics.

Are there challenges?
ECC and partner capacity to fully implement this action is a challenge. The student outcomes published in the annual Aboriginal: How Are We Doing? Report demonstrate that there are persistent gaps in the results between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, highlighting the need for the public school system to better support all Indigenous learners.	

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.
Ministry of Education and Child Care; Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Year 2

Highlights
The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC), Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS), First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA) have formed a working group that is co-developing initiatives to support the training, recruitment and retention of First Nations teachers. This includes engaging with public school districts to better understand their human resources practices to attract, recruit and retain First Nations teachers and hearing directly from First Nations teachers about their experiences.   
A research and engagement project on First Nations teachers recruitment and retention included a survey to all 60 public school districts on their use of special programs under B.C.'s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner; conduct interviews and focus groups in 10 to 15 school districts with 1)  HR representatives to gain insights on local practices to attract, recruit, and retain First Nations Teachers, and 2) First Nations teachers to hear directly from them about their experiences working in the K-12 public education system. 

How are we working together?
A working group with FNESC/IAHLA, ECC and PSFS has been established to identify priorities and co-develop strategies for First Nations teacher training, recruitment and retention. The working group meets monthly.
ECC is engaging with MNBC, as part of the development of a broader K-12 workforce strategy, to identify priorities and actions specific to Métis teacher recruitment and retention.
ECC, PSFS, and FNESC are also engaging with existing teacher education programs, the Association of B.C. Deans of Education and First Nations communities to develop and implement a plan to support community-based teacher education programs.
A sub-working group has been convened for the collaborative development and implementation of a plan that supports community-based Teacher Education Program (TEP), including identification of First Nations communities with student cohorts, partner public post-secondary institutions and TEP delivery model.

Are there challenges?
An agreement on a meeting schedule, an established working group with roles and responsibilities, and a work plan have been developed to mitigate capacity challenges.
A sub-working group is being established to develop an implementation plan to support community-based teacher education programs to address Indigenous learner attrition.

4.03
Co-develop and implement a framework for the involvement of Indigenous Education Councils in school district financial planning and reporting.
Ministry of Education and Child Care
Year 1

Highlights
The passing of Bill 40, the School Amendment Act, on November 8, 2023, introduces a provincial requirement for Indigenous Education Councils in every school district to advise boards on improving achievement of Indigenous students, provide advice on, and approve the board’s spending plans and reports in relation to Indigenous Education Targeted Funds. These changes will support better education outcomes and attendance for First Nation and other Indigenous students attending provincial public schools, and more effective relationships between boards of education and First Nations.

Co-development of terms of reference to be set out in a Ministerial Order and an Indigenous education council policy is underway with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC). The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) is also consulting with Modern Treaty Nations and engaging with Métis Nation BC (MNBC).

How are we working together?
ECC and FNESC have had meetings approximately monthly, or more often, since May 2022 to develop the Indigenous education council policy. ECC has also been meeting with First Nations rightsholders on the proposed policy since February 2023. Engagement on the policy with MNBC is also underway.

Are there challenges?
Organizational capacity and competing priorities for all parties impact the ability to meet projected timelines.

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.
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Year 1

ACTION COMPLETE
Highlights
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (TACS) and the sport branch celebrate the many achievements of the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (ISPARC) from 2023-24. TACS is proud to provide $1.4 million in annual funding to ISPARC, which has had a great impact on B.C.'s Indigenous sport landscape. The additional $3.6 million provided to ISPARC in 2022 for the RISE grant program continues to create opportunities for Indigenous youth in and from care to participate in sport, physical activity, recreation and cultural activities. Highlights of ISPARC's 2023-24 programming include:
* 118 youth athletes, coaches and official development camps and five programs facilitated, reaching 5,581 participants (interim 2023-24 data).
* Over 500 athletes, coaches, Elders and mission staff sent to the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). This is not only an opportunity for Indigenous youth to participate in their sport but also an opportunity to connect with their culture. The NAIG was recently hosted in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Dartmouth, Millbrook First Nation, and Sipekne’katik from July 15-23, 2023. Team BC secured an impressive 159 total medals (53 gold, 62 silver and 44 bronze) across 14 sports, earning second place in overall team standings. 
* 139 Indigenous youth participated in selection camps for the 2023 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC). ISPARC sent two teams to NAHC to represent Team BC, each comprised of 20 athletes, four alternates and five staff. The U18 female team placed fourth in the tournament and the U18 male team finished third. The 2024 NAHC will be hosted by Grand Prairie, Alberta from May 5-11, 2024.
* Secured hosting rights for the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (to be hosted by the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc in partnership with the City of Kamloops). The Sport branch is supporting the execution of the event with $80,000 from the major sport event hosting program. 
* At the interim point of 2023-24, ISPARC has funded 268 individual RISE grant applications, amounting to $152,140, and 15 organizational RISE grant applications, amounting to $126,375.
* ISPARC delivered three pilot cultural safety training workshops with the BC Games Society, the sport branch from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and viaSport, reaching over 60 participants. These pilots were an important step in finetuning the training prior to delivering training to provincial and disability sport organizations.
* 28 youth participated in the Aboriginal Youth FIRST provincial camp from August 28 to September 4, 2023. In total, 87 certifications were achieved at the camp in activities like lifesaving, first aid, scuba diving and dry suit diving.
* ISPARC received 126 applications across six regions for the Premier's Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport. The Premier's Awards recognizes both excellence in performance sport and leadership qualities of Indigenous youth athletes throughout the province. From 126 applications, 33 individuals were selected as regional recipients of the award, and 10 of those individuals were selected as provincial recipients of the Premier's Award.

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.
Ministry of Health
Year 1

Highlights
The Ministry of Health is advancing the planning and implementation of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and First Nations-led Primary Care Centres (FNPCCs) across the province, involving First Nations and Métis partnerships that are reflective of the local communities and regions they will serve. As of March 2024, 79 of 103 planned PCNs have launched (77%) and eight of 15 FNPCCs are approved or in approval (53%).
The ministry worked with First Nations and Métis partners to collect feedback on the planning and implementation of cultural safety and humility activities and learning occurring in PCNs and FNPCCs. Indigenous-led and determined indicators of progress and outcomes will be developed moving forward. Provision of physician services through locum work within First Nations communities is also progressing, as is work to ensure that First Nations and Métis representatives are included within PCN governance structures and at planning and steering committee tables.
Eight FNPCCs have been approved; three FNPCCs (Lu'ma Medical Centre, All Nations Healing House and, most recently, Éyameth) are already active, and the other five (Fraser West, Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en, Northern Nations Wellness Centre, Nuu-chah-nulth, Dak'elh, and Fraser West) are planned for phased opening in 2024/2025. The Lu'ma and All Nations Healing House FNPCCs had 15,067 patient visits in FY2023/24. 
Local community PCNs are engaging with First Nations and Métis health-serving organizations in service plan development and implementation. Representatives from each are part of the PCN planning and steering committees and are active in PCN governance, including serving as committee co-chairs. 
As of January 2024, the Ministry of Health committed $7.3 million in annualized funding for 71.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) Elders and traditional wellness supports for First Nations communities. These FTEs are based in PCNs or at Community Health Centres (CHCs), and 38.8 of the 71.5 FTEs have been hired and are supporting culturally safe team-based primary care delivery. 
A total of 121.65 team-based care FTEs (82.5 FTEs funded by the Ministry of Health and 39.15 FTEs funded by FNHA) has been committed to the First Nations-led Primary Care Initiative (FNPCI). Once operationalized, they will serve up to 14,950 new patients across all approved FNPCCs.  	
As of January 2024, the three active FNPCCs (Lu’ma, All Nations Healing House, and Éyameth) have recruited 26.1 out of 39.5 planned FTEs (66%).

How are we working together?
FNPCCs are created in partnership between the Ministry of Health, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and local First Nations to provide culturally safe care to First Nations people living in B.C. For the guidelines and protocols advisory committee, a permanent committee representative from the Chief Medical Office at the FNHA was added in 2020.
 In response to the In Plain Sight report, the Ministry and FNHA collectively established a provincial working group on Indigenous cultural safety and humility in primary and community care, with Indigenous and non-Indigenous members representing clinical committees, professional practice organizations, regional health authorities and Indigenous health and wellness organizations. 
The cultural safety and humility standard implementation plan outlines four pillars through which the standard will be operationalized in the ministry including (a) shared accountability, (b) portfolio management, (c) change management and (d) budget and resource management. A robust implementation plan will enable successful and accountable delivery of objectives and key results (OKRs). OKRs help identify, measure and achieve culturally safe systems and services that better respond to the health and wellness priorities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit and their communities regardless of where they are located. 

Are there challenges?
PCNs and FNPCCs have experienced service planning delays due to health human resource shortages across the province, significantly impacting progress in some regions. Additionally, growing patient attachment gaps are commonly outpacing physician and nurse practitioner recruitment in First Nations communities. 	

PCNs and FNPCCs have experienced risks due to the limited availability of capital funding. This impacts progress of regional service planning as they look for space and facilities to provide health services to the communities. 

Obstacles to progress on PCN and FNPCC implementation relate to physician compensation issues and PCN governance structures. Actions are being taken to address these issues through the Ministry of Health’s health sector workforce and beneficiary services division and the primary care division, which are working with impacted communities, refreshed primary care strategy compensation models, and a refreshed approach to restructuring PCN governance.

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.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
Year 2

Highlights
A wide variety of innovative and meaningful partnerships, programs and initiatives that are underway or have been completed are contributing to the advancement of this action. The following examples demonstrate progress made during the 2023/24 reporting year. 
The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (PSSG) procured 70 new sexual assault services programs across B.C., 18 of which are Indigenous-focused. PSSG also procured five sexual assault centres located in Victoria, Vancouver, Surrey, Kamloops and Prince George, which provide wraparound services to survivors of sexual assault, including trauma-informed spaces for police interviews and medical forensic examinations, among other available services, 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, PSSG is enhancing the Indian Residential School Survivor Society's existing crisis line, which provides support to Indian residential school survivors and intergenerational survivors, as well as support for families impacted by missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The crisis line is being enhanced to provide province-wide and specialized gender-based violence response including risk assessment and immediate safety planning and addressing the unique needs of Indigenous survivors of gender-based violence.
A traditional Indigenous games curriculum was developed by a contracted service provider in collaboration with community Elders. This project was funded by PSSG and piloted in interior region First Nation communities and schools to help communities explore the relationship between traditional gambling practice, destigmatizing gambling, and integrating wholistic wellness and community connections through play.
The 2023-24 reporting cycle also saw the introduction of three new peer assisted care teams in B.C., and seven new mobile integrated crisis response teams.  These are described in detail in Action 3.11
Urgent homelessness response planning is complete and services are operating. The regional health authorities continue to engage with First Nation communities and regional partners on specific programs. 
The enhanced health in supportive housing program is in the early stages of planning. The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Métis Nation BC (MNBC) are engaged to inform implementation and ensure regional programs include appropriate elements to support First Nation and Métis clients. Regional health authorities will be required to incorporate traditional wellness supports into their program designs, in collaboration with First Nation and Métis partners. 
The Ministry of Health is working with the FNHA to develop an implementation plan to deliver traditional wellness supports to First Nations supported rent supplement program clients. This work is being informed by detailed engagement and implementation planning provided by the regional health authorities.

How are we working together?
The broad scope of this action has led to varying approaches to engagement, with the respect and recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems being a key element of all the approaches.
The engagement approaches are largely distinction-based. For example, the Ministry of Health is engaging with the FNHA and MNBC provincial directors of mental health and harm reduction separately to discuss how implementation planning may differ for First Nation and Métis clients on integrated support framework initiatives.
Broad consultation is often required on initiatives within this action, as is the case with First Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous engagement to inform complex care housing (CCH) projects. The Aboriginal Housing Management Association and Ktunaxa Nation are leading CCH projects, and Nuxalk First Nation, Tla’amin Nation, Kekinow Native Housing Society and Lu’ma Native Housing Society have partnered with regional health authorities to co-lead CCH projects. 
Since May 2023, there have been ongoing engagements with First Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous organizations to inform new purpose-built CCH housing units. In addition, the CCH policy advisory committee includes representatives from the FNHA, MNBC and the Aboriginal Housing Management Association. Engagements have taken place with:
* Organizations that are planning or delivering CCH services; 
* BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres; 
* First Nations Housing and Infrastructure Council; 
* All Nations Outreach Society; 
* Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre Society;
* Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services Society; 
* Aboriginal Mother Centre Society; 
* Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre; 
* Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee; 
* Cariboo Friendship Society; 
* Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness; 
* Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services; 
* New Relationship Trust; and
* Fraser Salish First Nations.

For other initiatives within this action, engagement has been more targeted. For example, PSSG focused their engagement with Indigenous experts on the procurement process for the new sexual assault services programs, and with the Indian Residential School Survivor Society on the expansion of their crisis line.

Are there challenges?
Risks to fully implementing this action include the following:
* Strategic prioritization within and across the ministries will be required to optimize engagement and implementation capacity for this action;
* First Nations and Indigenous leadership organizations will need to prioritize and optimize their engagement capacity to partner in moving the action forward;
* Possible barriers within policy and legislation to advance the innovative approaches required by the action; 
* Difficulty securing Indigenous service providers for some projects; and
* The ability to develop meaningful performance indicators in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous partners for the whole of this action, while respecting the diversity of partnerships, programs, and initiatives to advance it.

Staff recruitment continues to be a challenge for all CCH projects. Partners are expanding services as staff are hired and trained and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions is monitoring risks to implementation and operations.
Online gambling, specifically federally approved single event sports betting, has resulted in an increased risk of gambling harms. GamblingSupportBC, which provides prevention and clinical services to those suffering gambling harms has seen an over 80% increase in referrals in the last three years. Clinical services, including resources available for Indigenous-specific services, may be impacted by this increased demand. Priority deliverables will be to engage with First Nations and Métis Chartered Communities to determine appropriate services and service delivery.
 
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.
Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions; Ministry of Attorney General; Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Year 1

Highlights
Prescribed alternatives to the toxic supply (formerly termed ‘prescribed safer supply’) and other harm reduction efforts are part of a comprehensive package of health sector interventions to address the toxic drug crisis and function to provide life-saving interventions. As of December 2023, there are 50 overdose prevention services (OPS) and supervised consumption services (SCS) sites across all health regions, including 24 sites offering inhalation services. In 2023, three new OPS/SCS sites opened, and six sites added inhalation services. 
Prescribers are able to offer prescribed alternatives according to BC Centre on Substance Use clinical guidance and protocols. Two prescribed alternatives protocols were published in August 2023, Fentanyl tablet (Fentora) and Sufentanil protocols. These documents support prescribers with standardized clinical protocols for the provision of prescribed alternatives to reduce reliance on the toxic drug supply.
The Province has also implemented an enhanced prescribed alternatives evaluation and monitoring framework under which, external contracted scientists are leading a provincial evaluation of the prescribed alternatives policy until March 2026. 
$4 million allocated to the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) to provide harm reduction grant funding to First Nations communities, First Nations health service organizations and friendship centres to lead work in community; $236.42 million over three years provided in Budget 2023 to increase services for young people, which includes funding specifically for Indigenous youth. 
Funding program in development for Indigenous treatment, recovery, and aftercare services fund, $171.08 million (over three years). This includes $7 million in 2024-25 for the Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre in Lantzville, which will be the first in the province to offer detox services, specifically for Indigenous youth. The centre will provide 20 substance-use treatment beds that offer culturally informed care to Indigenous people aged 12 to 18 years. 
Through a provincial investment of $73 million over three years in 2023, the Canadian Mental Health Association BC (CMHA-BC) launched a grant process that has funded a total of 180 substance use treatment and recovery beds, nearly double the Budget 2023 commitment to 100 beds. These beds will be added across the province over the next several months with 97 already open and serving clients as of January 2024. This funding also extends the operations of 105 existing CMHA-BC administered beds to the end of 2027. Together, the 285 beds provide quality treatment and recovery care and services with no out-of-pocket fees for people struggling with addiction challenges. People can be referred from their health-care professional or other organizations. Self-referrals are also accepted. Service providers prioritize clients based on the unique needs of their community, with a focus on expanding services for underserved populations such as those in rural and remote areas, Indigenous People, people who are or have been involved with the criminal justice system and new or pregnant parents.
Progress towards the development of tripartite MOU funded Indigenous-led treatment centres continues to be made. In January 2024, the Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society Helping House Treatment Centre in Duncan, B.C. became operational and began client intake.
In the first six months of decriminalization, there was a 76% decrease in drug possession offences and a 97% decrease of possession related drug seizures under the 2.5g threshold from the past four-year average during the same period from February to July. Reducing criminal offences of people who use drugs aims to shift people who use drugs away from the criminal justice system and towards health and social supports. 
As a part of decriminalization, B.C. funded new navigator positions in the FNHA including two decriminalization ‘project managers/navigators’ to support First Nations communities in their implementation of decriminalization, engage with First Nations on decriminalization and broader harm reduction work, address emerging issues and support liaison with law enforcement. B.C. also funded five FNHA proactive outreach positions, one for each FNHA region. These roles support more local, community-level coordination and connections to care. As of November 1, 2023, 79% of RCMP officers and 98% of municipal officers have completed phase one training meant to support implementation of decriminalization. Overall compliance for frontline officers is at 88%. In September 2023, phase two police training, a health-based approach to drug possession in British Columbia, was launched.
$1 million over two years has been allocated in Budget 2023 through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (PSSG) until 2025 for building relationships in collaboration (BRIC) grants to support First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous organizations to self-determine how best to work with police to implement decriminalization and shifts to approaching substance use as a health issue at the community-level. The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions (MMHA) and PSSG has allocated $500,000 of this funding to recipients of the 2023-24 funding period. 

How are we working together?
MMHA continues to collaborate and engage with First Nations, Métis, and urban Indigenous organizations on this action and throughout its varying components. Specific efforts, engagements and partners include: 
* Continued development of prescribed alternatives program and harm reduction initiatives being pursued through planning tables, oversight committees, working groups and engagement workshops; 
* Dialogue sessions hosted as part of prescribed safer supply service delivery framework engagement that included representatives from FNHA, MNBC and BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC); 
* Overdose Emergency Response Centre (OERC) and FNHA work to understand needs related to overdose prevention services (OPS); 
* Implementing Community Action Teams (CATs) to respond to the toxic drug crisis;
* FNHA is a key partner in supporting harm reduction-related toxic drug crisis response and participates in regional response team meetings; 
* Regular meetings and working directly with the FNHA to co-develop a culturally safe and specific service mapping process with First Nations; 
* The FNHA facilitates connections between the services mapping team and community on data collection protocols. An Indigenous consultant will conduct on-site consultations in each FNHA region;
* Provincial child and youth wellness framework development, including regional engagement with First Nations individuals and monthly discussion with MNBC, FNHA and BCAAFC; 
* First Nations and Métis advisory table to inform provincial child and youth wellness framework; 
* Engagement on development of Indigenous funding envelope includes FNHA, MNBC, First Nations and VPs of indigenous health within health authorities;
* The Canadian Mental Health Association BC (CMHA-BC) expansion grant was developed in partnership with the FNHA to ensure that prospective applicants demonstrated how they were supporting Indigenous clients to access culture-based services, that were non-discriminatory and anti-racist;
* In addition to developing the grant, the FNHA and MNBC were part of the applicant review panel and decision-making process. In partnership with the Province, the FNHA and MNBC conducted and completed a rigorous process of selecting service operators to administer all 180 beds. The application design and adjudication process was done in full partnership with the FNHA. This included review of application requirements, particularly those relating to ensuring that successful applicants could demonstrate how their service and programs support Indigenous clients to access culture-based services. Applicants were also required to demonstrate how their policies and procedures foster an environment that is non-discriminatory and anti-racist;
* Decriminalization core planning table (MNBC, FNHA, FNJC). FNJC is a member of the law enforcement implementation working group;
* Co-developing the building relationships in collaboration (BRIC) Grants and participating in grants committee (FNHA, FNJC, MNBC).
Are there challenges?
Prescribed alternatives/harm reduction: partner capacity to engage with multiple streams of work at varying touchpoints may impact depth of engagement achieved. Mitigation sought via close communication with key Indigenous partners supporting the streams of work.
Substance use policy: Condensed timeline to deliver preliminary substance use service inventory; however, co-designing the process with the First Nations Health Authority has allowed all partners to establish realistic goals and expectations while still achieving project deliverables.
Decriminalization: Disaggregated data is needed to fully evaluate the equity impacts of decriminalization for Indigenous Peoples. The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions continues to work with all partners to improve access to disaggregated data.
Local governments and police agencies have raised concerns about challenges with managing public drug use in the context of decriminalization. In response, the Province passed Bill 34, The Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act. However, the Act was subject to a court challenge and injunction. 
While the Act is before the courts, the Province began working with Health Canada on an update to B.C.’s s.56 exemption to prohibit public drug use, which was granted on May 7, 2024. 

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 Framework15 to ensure access for all Indigenous Peoples to immediate and culturally safe and relevant care closer to home.
Ministry of Health; Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
Year 1

Highlights
Approved funding for real-time virtual support services in 2023/24 supported physicians and other health care providers to provide culturally safe virtual primary care services, including extended hours and increased access to care for those who have difficulties travelling. While respectfully acknowledging the capacity and priorities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit across the province, the Ministry of Health is committed to improving collaboration and representation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners to support improvements to the availability and accessibility of primary care-funded virtual care services.
* From the start of implementation on April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2024, there were 42,098 First Nations virtual doctor of the day (FNvDOD) encounters. 
* From implementation on August 17, 2020 to March 31, 2024 there were 6,779 First Nations virtual substance use and psychiatry services (FNvSUPs) encounters. 
* From April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, approximately 23,386 (11,846 for FNvDOD and 2,207 for FNvSUPS) inbound and outbound calls were managed by MOAs, nurses, wellness liaisons, mental health care coordinators and registered clinical counsellors.
* From patient satisfaction surveys from November 10, 2022 to March 31, 2024, over 93% of users accessing the FNvDOD service reported satisfaction with their appointment, and over 94% of users indicated they would recommend the service to their family and friends.
* From patient satisfaction surveys from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, over 93% of users accessing the FNvDOD service reported satisfaction with their appointment and over 93% of users indicated they would recommend the service to their family and friends.  
* From patient satisfaction surveys from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, over 92% of users accessing the FNvSUPS service reported satisfaction with their appointment and over 92% of users indicated they would recommend the service to their family and friends.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
* The Indigenous cultural safety and humility working group between the Ministry of Health and the First Nations Heath Authority (FNHA) has committed to examining and refreshing the Declaration Act standards, recommendations and calls to action into primary and community care; this will include 1) implementing cultural safety and humility recommendations and standards into daily practice by creating a toolkit of resources that reference college standards for primary and community care; 2) Supporting committees and working groups that inform primary and community care across the province to implement cultural safety and humility tools, recommendations and standards into the practices and engagement approaches, including supporting PCNs; 3) Develop a provincial community of practice comprised of existing groups working towards cultural safety and humility across the healthcare continuum, to support collaboration, reduce duplication, and inform best practices; 4) Develop a strategic workplan that defines the goals, objectives and outcomes the working group will seek to achieve with metrics to monitor the improvement of cultural safety and humility across primary and community care.

How are we working together?
Collaborative partner meetings with the First Nations Health Authority to support program implementation and oversight. Planning for engagement with First Nations, Métis and Inuit health care providers and patients to provide feedback on their experience, outcomes, and opportunities to improve primary care funded virtual care services.

Are there challenges?
 Funding is currently derived from COVID-19 contingency budget, with long term base funding to be determined. 
 
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.
Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Year 2

Highlights
* Engagement activities led to advice and input from First Nations and Métis leadership, as well as First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous representatives, organizations and people. Engagement results are available on the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction’s (SDPR) website. 

Key highlights include:
* Communication with representatives from 61 First Nations, including Modern Treaty Nations, providing follow-up information, holding bilateral meetings (both at the First Nations Leadership Gathering and individual meetings), hosting engagement sessions and townhalls, attending First Nations Gatherings, presenting at Indigenous advisory tables and circles, focused discussions on legislative materials to support drafting approaches with representatives from all interested First Nations; 
* Consultation with the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), specifically, the FNLC policy and legal staff through a number of legislative co-development discussions over the length of the project to support the development of B.C.’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Act; and        
* Partnership with Métis Nation BC (MNBC) throughout the project including funding a Métis-led engagement approach and consultation discussions on legislative materials to support the development of B.C.’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Act. 
The poverty reduction strategy, which will be released in Spring 2024, recognizes the ongoing practices and impacts of colonialism on First Nations, Métis and Inuit. It includes Indigenous-identified actions, as gathered through engagement activities over the last year and a review of previous reports. As a result of feedback received, distinctions-based language has also been added into the Poverty Reduction Strategy Act. Further changes include the addition of new requirements that, when reviewing, developing and updating the strategy, the minister must also consider:
* the systemic causes of poverty when developing and updating the strategy, and
* actions and progress measures respecting the reduction and prevention of poverty that are recommended by Indigenous Peoples.
Progress measures are not included in the strategy but will be made available in the poverty reduction strategy annual reports, which are legislatively required to be prepared by October 1 of each year, tabled in the legislature as soon as is practicable after October 1, and posted online. 

How are we working together?
SDPR undertook a distinctions-based engagement from winter 2022/2023 through March 2024 to renew B.C.’s poverty reduction strategy by the spring of 2024. 
SDPR developed a consultation and co-operation plan based on advice from Indigenous leadership organizations and advisory groups. This includes the Minister’s Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee whose membership includes Indigenous leadership representatives from FNLC, MNBC and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC). SDPR hired an Indigenous facilitator (Mahihkan Management) to ensure engagement sessions were culturally safe, hosted in-person sessions, attended pre-existing conferences and gatherings, and provided appropriate honoraria and other financial supports at engagement sessions. 
Métis were invited to attend engagement sessions hosted by the Indigenous facilitator, and there was Métis representation at three of the nine sessions. In addition, to ensure increased opportunity for Métis participation, SDPR funded a separate Métis engagement process through MNBC, focused on housing. This process resulted in a poverty reduction engagement and recommendations final report which informed the development of the strategy. 
Urban Indigenous populations were engaged through various engagement streams: public survey, urban coalitions, town halls organized in partnership with BCAAFC, and SDPR attendance at gatherings, specifically, the BCAAFC membership meeting, the Elders Gathering and Gathering Our Voices Indigenous Youth Conference. SDPR has attended the BCAAFC membership meeting and Gathering Our Voices Indigenous Youth Conference in 2023 and 2024, and the ministry anticipates attending the Elders Gathering again in August 2024. SDPR had a number of co-development discussions on legislative materials to support drafting approaches with FNLC, specifically, the FNLC policy and legal staff. SDPR also had discussions on legislative materials to support drafting approaches with MNBC’s policy team as well as First Nations representatives who expressed interest. 

Are there challenges?
Timing: The Poverty Reduction Strategy Act requires the strategy be tabled in the spring of 2024. Engagement with Indigenous partners was extended through to winter 2023 at the request of partners such as Métis Nation BC, who continued to receive feedback through December 2023. As a result, First Nations and Métis review of the poverty reduction strategy occurred through March 2024. Timelines are challenging but have been mitigated by sharing embargoed confidential drafts with interested First Nations and Métis representatives, who signed confidentiality agreements, to allow for a meaningful opportunity for input to be reflected. Addressing poverty requires broad and ongoing Indigenous engagement, so SDPR continues to engage all First Nations and seek invitations to pre-established Indigenous advisory councils and committees.

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.
Ministry of Children and Family Development
Year 2

Highlights
The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) was successful in launching the funding model co-development process in September 2023, with the release of a discussion paper and introductory engagement sessions. The paper and introductory engagement sessions were generally received positively. However, partners were critical of the initial April 2024 timeline as being too rushed and inconsistent with a meaningful co-development process. Partners also requested more detail than what was provided in the discussion paper. MCFD reflected on the feedback and presented partners with a revised timeline with an early 2025 implementation date and a more detailed co-development process based on MCFD’s experience in co-developing Bill 38, Indigenous Self-Government in Child and Family Services Amendment Act in 2022 with First Nations, Métis and Inuit. These changes were communicated in early 2024 and were generally well received by partners. Detailed co-development sessions launched in March 2024 and will continue.
During the reporting year, 49 sessions were held to support a wide range of Nations in understanding, advancing and contributing to the process of co-development for a provincial funding model to support First Nations jurisdiction over child and family services.
A draft discussion paper, Building a Funding Model to Support First Nations Jurisdiction over Child and Family Services in B.C., was released in September 2023, with feedback from the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and Indigenous Services Canada. The interim What We Heard report recapping feedback received in fall 2023 engagement sessions is in development.

How are we working together?
MCFD is consulting with the partners identified above who express interest in engagement, as well as with Canada, in co-development sessions to facilitate the co-development of a provincial funding model to support First Nations jurisdiction over child and family services in B.C. MCFD will continue to send communications to First Nations providing written updates and invitations to engage in bi-weekly co-development sessions, monthly update sessions and in-person workshops. The first in-person workshop was held in Vancouver on April 25, 2024. Feedback received will be documented and shared in a What We Heard report and will be used to inform the development of a provincial funding model.

Are there challenges?
All 204 First Nations, FNLC, MNBC and Inuit groups have been invited to review the September 2023 discussion paper, provide feedback and participate in engagement sessions designed to co-develop a new funding model for children and family services in B.C. However, not all have been engaged. Frequent written updates have been sent to funding model co-development partners as the process continues. Multiple invitations to engage were sent to all First Nations in B.C. and FNLC via letter, MCFD's Indigenous child and family services newsletter and through a govTogether website. MNBC and some First Nations have indicated challenges with capacity to engage and currently only First Nations can access engagement funding through the Declaration Act Engagement Fund. 
In February 2024, MCFD invited all First Nations to participate in bi-weekly co-development planning sessions. In keeping with a distinctions-based approach, MNBC was invited to meet monthly to provide feedback on the Building a Funding Model to Support First Nations Jurisdiction over Child and Family Services in B.C. report.

4.17
In collaboration with B.C. First Nations, 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.
Ministry of Children and Family Development
Year 1

Highlights
In collaboration with First Nations in B.C., Métis and Inuit, the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) continues the work to substantially reduce the number of Indigenous children and youth in care through the ongoing transformation and enhancement of children and family services across British Columbia. First Nations, Métis and Inuit have long advocated for the creation of an Indigenous Child Welfare Director (ICWD) position within the ministry. The creation of this position was included in Bill 38 in 2022, and an enabling regulation came into force in March 2024. The ICWD position was posted on the B.C. government job board and is accepting applications from May 2, 2024, to May 30, 2024.
This ICWD role will expand information sharing with First Nations, Métis and Inuit and collaborate with First Nations developing agreements for enabling jurisdiction over children and family services, including preventive and family supports. Example agreements that First Nations and Indigenous governing bodies can initiate with MCFD include community agreements and information sharing agreements entered into under section 92.1 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA), enabling agreements and amending agreements under the CFCSA; and co-ordination agreements under the federal Act: An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
MCFD has one signed co-ordination agreement, three signed section 92.1 community agreements, and 111 signed information sharing agreements. MCFD is in the process of negotiating an additional six co-ordination agreements and an additional five section 92.1 community agreements.
Since April 1, 2023, MCFD has signed 10 new information sharing agreements with: Sqwá First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation, Gitanmaax Band, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Ucluelet First Nation, Simpcw First Nation, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Tsawout, Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation, and Malahat Nation. MCFD has signed one new section 92.1 community agreement with Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations. 

How are we working together?
Agreements enabled under legislation are initiated by First Nations and Indigenous governing bodies and carried out in a manner, frequency, and timeline that reflects their needs. The number, nature (bi-lateral with the Province, tripartite with the Province and Canada); and scope of the agreements (e.g., prevention and/or protection services, requirements for funding, communities and children and families served) are determined by the relevant First Nations and Indigenous governing bodies. 
MCFD continues to engage with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and First Nations communities at the six co-ordination tables as well engaging in negotiations for section 92.1 community agreements as requested. Ongoing consultation and co-operation continues with First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) receiving regular updates. Six new Nations have received Indigenous governing body status since April 2023. The ongoing enhancement, development and implementation of new programs is informed through ongoing consultation with First Nations leadership organizations, communities and service providers.

Are there challenges?
A wide range of agreements enabled under legislation exist to support First Nations jurisdiction of children and family services (section 92.1 agreements, enabling agreements, amending agreements, co-ordination agreements and treaties). The number of negotiations across all agreements is expected to increase significantly over time. For co-ordination agreements alone, the number of negotiations is expected to rise from six agreements being negotiated in 2023/24 to 10 agreements being negotiated in 2024/25, to 19 being negotiated in 2025/26, with another 19 Indigenous governing bodies who could confirm intent to begin a co-ordination agreement at any time.
Jurisdiction over Indigenous child and family services has been recognized as a Constitution Act, 1982 section 35 right of Indigenous Peoples by the Province in section 4.1 of the CFCSA. However, it is not clear at this time which precise section 35 rights may or may not be held by MNBC, including those over child and family services in B.C.  Additionally, MCFD is waiting for the outcome of the judicial review on the federal decision to not recognize MNBC as an Indigenous governing body in B.C. This has created complexity on which agreements can apply to MNBC, and MCFD leadership has engaged with MNBC on the legal complexities as it pertains to this area. 
With the initial increase in agreements resulting from amendments to federal legislation (Bill C-92 in January 2020) and provincial legislation (Bill 22 in 2018, Bill 38 in 2022), a new branch was created in summer 2023 to support and co-develop Indigenous agreements. Temporary staffing has been put in place by MCFD to respond to strong interest by Indigenous governing bodies to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services. Actions are being taken to retain experienced and knowledgeable staff and to increase staffing further to meet the expected demand.

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.
Ministry of Education and Child Care; Ministry of Children and Family Development; Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Year 2

Highlights
On November 22, 2023, leadership from the Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC), the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS), the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), and the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) met as an oversight table to approve a co-developed workplan designed to implement key aspects of the protocol. This marks an important step towards operationalizing the children and youth in care (CYIC) protocol that aims to improve the educational outcomes for First Nations children and youth in care and former youth in care.
The oversight table will continue to meet bi-annually to ensure that the objectives of the protocol and the workplan are being met.
A First Nations CYIC Protocol workplan and technical table terms of reference, endorsed by the oversight table, was completed November 22, 2023.
One of the milestones completed was collection of qualitative and quantitative data regarding existing school-based supports, services, and expenditures for children and youth in care.

How are we working together?
The Ministry meets regularly with FNESC, FNLC, and other provincial ministries as a technical working table to implement key actions and milestones from the workplan.
An oversight table with representation from senior leadership at FNESC and FNLC, and the Ministers of ECC, MCFD and PSFS is required to meet twice per year to review and provide feedback on progress to date. The oversight table met on November 22, 2023, and again on April 12, 2024.

Are there challenges?
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 sharing agreements may require changes as they impact the ability to complete the action.

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.
Ministry of Education and Child Care
Year 2

Highlights
Work is underway to finalize a First Nations Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and Government of Canada.
Standing up the First Nations early learning and child care (ELCC) grants providing funding directly to First Nations to address self-determined child care priorities for their communities. Nations began reporting out on the grant funds through a brief survey in March 2024, which will help to inform future planning.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
In 2023, the Ministry hosted a series of webinars and in-person, regional engagements to build relationships with Indigenous Peoples to support the work of advancing jurisdiction of child care for Indigenous Peoples in B.C. who want or need it. Ministry staff worked in collaboration with Indigenous partners – B.C. Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) , First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Aboriginal Head Start Association of B.C. (AHSABC), Métis Nation BC (MNBC), and BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) – to plan these engagements.
Ministry staff also hosted a series of webinars in February 2024 for First Nations, including Modern Treaty Nations, Métis, and urban Indigenous partners to consult and engage on the proposed review of the child care subsidy regulations (CCSR).
Continued expansion of the Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) program providing no-fee AHS services to families. AHS is community designed, developed, and delivered culturally based ELCC program with wrap around supports for families.
43 First Nations were engaged on the CW-ELCC Action Plans and a total of 13 individuals representing First Nations, one Modern Treaty Nation and two Indigenous organizations along with MNBC attended the child care subsidy regulation (CCSR) webinars.
$35 million in First Nations ELCC grants was made available each FY 22/ 23, 189 First Nations accessed these grants in 22/23, another process is underway to send an additional $35 million in grants out in 23/24; $50 million to Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) for minor capital and operational funding to roughly 1,780 AHS spaces province-wide in 2023/24 providing no-fee AHS child care for families. The number of AHS spaces is expected to grow in future years to over 2,300 spaces and further anticipated growth to approx. 2500 spaces by 2026.
$0.574 million for MNBC to continue their early years navigator program. Since its inception, the Métis early years have enrolled over 1,700 children into the Métis family connections program to support Métis families in accessing early years and child care programs grounded in Métis culture.  $0.5 million for MNBC providing a Métis-led delivery of child care supports and services to Métis families, providers, and organizations across the province. Additionally, $10.47 million to MNBC (to support 126 new child care spaces with priority for Métis children, open to all Indigenous families).

How are we working together?
The Ministry meets regularly with Indigenous partners to maintain and strengthen relationships.  
In response to October 2022 resolutions from Union of BC Indian Chiefs, BC Assembly of First Nations, and First Nations, Education and Child Care staff are working on a First Nations early learning and child care (ELCC) tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) with First Nations Leadership Council and the Government of Canada.  
Ministry staff meet bi-weekly with FNLC, BCACCS and FNESC for guidance on First Nations child care and approaches to consultation and co-development with First Nations. 
In the fall of 2023, the Ministry worked with FNLC, BCACCS and FNESC to co-develop a First Nations ELCC consultation and engagement plan. Phase one consultation focused on broad engagements and phase two consultation will focus on the question of jurisdiction in ELCC. 
In April 2023 the Ministry engaged with First Nations regarding their priorities for the 23/24 to 25/26 Canada Wide-ELCC action plan. Eight regional in person engagement sessions across the province were co-developed and co-hosted with BCACCS, AHSABC, FNHA, MNBC, and BCAAFC on ELCC in the winter and spring of 2024. Engagement is being planned with MNBC to co-host ELCC webinars with Métis Chartered Communities in Spring 2024.

Are there challenges?
To support the long-term goals of Action 4.19, there will need to be fundamental shifts in the child care system. In the meantime, changes to exiting policies and processes are underway which aim to support self-determination. These changes include implementing new approaches to funding and engaging in ongoing consultation with Indigenous Peoples.
Fiscal year and federal/provincial deadlines do not align with the need for meaningful engagement and consultation with First Nations, Métis, and urban Indigenous service organizations. The Ministry will need to work alongside First Nations and Métis partners to understand the distinct pace and sequence of activities that will advance respective jurisdiction of child care.

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.
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Year 1

Highlights
Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and the Province of British Columbia have reset their relationship to support the B.C.-Métis relations table and fulfill objectives under the Declaration Act Action Plan. The formation of technical tables specific to economic development, culture, housing, health and emergency management are significant steps forward in supporting Métis reconciliation efforts with MNBC's 25,000 Registered Citizens. The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) continues to provide annual capacity from the Indigenous program fund ($750,000), and has provided capacity for alignment of laws with the Declaration Act Action Plan through to March 2025 ($1 million). 
MNBC provides progress reporting for the Indigenous funding program that supports the B.C. - Métis relations table, which is mandated to develop a Métis Reconciliation Agreement. MIRR is leading work on indicator development and have initiated meetings with MNBC.

How are we working together?
MIRR is engaging with MNBC through a quarterly senior leadership table, monthly staff table and topic-specific technical tables. 
The staff table meets regularly to ensure progress on Action Plan item 4.20. Each quarter, MIRR and MNBC convene the senior leadership table to provide oversight of the reconciliation process.
This collaborative approach ensures that work done at the staff table aligns with MNBC's strategic priorities. Action plan indicator development is co-developed.

Are there challenges?
The development and introduction of a distinctions-based approach necessitated a pause in the work. As it is completed and being implemented, additional work is required to ensure its integration is done in a way that continues the path to reconciliation. 

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.
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Year 1

Highlights
The Province committed to an Indigenous-led process that brings together urban Indigenous leaders to create better outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in urban areas. On February 22, 2023, an initial dialogue was attended by 50+ urban Indigenous leaders from across the province. This started the conversation and provided an opportunity to explore how people and communities can organize to have their voices heard and mobilized in the context of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. 
A follow-up online dialogue was held on June 1, 2023, and a What We Heard Report was issued in September 2023. Participants expressed gratitude for the Indigenous-led approach, and going forward, are looking to increased involvement from the Province. 
A collaboratively built workplan that reflects on the recommendations of the What We Heard Report is being developed by the Victoria Urban Indigenous Coalition, with support from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, to guide this working group's current activities. While this demonstrates great forward-moving action, there is more to be done before Action 4.21 can be considered complete.
Urban Indigenous leaders will inform the development of the table and subsequent development of a five-year plan to address the priorities of urban Indigenous people. Indicators will be developed iteratively in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous partners through the urban leadership forum and table.  

How are we working together?
This work is taking an Indigenous-led approach, with a focus on relationship building, increasing awareness of the contributions and history of urban Indigenous People, and cultural safety. As a start, a monthly working group with both external and provincial government partners has been established. The working group is comprised of the Victoria Urban Indigenous Coalition, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. These meetings focus on activities that will be described within the collaboratively built workplan (currently being developed), such as relationship building and increasing B.C.'s awareness of urban Indigenous People. These activities are guiding the development of an engagement process with urban Indigenous People. A phased approach is being used to hear from urban Indigenous People and organizations first in an Indigenous-led way. In the next phase, the Province will be engaging directly with groups including title holders.     

Are there challenges?
A grassroots community-led approach is essential to build trust-based, long-term relationships, and strengthen the engagement process. Risks include the currently narrow scope of engagement which needs to be broadened (both in geographic area and recognition of the diversity and complexity within the urban Indigenous population in B.C.) to ensure all areas of the province are included. The working group is currently building out relationships with urban Indigenous leaders and partners throughout all regions of B.C. to ensure a broader group of urban Indigenous voices and interests are included at the table. This requires both time and resources. Creating new processes takes time and resources, and a thoughtful approach is essential. The working group wants to take the time with Indigenous partners to get this right.

4.25
Work with Indigenous Peoples to build more on- and off-reserve housing and pursue new federal contributions.
Ministry of Housing; Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Year 1

Highlights
To achieve the Province’s target of building 3,500 new housing units for Indigenous Peoples on- and off- reserve across British Columbia, the Ministry of Housing is working to strengthen existing partnerships, build new relationships, and advance housing projects that support Indigenous leadership, input, and participation throughout the housing sector and across all Ministry initiatives. The Ministry of Housing is making good progress on its commitments with 1,559 units of new social housing completed or underway as of December 31, 2023. These units are all part of the Indigenous Housing Fund. 
A call for proposals for the next round of projects under the Indigenous housing fund closed on May 15, 2024. Projects initiated through this funding call will result in additional progress toward the Ministry’s target of building 3,500 units of Indigenous housing on and off reserve. Other Indigenous affiliated units underway or completed as of December 31, 2023, include: 1,063 units through the community housing fund, 270 units through the supportive housing fund, 55 units through the women's transitional housing fund, and 261 units through the deepening affordability program.
The Ministry of Housing is working hard to consult and engage First Nations, the First Nations Leadership Council, Métis Nation B.C., and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations in a meaningful way on housing legislation, policy, regulations, programs and projects. The Ministry has formally engaged on several different legislative, regulatory and programmatic initiatives, including a number of items since the beginning of 2024, and has received thoughtful input and feedback from partners that has resulted in meaningful progress.
An example of progress on this action includes work with k?ik?????m (Kwikwetlem) First Nation. In December 2023, members of k?ik?????m First Nation moved into 14 new homes with the opening of an affordable rental development on k?ik?????m First Nation's ancient village site called slak?ya?nc, which means "young sockeye" in the Nation's h?n?q??min??m? language. The new development is comprised of two three-story buildings and a one-bedroom building. There is a mix of one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den, three- and four-bedroom homes to support families of different sizes. With this opening, more people from the k?ik?????m First Nation can live in their home community connected to family and culture. These homes are the first project to be completed by the k?ik?????m First Nation under its historic Land Code passed in 2020, which transferred the management of reserve lands from the Government of Canada back to the Nation. The housing will be operated by the k?ik?????m First Nation Housing Society, a non-profit housing provider owned by the Nation.  This housing development received funding through the Indigenous housing fund.

How are we working together?
In late 2023, the Ministry of Housing created the Indigenous housing partnerships team. The goal of the team is to align the Ministry's engagement and consultation approach with the spirit, intent, and implementation of the Declaration Act. The role of the team is to provide strategic advice and support to Ministry and BC Housing staff in their engagement and consultation efforts on housing legislation, policy, regulations, programs and projects. The team is also responsible for building strong partnerships with leadership organizations while continuing to advance progress on Indigenous housing mandate commitments and the Declaration Act.
The Ministry of Housing engages and consults with First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations, Métis and Indigenous housing and leadership organizations on the development of significant provincial initiatives, such as the development of the belonging in BC homelessness plan and the downtown eastside partnership plan, as well as on key pieces of legislation. Together with BC Housing, the Ministry of Housing also works with local communities and leaders when implementing HEART and HEARTH programs, which provide support for Indigenous-led responses and culturally safe services.
BC Housing works with First Nations, Métis, Métis Nation BC, local health authorities and Indigenous serving non-profit partners, and continues to engage with First Nations and Métis on active and proposed projects and meets to discuss housing opportunities on and off reserve. A request for proposal for the indigenous housing fund (IHF) was announced in November 2023, and closed in May 2024. The IHF program is aimed at Indigenous families, seniors, individuals, and people living with disabilities, on and off reserve.  B.C. became the first province in Canada to invest provincial housing funds on-reserve, which is a federal jurisdiction. Since 2018, BC Housing opened all Building BC funding programs to applications from First Nations and Indigenous organizations. 
As well, BC Housing has engaged with First Nations, Métis, and housing sector organizations over many years. BC Housing will be sustaining such strategic engagements as it moves into more collaboration and co-creation with these partners. BC Housing continues to consult with First Nations and Métis on active and proposed projects and meets to discuss housing opportunities on- and off- reserve. One example is the shelter and supportive housing at 1275 7th Avenue in Hope, in which BC Housing has been engaging with First Nation communities and the First Nations Health Authority to ensure services, design and opportunities for cultural practices are made available for First Nations tenants and shelter guests.

Are there challenges?
There are a number of systemic challenges associated with Indigenous housing in B.C., including those related to the ongoing impacts of colonialism, issues regarding infrastructure required to support housing particularly on reserve, and a need for greater federal support with respect to funding and programming. Related to the delivery of housing, supply chain shortages, difficulty sourcing qualified labour, and inflationary construction costs all affect the timelines and project success for housing across the province.

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.
Ministry of Health; Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
Year 1

Highlights
On September 11, 2023, Métis Nation BC (MNBC) signed a letter of understanding with the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). The letter recognizes the common goals between the two organizations of providing equitable access to health services for Métis people, and improving health and wellness outcomes for Métis people within PHSA's health services in B.C.; the letter also recognizes that MNBC Regional Governance Councils have the responsibility as elected officials of MNBC to provide guidance on the delivery of health services to Métis people, and commits MNBC and PHSA to ensuring that the planning and delivery of Métis health services are appropriate, culturally safe, and humble. MNBC has now signed or renewed letters of understanding with all provincial health authorities.
On December 7, 2023, MNBC and the Office of the Provincial Health Officer refreshed their letter of understanding. 
The 2021 baseline report Taanishi Kiiya: Métis public health surveillance program monitors and reports on the health and wellness of Métis people over ten years, tracking indicators co-developed by the Office of the Provincial Health Officer and MNBC; interim reports are to be released every three years. 

How are we working together?
MNBC and Ministry of Health representatives meet regularly to review and discuss issues impacting Métis health and wellness, and to explore opportunities to partner on health system priorities. MNBC and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions (MMHA) meet monthly to discuss priorities and opportunities to continue working towards the health and wellness priorities outlined in the October 27, 2021 letter of intent (supporting the mental health and wellness of Métis people in B.C., including exploring harm reduction and substance use programming), as well as additional priorities as they emerge.
In 2023, in support of the province-MNBC Métis relations working table, the Ministry of Health, MMHA, and MNBC established a Métis health, mental health and wellness, and harm reduction table. 

Are there challenges?
MNBC has stated that funding supports are inadequate to address community needs or facilitate MNBC's engagement in provincial initiatives and opportunities; current funding is from multiple partners, resulting in a heavy administrative burden. 
Program continuity is at risk due to funding uncertainty. Métis health initiatives, such as the Métis counselling connection program, are at risk of not being able to continue if funding is not renewed. The program has exceeded capacity and is currently waitlisted. 
The Ministry of Heath now provides $825,000 in annual funding for Métis health initiatives.
MMHA provides $375,000 to support capacity building on partnered mental health and wellness initiatives. In addition, MMHA has provided MNBC with $500,000 as part of the culture-based recovery and aftercare grants.
Sustainable funding for MNBC to meaningfully engage and participate in partnership initiatives is a challenge to this action. MNBC capacity to engage with multiple streams of work may delay development/implementation of specific initiatives and partnership opportunities.
Capacity issues may result in MNBC being unable to meaningfully engage and participate in the work. MNBC have stated that their reporting volume is exceeding capacity. 
Discussions about the possibility for shared reporting between the Ministry of Health and MMHA to streamline reporting and reduce the administrative burden/redundancies. Funding and capacity - funding previously was renewed annually which posed challenges for MNBC to meet reporting and administrative requirements. MNBC has expressed a need for long-term funding that is stable and flexible, such as multiple year agreements, to reduce administrative burden and provide continuity for programming; The Ministry of Health and MNBC now have a multi-year funding arrangement in place through 2024-25 and will explore options for future funding.


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.
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Year 2

Highlights
A new report, "Reflecting Indigenous Peoples' Histories and Cultures in BC Parks and Protected Areas: Progress Report and Recommendations” has been drafted. To develop the report, the former Parliamentary Secretary of Environment held meetings with five First Nations partners. Feedback was solicited on BC Parks' efforts to incorporate First Nations’ histories and cultures into parks and protected areas. Interviews were also performed with BC Parks staff and executive, and a desktop review of collaborative cultural projects in parks and protected areas was completed. The results were used to draft the report which includes set of recommendations, highlighting how BC Parks can continue and build upon important partnerships with First Nations. 

How are we working together?
The draft report was completed with input from five of the many First Nations partners the agency has collaborated with. Each of these partners provided their perspectives, priorities, and recommendations for how BC Parks can improve the reflection of Indigenous Peoples' histories and cultures in parks and protected areas. 

Are there challenges?
No challenges identified.

4.30
Support Indigenous language revitalization through sustainable funding.
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Year 1

Highlights
Initiatives delivered by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council
In 2023/24, the First Peoples' Cultural Council (FPCC) provided grants, training, technologies and resources to assist First Nations with work to revitalize their languages, arts and heritage. 
Highlights included:
* Provided more than $36 million in grants to communities by the end of December 2023;
* Supported repatriation pilot projects with funding so First Nations can plan, develop policies, conduct research and repatriate their cultural belongings from museums and other holding institutions;
* Doubled the number of arts mentorships;
* Launched a new version of FirstVoices, a suite of technology tools that is provided free to First Nations in B.C. to assist with language documentation and learning;
* Hosted a week-long summer learning series with more than 90 participants;
* Supported and funded work to update regulations to include the pentl’ach language, which had been considered a “sleeping language” since the 1940s.
In February 2023, FPCC released the fourth edition of the Report on the Status of BC First Nations Languages (https://fpcc.ca/stories/status-of-languages/), which reveals a more than 20% growth in First Nations language learners since 2018, and more young children are immersed in their language for an average of 18 hours a week as the number of language nests has tripled. 
Initiatives Delivered Through Language Fluency Degree Funding from the Ministry of Post- Secondary Education and Future Skills
The Indigenous Languages Fluency Degree Framework was initiated by First Nations and First Nations-mandated post-secondary institutes and continues to be First Nations-led, with $1 million in funding provided to support the framework. Six First Nations are offering or moving towards offering language fluency degree programs. The first degree approved under this framework was the Bachelor of Nsyilxc?n Language Fluency Degree, with the first eight students receiving this degree in June 2023. The Syilx Okanagan Nation, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and University of British Columbia Okanagan have launched the Bachelor of N?e?kepmx Language Fluency (approved in November 2022). The Lillooet Tribal Council, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and the University of British Columbia Okanagan have launched the Bachelor of St’át’imc Language Fluency (approved in May 2023). The inaugural offering of the University of Victoria Bachelor of Arts, Indigenous Language Proficiency has been developed in partnership with the local SEN?O?EN community, represented by the W?SÁNE? School Board and will be offered first to the SEN?O?EN and Lekwungen speaking communities (approved in August 2023). Wilp Wilxo'oskwhl Nisga’a Institute and the University of Northern British Columbia have launched the Bachelor of Arts, Nisga'a Language Fluency and are enrolling students to begin in September 2024 (approved in November 2023). Lake Babine Nation, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and University of Northern British Columbia are planning to launch the Bachelor of Nadut’en Language Fluency. 

How are we working together?
The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (MIRR) is the lead on this action and works directly with the First Peoples' Cultural Council and First Peoples' Cultural Foundation. 
The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills works directly with the First Nations Education Steering Committee and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association. The Indigenous Languages Fluency Degree Framework was initiated by First Nations and First Nations-mandated post-secondary institutes and continues to be First Nations-led.
The Ministry of Post- Secondary Education and Future Skills has also supported Métis Nation BC to advance increased access to culturally relevant post-secondary opportunities for Michif language revitalization by providing $300,000 through the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan.

Are there challenges?
FPCC revitalization work is fundamental to supporting the reclamation of First Nations arts, language and culture in B.C and is critical to reconciliation and self-determination. Provincial program funding for FPCC was announced in June 2022 ($25 million) and sustainable operational funding for FPCC was confirmed through budget 2023 ($6.49 million for 2023/24, $6.75 million in 2024/25 and $7.17 million in 2025/26 and onwards).  The federal government recently released its 2024 budget allocating $225 million throughout Canada over five years and ongoing, with $45 million per year going to Canadian Heritage for Indigenous languages and cultures. B.C.’s share of this will be known in the coming months.  There is concern that given this is a decrease from previous years, First Nations’ language revitalization efforts will be impacted in B.C.  MIRR continues to work with FPCC and the federal government towards securing sustainable funding.
Although the Ministry of Post- Secondary Education and Future Skills has secured $1 million in annual funding, an important milestone, additional funding is required. Funding secured to date will not meet the current and on-going needs of the six existing programs or support additional language degrees being offered.  The Ministry of Post- Secondary Education and Future Skills will seek additional funding for the Indigenous language fluency degree in consultation and collaboration with First Nations Education Steering Committee and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association. 
Though there is consistent progress being made, current funding levels are insufficient to meet the needs for language revitalization in B.C. 

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. 
Ministry of Education and Child Care
Year 2

Highlights
In alignment with a distinctions-based approach, the Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) continues to support partnerships between school districts and First Nations communities in developing curriculum documents for First Nations languages. There are currently 20 ministry-recognized First Nation language curriculum documents, to support the teaching and learning of 20 First Nations languages. 
The Ministry has provided direction to B.C. Superintendents that the language, culture, heritage, history, and land-based connections of the First Nation(s) whose territory a school district is located are honoured, acknowledged, and taught. Historically, Boards of Education have decided which languages will be offered in their school district. The passing of the School Act Amendment (Bill 40) will now require that boards engage with Indigenous education councils to ensure that the learning of local First Nation languages and cultures are prioritized. 

How are we working together?
In the context of a distinctions-based approach, it is essential that the language, culture, heritage, history, and land-based connections of the First Nation(s) on whose territory a school district is located are honoured, acknowledged, and taught. The Ministry will continue to engage with First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) as the organization mandated by the First Nations Leadership Council to discuss matters related to education with other First Nations rights holders.
ECC has regular communication with the FNESC on priority actions. Supporting First Nations languages has been acknowledged as a key priority, however with competing priorities on additional Year 2 actions, there is currently no progress to report.

Are there challenges?
To do this work effectively and properly acknowledge the diversity and richness of First Nations languages in B.C., long-term, sustainable funding will be required to complete this action.
Further consideration for how to appropriately engage Indigenous Peoples living in urban settings will be required to determine how First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages can be supported in the K-12 public education system in alignment with a distinctions-based approach. 

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.
Ministry of Education and Child Care
Year 2


Highlights
In alignment with a distinctions-based approach, the Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) has provided direction to B.C. superintendents that the language, culture, heritage, history, and land-based connections of the First Nation(s) whose territory a school district is located are honoured, acknowledged, and taught. Historically, boards of education have decided which languages will be offered in their school districts. The passing of the School Act Amendment (Bill 40) will now require that boards engage with Indigenous education councils to ensure that the learning of local First Nation languages and cultures are prioritized. 
How are we working together?
In the context of a distinctions-based approach, it is essential that the language, culture, heritage, history, and land-based connections of the First Nation(s) on whose territory a school district is located are honoured, acknowledged, and taught. The Ministry will continue to engage with First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) as the organization mandated by the First Nations Leadership Council to discuss matters related to education with other First Nations rights holders.

Are there challenges?
To do this work effectively and properly acknowledge the diversity and richness of First Nations languages in B.C., long-term, sustainable funding will be required to complete this action.
Further consideration for how to appropriately engage Indigenous Peoples living in urban settings will be required to determine how First Nations, Métis, and Inuit languages can be supported in the K-12 public education system in alignment with a distinctions-based approach. 

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.
Ministry of Forests; Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Year 1

Highlights
The Heritage Conservation Act transformation project (HCATP) has co-developed materials and resources through the joint working group on first nations heritage conservation, with input from the Alliance of B.C. Modern Treaty Nations. The first two phases of engagement with First Nations and stakeholders on the HCATP has successfully concluded. Analysis of feedback has led to two comprehensive What We Heard Reports available on the archaeology branch website. The co-development of an HCATP consultation and co-operation plan for First Nations has been completed which helped to inform initial policy thinking currently under development.

How are we working together?
Heritage Conservation Act transformation project work is being led through the joint working group on first nation heritage conservation, with input from the Alliance of B.C. Modern Treaty Nations. The HCATP consultation and cooperation plan outlines in detail how the Province will consult and co-operate with First Nations on the HCATP. This has set the foundation for the collaborative development of resources and materials, two Cabinet submissions, and two phases of What We Heard reports. The first two phases of engagement included five in-person and four virtual engagement sessions with First Nations, as well as an online survey, written submissions and government-government meetings as requested. 
In phase two (fall 2023) engagement, 63 individuals representing 43 First Nations and eight First Nation organizations participated in two virtual engagement sessions, while upward of 258 participants representing 176 different organizations attended two virtual external stakeholder sessions. Participant feedback was received by way of oral commentary during the sessions, responding to questions via interactive presentation voting software, and by written submissions. The next phase will include opportunities for further consultation and co-operation.

Are there challenges?
Initial target timelines to introduce proposed legislative amendments within this mandate to ensure consistency with the UN Declaration are inadequate, as indicated by feedback from phase two engagement with First Nations. Current public dialogue and understanding of shared decision-making agreements indicate a need for increased education among stakeholders to support successful implementation of HCATP. As such, project timelines are being amended to allow for development of a more comprehensive package for future legislative sessions, allowing more time for consultation and co-operation with First Nations to ensure the proposed legislative amendments are more responsive to First Nations feedback, and to provide for additional engagement with stakeholders.

4.36
Ensure every First Nations community in B.C. has high-speed internet services.
Ministry of Citizens’ Services
Year 1

Highlights
As of January 2024, 80% of homes on First Nation reserves and Modern Treaty Nation lands have access to high-speed internet services. When all current projects are complete, that figure will rise to 91.7%. As more projects are received and assessed through the Connecting Communities BC program, this figure will increase until all homes have access to high-speed internet services. 
Highlights include funding for a project led by service provider CityWest in Lax Kw'alaams in the north to bring high-speed internet to more than 340 homes, and a Telus project to bring internet access to more than 850 households in 11 First Nations communities between Yale and Ruby Creek in the Fraser Valley.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFSAgGGKBug&t=5s 
The project built new internet infrastructure to serve residents in the communities of Dogwood Valley, Squeah and Yale, as well as the First Nations communities of Yale First Nation (Yale Town 1, Albert Flat 5, Lukseetsissum 9 and Stullawheets 8), Chawathil First Nation (Chawathil 4 and Schkam 2) and Sq’ewá:lxw (Skawahlook) First Nation (Skawahlook 1 and Ruby Creek 2).

How are we working together?
First Nations Health Authority 
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the Ministry of Citizens’ Services share a mutual interest in accelerating high-speed connectivity access and digital optimization in First Nations across the province to strengthen community resiliency and improve quality of life. Through a memorandum of understanding, the organizations agree to mutual collaboration, support, and information sharing. By combining strengths, focus and energies to bring connectivity to rural and remote First Nation communities, support First Nations-led health and wellness initiatives will increase, as connectivity is foundational for access to programs for health promotion and disease prevention, such as primary care, mental health, e-health and traditional wellness. 
Coastal First Nations
Connectivity plays an integral role in the new Coastal First Nations-BC Reconciliation Framework Agreement as human well-being and increased quality of life benefits are realized through significantly improved communications and enhanced delivery of digital services and technologies throughout the North Pacific Coast. Regional connectivity is foundational for the overall success of this agreement and the Declaration Act Action Plan - digital equity and enablement leads to greater governance capability, land and marine stewardship, access to educational and small business opportunities, blue economy development, health solutions deployment, and cultural wellbeing through language preservation.
First Nations Technology Council
The Province has provided the First Nations Technology Council with a grant of $1.5 million for the council to support Declaration Act Action Plan Implementation through education, engagement, and research across identified strategic priority areas of digital equity including spectrum, digital skills and digital literacy, employment and business development, partnerships, relationships and capacity building.

Are there challenges?
There are overall programmatic risks to meeting the 2027 targets for a number of reasons including: 
• Technology solutions i.e., Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services for the final homes that are cost prohibitive to serve with a terrestrial build;
• Disruption in build cycles due to emergency and weather conditions i.e., many underserved communities are in high-risk wildfire and flood areas; and
• The sheer volume of complex permitting and consultations, which are a major time component for connectivity projects to complete i.e., land tenure applications, access to BC Parks, etc.

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. 
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Year 1

ACTION COMPLETE
Highlights
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (TACS), in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR), provided $6 million to Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) in March 2023, to develop and implement Indigenous-led and culturally focused training and educational opportunities for Indigenous tourism workers and employers.
The $6 million Indigenous tourism training initiative was officially announced at the ITBC AGM on October 25, 2023, by Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, and launched immediately following the announcement. Employers and people working in Indigenous tourism can now grow their skills and education through programs designed to attract and retain Indigenous tourism talent, develop careers, and strengthen the sector. 
In February 2024, ITBC launched a landing page on the ITBC corporate website dedicated to the initiative. The landing page features four professional development and training options available for ITBC stakeholders, Indigenous tourism businesses, Indigenous entrepreneurs, or First Nations communities. This work reflects the first phase of the program, and ITBC looks forward to launching the second phase in the new fiscal year (FY24/25).
Programs open for application for ITBC stakeholders, Indigenous tourism businesses, Indigenous entrepreneurs, or First Nations communities include: first aid certifications; occupational, marine, and wilderness first aid, professional development series; working smart in meetings hybrid edition, customer service training; SuperHost certification, FOODSAFE; level 1 in addition to MarketSafe & ProcessSafe and Jelly Academy Digital Marketing Bootcamp.  
The Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative is off to a strong start and ITBC has received positive feedback on the first series of training and workshops. 

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.
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Year 2

Highlights
In early 2022, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (TACS) provided Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) with $3.7 million to support the implementation of ITBC’s alignment strategy (2021 – 2024) to support the recovery of Indigenous tourism to pre-pandemic levels. 
To achieve recovery, ITBC created the capacity building and resiliency program as a direct result of the $3.7 million in funding.  The program offered hands on pathfinding assistance through regional Indigenous tourism specialists, tourism planning resources, training, capacity building, mentorship, resources to advance digitization of businesses, and visitor experience support.  
Through the regional Indigenous tourism specialist roles, ITBC engaged over 90% of Indigenous communities in B.C. and nearly all Indigenous tourism businesses and provided them with resources and services based on their unique needs. 
“We feel incredibly fortunate that we’ve had the opportunity to work with ITBC. Their support has been instrumental in the development of our new resort, and as a result, we were able to win the prestigious 2023 BC Indigenous Tourism Award for “Indigenous Operator or Experience” after just a few short years of operation. We recognize the importance of ITBC, and our success has been largely aided with their collaboration and guidance.” Chris Tait, Tourism Manager, Klahoose Wilderness Resort
An Indigenous tourism specialist shared that they are "continually astonished at how diverse the ITBC stakeholders are, and how many people and visitors are using the tourism sector to connect to Indigenous culture."
The capacity building and resiliency program ended on March 31, 2024. Impacts from the program will continue to be realized through its legacy. 
The $6 million Indigenous tourism training initiative was announced at the ITBC AGM on October 25, 2023, by Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.  
In February 2024, ITBC launched a landing page on the ITBC corporate website dedicated to the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative

How are we working together?
TACS meets quarterly with ITBC to discuss progress on both programs and identify challenges, successes, where support is needed, and upcoming opportunities for further collaboration. ITBC also submits written progress reports bi-annually, and an annual report for both programs. This approach ensures that the work is Indigenous-led. Through the capacity building and resiliency program, ITBC has engaged with over 90% of Indigenous communities in British Columbia.  This has resulted in ITBC narrowing down their focus to support 8-12 Indigenous communities that have an interest in tourism development. TACS and ITBC have a very strong partnership and are continually consulting and collaborating with each other on Indigenous tourism opportunities and impacts.  
Are there challenges?
No challenges identified.

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.
Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Year 2

Highlights
• Northern Development Initiative Trust has advanced planning and discussion of Action 4.39 through an Indigenous advisory committee. Northern Development Initiative Trust's engagement team is currently being assembled with First Nations engagement expected to begin in Spring 2024. Northern Development Initiative Trust formed an Indigenous advisory committee to advance this work and has met six times since late 2022.
• Island Coastal Economic Trust is working with an independent Indigenous consultant from K'ómoks First Nation to develop an engagement and project plan with a goal to create a pathway for transformation of the trust in alignment with Action 4.39 and with Island Coastal Economic Trust's strategic goal of co-governance. Island Coastal Economic Trust is working with an independent First Nations consultant on a project plan for engagement expected to occur throughout 2024/25 and has met with the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI) and the consultant twice since early 2024.
• Economic Trust of the Southern Interior has initiated early engagement and planning with the intent to work with an Indigenous partner or advisor to further develop a region-specific engagement plan. Economic Trust of the Southern Interior has initiated early planning to explore potential First Nation partners with engagement expected to occur throughout 2024/25.

How are we working together?
The Province and the Trusts are planning an inclusive, broad-based engagement with First Nations in each service region throughout 2024/25 with the understanding that this will strengthen relationships between the Trusts and First Nations, raise awareness about the role of the Trusts, and allow for an open dialogue with First Nations on how they wish to be included in the governance of the Trusts going forward. Each Trust is working with an Indigenous partner or advisor to develop a region-specific engagement plan that reflects the diverse interests, priorities, and governance structures of First Nations in their respective service regions. The purpose of the engagement process is to seek input on mechanisms to ensure the inclusion of First Nations in regional decision-making, which may require changes to the enabling legislation and related regulations for each Trust. 
The Province and the Trusts have established a working group and have convened to advance an approach for engagement with First Nations on potential changes to provincial legislation as to establish a mechanism that enables the inclusion and representation of First Nations in the governance of the Trusts.
Northern Development Initiative Trust established an Indigenous advisory committee in late 2022 for the purposes of strengthening relationships with the 89 First Nation communities in its service region, including engagement on a mechanism to ensure the inclusion of First Nations in the governance of the trust going forward. 

Are there challenges?
The Province and the Trusts will need to explore ways to address capacity constraints for engaging in direct dialogue with First Nation Governments across each service region as to ensure a diversity of perspectives and interests are incorporated into the design of a new mechanism for regional decision-making. 
Engage First Nation partners at a provincial and regional level to design inclusive engagement processes that allow for an open exchange of interests and ideas with First Nations across each service region, including opportunities to leverage capacity funding for communities available through the Declaration Act Engagement Fund, as well as the flexibility to support these processes through funding recently provided by the Province to each Trust.

4.40
Ensure Indigenous collaboration in the development and implementation of the BC Economic Plan, including a technology and innovation roadmap.
Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Year 2

Highlights
The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI) continues to collaborate with First Nation partners in the development and implementation of the 10 JEDI-led flagship initiatives from the StrongerBC Economic Plan that was released in 2022. This collaboration occurs on an initiative-by-initiative basis in recognition that the StrongerBC Economic Plan involves a diverse range of industries, sectors, and initiatives that each contribute to clean and inclusive economic growth.  
An important step taken to support continued collaboration this past year was the successful launch of the new First Nations Centre of Excellence for Economic Development. The creation of a Centre of Excellence is identified as a flagship initiative in the StrongerBC Economic Plan and is being supported by the Province through an initial investment of $1.2 million. Established under the leadership of the BC Assembly of First Nations, this new Centre of Excellence is an independent, non-political, First Nations-led institution that will provide services and supports to First Nations as they pursue their economic development priorities. A key focus for the Province and the Centre of Excellence in 2023/24 was strategic planning, securing long-term funding, and setting a strong foundation for ongoing dialogue on the long-term direction of the economy.
A sector-specific example of strong collaboration in the implementation of the StrongerBC Economic Plan is the implementation of the Mass Timber Action Plan. Through a collaborative effort with the First Nations Forestry Council, there has been regular engagement this past year with First Nations to explore, activate, or expand opportunities for greater participation in the mass timber supply chain and manufacturing. 

How are we working together?
Engagement with First Nation partners is ongoing across flagship initiatives from the StrongerBC Economic Plan. This includes:
* JEDI, through the Office of Mass Timber Implementation, continues to collaborate with First Nations communities, the BC Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit, and the First Nations Forestry Council on the implementation of the Mass Timber Action Plan. As an example, JEDI hosted a series of “Mass Timber Manufacturing & Funding Opportunities” information sessions in Fall 2023 for First Nations. The information sessions were specifically designed to center the issues identified by First Nation partners as most important, specifically the federal and provincial funding programs available to First Nations to explore, activate, or expand opportunities in the mass timber supply chain and manufacturing. 
* JEDI has been advancing dialogue with the First Nations Business Development Association on policy issues related to the identification of lands that can support sustainable industrial activity. These policy discussions have led to a larger opportunity to partner with the First Nations Business Development Association through a new Collaborative Consultative Working Agreement. This proposed agreement is meant to create new channels to support an ongoing dialogue with First Nation Development Corporations about economic opportunities across BC. 
* The Province launched a new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Centre of Excellence to provide business owners with additional tools to attract new markets and investments. The ESG Centre of Excellence was developed through engagement with First Nation organizations and business leaders with a view to incorporate Indigenous priorities and perspectives. 
JEDI continues to establish relationships with Indigenous partners consistent with commitments made in the StrongerBC Economic Plan to create forums for ongoing dialogue with Indigenous Peoples on the long-term direction of the economy.  

Are there challenges?
JEDI is still in the early stages of engagement with First Nation partners on some flagship initiatives that are identified in the StrongerBC Economic Plan. In part, this is due to the diverse range of industries, sectors, and initiatives in the StrongerBC Economic Plan. A key focus for JEDI is working with First Nation partners to determine high-priority areas that will benefit from deeper and ongoing dialogue. The new First Nations Centre of Excellence for Economic Development will be an important partner in the identification of sectors and initiatives that are of highest priority and interest to First Nations. 

From the Mass Timber Action Plan, there is a risk that First Nation governments and organizations may not have the capacity to consider and fully activate opportunities in the mass timber sector. To help mitigate this risk, the Office of Mass Timber Implementation aligns JEDI’s work along existing relationships and tables between government and Indigenous peoples, with a focus on wayfinding and introducing suitable funding programs to Indigenous partners. JEDI also develops and implements approaches and resources that centre the interests and needs of Indigenous partners. 
 
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.

Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills; Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Year 2

Highlights
In 2023/24, the Indigenous skills training and education program provided $27 million in funding to First Nations and designated partner organizations, Métis Nation BC and BC Aboriginal Friendship Centres. 
The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) provided $20 million in funding to First Nations and designated partner organizations. This funding supported community-led skills training and post-secondary education and supports to upgrade skills, secure employment, and grow local economies. Most programs include wraparound participant supports such as child care, transportation, life skills, counselling, and culture. The funding is delivered using a self-determined approach in which First Nations determine their needs and priorities, and the design and delivery of their skills training and education projects. 
PSFS provided funding to Métis Nation BC to support community-led skills training and post-secondary education, and supports to upgrade skills, secure employment, and grow local economies. The types of programs vary and include: essential skills and upgrading; language revitalization; guardianship; driver’s license training; various trades training programs; and occupational certifications. The program is delivered using a distinctions-based approach in which Métis Nation BC as the representative organization of Métis Chartered Communities determine their needs and priorities, and design and deliver their self-determined skills training and education projects. The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills supports them in design and delivery, providing information, advice, connections, and flexibility as needed for the successful implementation of projects.
PSFS provides funding to support a range of programs that are intended to build capacity and support First Nations workforce priorities including providing funding directly to First Nations for self-determined, community-based education and skills training programs that supported 44 First Nations directly and an additional 24 First Nations who designated an organization to administer the funding on their behalf.   
Funding is provided to Métis Nation BC and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres for Métis and urban Indigenous labour market programming. The majority of these programs are ongoing, outcome indicators are not yet known and will be reported in future years. These indicators will include the number of Métis participating in and completing a training program. In addition, the number of Métis people who move on to employment, further education, or training after a program will also be reported in future years. PSFS, in collaboration with Métis Nation BC will co-develop future success indicators that are meaningful.

How are we working together?
For direct funding, PSFS sends out a call every year to all First Nations to advise them of available funding. Staff work with interested Nations to support First Nation-led, community-based design and delivery of skills training and education projects based on their self-determined needs and priorities. 
The Indigenous Skills training and education program staff work with Métis Nation BC, as the representative organization of Métis Chartered Communities, to provide funding for Métis people in B.C.  PSFS also meets monthly with Métis Nation BC and prioritizes collaboration work based on mandate and capacity. In addition, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Métis Nation BC, and Employment and Social Development Canada have established a funders table committee working group that shares best practices, reporting, and effective co-ordination of provincial and federal labour market funding. 
PSFS and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction meets monthly with the federally-funded Indigenous Skills and Employment Training holders to discuss best practices, share success, and discuss how labour market funding programs can better complement each other. 																			
Are there challenges?
Demand may exceed the available budget in future years. First Nations Education Steering Committee and Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association have objected to the approach taken by the Province and First Nations Leadership have formally, through resolutions, advocated for greater First Nations control of administration of this funding. 

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.
Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation
Year 1

Highlights
Capacity Building: 
In June 2023, Indigenous Clean Energy Opportunities (ICEO) held a two-day virtual workshop on hydrogen market opportunities, knowledge building presentations on the electricity sector and an interactive overview of BC Hydro's UNDRIP implementation plan. Participation for the June workshop included representation from 50 First Nations. Presentations were delivered by subject experts and developed based on commonly asked questions from First Nations. The full two days were facilitated by First Nations Energy and Mining Council (FNEMC) facilitators and included opportunities for participants to ask questions and raise concerns. Presentations and additional resources from these two days can be found on the ICEO website: IndigenousCleanEnergyOpportunities.gov.bc.ca
Developing Strategic Relationships: 
The electricity table advisory group (ETAG), made up of First Nations and non-Indigenous representatives with technical and subject matter expertise in the electricity sector, informed the development of the June 2023 energy workshop and continues to advise the ICEO on priorities for the electricity table. 
Capacity and relationships built as a result of ETAG have led to additional relationships, with First Nations ETAG representatives serving as advisors on the BC Hydro task force and BC Hydro's UNDRIP implementation committee, as well as supporting BC Hydro's call for power engagement and development.

How are we working together?
FNEMC and Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation (EMLI) representatives have developed a strong working relationship co-leading the ICEO process. Meetings occur bi-weekly, or more frequently as particular engagements approach. The ICEO team utilizes their mutual connections to facilitate conversations among First Nations representatives, BC Hydro, Fortis BC, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC), and various branches within EMLI to encourage co-development and early engagement on program, policies, proposed legislative changes, and CleanBC roadmap initiatives. 

Are there challenges?
Many First Nations have expressed an interest in ensuring a consistent revenue stream through clean power projects. While the launching of BC Hydro’s call for power for an additional 3,000GWh annually between 2028 and 2031 was welcomed, First Nations have expressed disappointment with the timing of the announcement and short time frame for responding to this call. In addition, many First Nations proposed project plans fall below the minimum 40MW threshold which is the minimum size project in the call. 
In June 2023, the Province announced it is providing $140 million to the New Relationship Trust's BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) to support Indigenous-led power projects, create economic opportunities for First Nations, and advance community self-determination. The Province’s $140 million contribution will support smaller Indigenous-led power projects (under 15 megawatts) that may otherwise not be competitive in BC Hydro’s upcoming call for power due to their smaller size. The ICEO will continue to provide information to First Nations on how they may access this program, once developed. Through ICEO, FNEMC has met with the New Relationship Trust and the BCICEI program development team and offered to support program development and engagement to help ensure it meets the needs of First Nations. 
Access to capital for First Nations interested in infrastructure ownership and/or equity participation continues to be a concern and barrier identified by FNEMC and First Nations communities.
B.C.'s Budget 2024 established enabling tools to help support equity financing opportunities for First Nations. These tools include equity loan guarantees and potentially other supports that may be required for First Nations meaningful participation in projects, where there is shared interest and readiness with the Province. The provincial government continues to work with the federal government on aligning efforts on these types of programs. The ICEO will provide information and details as these opportunities become available for First Nations. 
Capacity within FNEMC and EMLI has been limited as changing priorities in the clean energy space and within the ministry, and pressing work on BC Hydro's call for power, have taken precedence for staff from both organizations in 2023. 
ICEO staff from both organizations continue to exercise agility in responding to changing priorities as determined by EMLI's Minister mandate letter and strategic priorities, BC Hydro's call for power (announced June 15, 2023), and clean energy priorities as raised by First Nations. EMLI and FNEMC will continue an open dialogue around resource constraints and are open to exploring and approaching other funding sources, as needed, for additional resources to support ICEO and clean energy initiatives.

4.44
Review, evaluate and improve B.C.’s Indigenous Youth Internship Program.
BC Public Service Agency
Year 2

Highlights
The Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP) is entering its 18th year. IYIP is a valued employment program with far reaching impact within the BC Public Service and broader Indigenous organizations and First Nations communities in B.C. A vendor has been identified through BC Bid to conduct the evaluation of IYIP and is being supported through the work of the IYIP advisory committee, which includes representatives and/or IYIP alumni from the BC First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Métis Nation BC, and Indigenous BC Public Service employees. 
Members of the IYIP advisory committee participated in reviewing the request for proposals that was posted to BC Bid in December 2023, as well as the evaluation of submitted bids and selection of successful vendor. IYIP advisory committee members will guide and approve the contractor's evaluation framework, implementation, and reporting. It is anticipated that the IYIP evaluation will include interviews of current and former IYIP staff and surveys and focus groups with 300+ IYIP alumni, former supervisors and mentors, and Indigenous partner organizations. 

How are we working together?
PSA engaged with members of the Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP) advisory committee, which includes representatives from the First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and IYIP program alumni employed by the BC Public Service. Métis Nation BC did not have capacity to participate at this time but will be involved in future. Engagement with committee members was via email and virtual meetings. IYIP advisory committee members will be invited to a working group to guide and approve the contractor's evaluation framework, implementation, and reporting. It is anticipated that the evaluation process will include interviews of current and former IYIP staff and surveys and focus groups with 300+ IYIP alumni, former supervisors and mentors, and Indigenous partner organizations. 

Are there challenges?
Developing the procurement required significant time and resources which delayed posting the opportunity to BC Bid until December 2023. The Province developed the Indigenous Procurement Initiative to increase Indigenous Peoples’ participation in B.C. Government procurements, while also helping to address the legacies of colonization which have contributed to the systemic exclusion of Indigenous Peoples from economic opportunities. The intent of Action 4.44 is to conduct a culturally safe evaluation of an Indigenous-specific employment program, which necessitated close examination of the Province's existing procurement and legal practices to ensure alignment to reconciliation commitments. Initial timelines were extended to accommodate this examination and the PSA and its internal partners gained valuable insight to apply to future procurements of this nature. To mitigate this delay, PSA will ensure there is adequate time for planning, engagement and implementation once the successful proponent begins work.

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.
Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Year 1

Highlights
The innovator skills initiative, run by Innovate BC, has reached new milestones and established new partnerships. Over this last fiscal year, Indigenous participation in the innovator skills initiative has surpassed the participation rate for the 2021-2022 reporting period by 3%. The formal partnership between Innovate BC and the First Nation Technology Council (FNTC) is an achievement of this year's delivery of the innovator skills initiative and represents a "first" for Innovate BC and the FNTC working together on a hiring grant initiative. Mitacs is also offering enhanced support for Indigenous students through the innovator skills initiative to better recruit and provide enhanced support for Indigenous interns throughout B.C. 
In 2023/24, the innovator skills initiative and the Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator provided technology sector training to over 1,230 participants, including 42 participants that self-identified as Indigenous. 

How are we working together?
The innovator skills initiative program was designed to increase diversity in the tech sector and help B.C.-based business fill talent shortages and grow. A key priority of the programs extension in 2023 was to support more Indigenous placements. To accomplish this, Innovate BC, the delivery partner, sought out partnerships with Indigenous led businesses and accelerators within the B.C. tech ecosystem. Innovate BC values the work being done by the First Nations Technology Council and their mission to advance digital literacy by improving internet connectivity and providing guidance on digital technology for all Nations across the province. Innovate BC partnered with the FNTC to support their employees, who recently completed a digital training course, in a minimum four month work placement. Innovate BC was in regular contact with the FNTC throughout the four month process, providing support and ensuring the placements were progressing. The FNTC provided Innovate BC with a final report of the interns' experiences after all placements were completed in January 2024. The report included very positive outcomes as the interns were able to explore new careers in B.C.'s technology sector, apply transferable skills, and build meaningful connections with trusted technology partners. The Vancouver International Airport, a recipient of a First Nations Technology Council work placement was extremely satisfied with their experience and offered their intern extended employment. After a discussion with the Vancouver International Airport, Innovate BC proposed to extend the agreement with the First Nations Technology Council to support several more Indigenous placements through the innovator skills initiative. The extension was officially signed in March and interns are scheduled to commence placements in April. The First Nations Technology Council will be submitting monthly progress reports to Innovate BC and a final report by March 31, 2025.
DIGITAL, previously Digital Technology Supercluster, is the program administrator for the Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator and is focusing on sustaining continued engagement and building deeper, respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities that had been engaged prior to the 2023/24 fiscal year. In spring 2023, NPower, the Canadian Tech Talent delivery partner, partnered with the Ministry of Education & Child Care and Future Skill Centre to launch the youth careers in tech initiative. This initiative provides career exploration workshops to students and graduates to spark the interest among youth and adults to pursue careers in tech. Through the promotion of the workshops, NPower connected with the Ministry of Youth at the Métis Nation BC who expressed interested in the new initiative and had a workshop in Fall 2023. NPower is also working with Mokwateh to develop a reconciliation action plan. This is following a series of interviews the consultancy conducted with several NPower staff, Indigenous community partners, and participants. NPower will be hiring staff shortly to focus on executing the strategy Mokwateh has devised. The priority will be to recruit Indigenous-identifying talent for these positions. 
The next iteration of the digital skills bootcamp is anticipated to launch in 2024, and consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples and organizations is expected. 

Are there challenges?
Consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples and organizations for the development of the digital skills bootcamp will be sought under the timeline requirements. Innovate BC is the program administrator and will work with the delivery partner to ensure meaningful consultation and co-operation takes place. The program is expected to launch in the first half of 2024, which may put stress on the duration and extent of consultation prior to program launch. The relationship between Innovate BC and the First Nations Technology Council and other entities may be relied on. While there is a low risk of not meeting program uptake targets, knowing the exact number of Indigenous and under-represented participants is difficult when identification is not a program qualification requirement. Self-identifying is often voluntary and not everyone may feel comfortable answering. Having accurate data is important to monitor and evaluate the success of program development to inform future initiatives to increase the number of tech training opportunities for Indigenous and under-represented groups. Future engagement with Indigenous partners may include discussing how to frame self-identification aspects to encourage more accurate reporting and data. 
Developing a new digital skills program to meet current gaps in the sector can be challenging. The successful service provider is well-versed in digital skills training and understands the gap in digital skills training looking to be met. Issues in this area are not anticipated. 

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.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Year 2

Highlights
First Nations, including the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, were invited to engagement sessions held in the spring of 2023, hosted in partnership with the First Nations Leadership Council. The engagements aimed to identify shared priorities and inform the development of principles to guide the advancement of collaborative cannabis governance and jurisdiction. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General co-developed the engagement sessions and the discussion paper with the First Nations Leadership Council. A summary report of these engagements was completed and circulated to all First Nations in the fall of 2023.
The Province contributed a total of $3.50 million to the B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund in 2023/24. Since the program's launch in December 2022, the Province has contributed a total of $4.75 million to the initiative. The program was co-developed in partnership with the First Nations Leadership Council and the federal government and is administered by the New Relationship Trust and participating Aboriginal Financial Institutions. It provides financial and business planning support to First Nation communities and Indigenous entrepreneurs in B.C. that want to participate in, and advance cannabis-related economic development opportunities.

How are we working together?
After completing the five engagement sessions in the spring of 2023, a "what we heard" report was developed and circulated to all First Nations later in that fall. An Indigenous majority owned engagement firm facilitated the engagement sessions and produced the report. It summarizes the contributions from over 50 First Nations and Indigenous organizations who provided perspectives and recommendations to the Province and the First Nations Leadership Council on how to move forward on cannabis-related governance and jurisdiction. The First Nations Leadership Council partnered with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to design and deliver the engagement and contributed to the final report.
From April to August 2023, the Ministry met on a recurring basis with various partners, including the First Nations with Cannabis Control and Licensing Act section 119 agreements, the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, as well as the First Nations Leadership Council to continue discussions around cannabis governance and jurisdiction.  
Throughout this reporting year, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General also met with section 119 partners on an as-needed basis to support advancing interests as they relate to government-to-government agreements.

Are there challenges?
The Canadian cannabis sector continues to experience substantial challenges, with many small and medium sized businesses finding it increasingly difficult to maintain profitability. In addition to adjusting the provincial cannabis regulations and policy, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is advocating for federal changes to support the success of the legal cannabis sector, particularly for small scale and Indigenous operators. Federal involvement and action is required to ensure the success of smaller scale cannabis operations and to support collaborative cannabis governance and jurisdiction with First Nations and B.C. 
Provincial discussions reveal that there are diverse views on how collaborative governance and jurisdiction between First Nations and the Province could be advanced. This work is further complicated as cannabis jurisdiction intersects with federal law. In March 2024, the federal government released the final report of the Legislative Review of the Cannabis Act. While this report includes recommendations that are responsive to the interests of First Nations in B.C., any potential changes will take time to advance through the federal process. 

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.
Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Year 1

Highlights
Indigenous Food Security and Food Sovereignty Program delivered by New Relationship Trust
In July 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food announced a $30 million program to be delivered by the New Relationship Trust (NRT) to support Indigenous Peoples to develop food sovereignty, food security and Indigenous-led agriculture initiatives. The first intake of the Indigenous food security and food sovereignty grant program was fully subscribed and closed early due to the high demand. Sixty-four new projects were approved and a total of $9.3 million committed in the program’s first year. Projects are diverse and include examples such as planning for the revitalization of food harvesting sites, scaling up of commercial value-added enterprises, investments in grocery stores within communities and increasing local food production capacity in many rural and remote First Nations communities.
This monumental investment in the Indigenous food security and food sovereignty fund sees the Ministry actioning key recommendations received through the work of the B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF), including to: 1) provide low-barrier, inclusive, flexible funding; 2) provide funding at a meaningful level; and 3) support Indigenous-led program delivery. As part of this program launch, 24 applications from Investment Agriculture Foundation’s 2022 over-subscribed Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Partnerships Program (IFSAP) were successfully transferred to the NRT and approved for funding totaling $1.4 million. 
Cooking in Two Worlds
This groundbreaking guide for B.C.’s hospitals, post-secondary institutions, schools, and correctional facilities brings together culmination of wisdom from Elders and Knowledge Holders and insights from B.C. institutions on how to incorporate Indigenous foods and recipes in a good way. Cooking in Two Worlds recognizes the vast diversity of Indigenous communities and their respective food and cultural practices across British Columbia. It aims to inspire and empower institutions to embark on the necessary work of building relations with Indigenous communities and to deepen their understanding of cultural safety and humility as a foundation to do so. Cooking in Two Worlds is the first and only resource of its kind in the world. Since its launch in June 2023, the impact has been significant: over 750 copies have been shared, 400 individuals have engaged in webinars and presentations, and a cohort of 20 institution staff participated in a pilot learning series.

How are we working together?
The Ministry is prioritizing working directly with Indigenous advisors, facilitators, subject matter experts and enabling Indigenous-led program design and delivery. IACAF meets on a quarterly basis with the Ministry and through ad hoc sessions as needed to provide advice and guidance on the Ministry’s approach to Declaration Act implementation and to work together on IACAF strategic plan implementation. IACAF has both First Nations and Métis members. The new $30 million Indigenous Food Security and Food Sovereignty Program is delivered by the New Relationship Trust. Indigenous consultants have also been hired to facilitate IACAF meetings, develop resources to support the inclusion of traditional foods and Indigenous recipes in publicly funded institutions, and, in collaboration with preparing our home, undertake the design and facilitation of indigenous engagement on the emergency preparedness for food security strategy.

Are there challenges?
The gaps between current realities and desired outcomes are often significant and can present challenges in identifying effective steps, sufficient resources, and in demonstrating timely progress towards achieving goals. For example, although many public institutions have expressed their openness and desire to source from Indigenous suppliers, there are relatively few Indigenous food and agriculture businesses relative to non-Indigenous businesses and fewer still that are at scale to match the requirements of public institutions. Another example is the challenge of effectively demonstrating tangible progress on all priority action areas within IACAF’s three-year strategic plan as the plan completed this fiscal. The new Indigenous food security and food sovereignty grant program is designed to provide more flexible funding in larger amounts for a wider range of eligible activities than any past provincial programs to support Indigenous food and agriculture. The goal is that over time, the broader, more responsive style of program design will meaningfully turn the dial and enable Indigenous agriculture and food enterprises to achieve their goals and objectives, including where desired, entry into economically profitable markets.
Shared Priorities Framework
Advancing the implementation of Modern Treaties through the Shared Priorities Framework
The Shared Priorities Framework was developed in 2022 out of multi-year collaborative discussions between the Province and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations to identify new pathways to renewing treaty relationships and advancing treaty implementation.
The Declaration Act Action Plan states that progress to achieve the outcomes of the Shared Priorities Framework will be included in Declaration Act annual reports. 
The Province works in consultation and co-operation with Modern Treaty Nations (MTNs) and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations (Alliance) to advance the shared vision set out in the Shared Priorities Framework to ensure that: 
* Modern treaties are recognized, observed, and enforced; 
* MTNs and the Province are resourced for a whole of government approach to timely and effective treaty implementation; 
* The Province’s relationships with MTNs are distinct and reflect their established rights; and 
* The Province’s relationships with MTNs are dynamic and evolve and improve over time.
Shared Priority One: Establishing fiscal arrangements to fulfil treaty rights and obligations
In the reporting period, MTNs and the Province:
* Completed co-development of a new lands and resource funding model and brought it forward for consideration through their respective approvals processes;  
* Began preliminary discussions to explore potential options for replacing existing transfer mechanisms with new fiscal arrangements that align with the government-to-government relationship in modern treaties; 
* Established a dedicated working group to co-develop policy approaches for forestry revenue sharing with MTNs; and
* Co-developed a new approach to treaty property taxation that will broadly enable MTNs to self-determine property taxation on their Nisga’a Lands and Treaty Lands, including whether and how to exercise their own assessment and property taxation laws and policies. The new, collaboratively developed legislative framework was introduced in the provincial budget and fiscal plan 2024/25-2026/27.
Shared Priority Two: Establishing meaningful participation of Modern Treaty Nations in the Province’s legislative and policy initiatives  

In the reporting period:
* MTNs collectively reviewed and discussed over 90 provincial policy and legislative initiatives and their implications for modern treaties;
* Actively participated in many provincial engagements, including the development of the anti-racism legislation;
* MTNs and the Province planned and began developing guidelines for public servants on engaging MTNs; and
* Initiated planning discussions to work collaboratively to develop modern treaty-specific distinctions-based approach guidance. 
Shared Priority Three: Establishing organizational and policy changes in the provincial public service to advance a whole-of-government approach to treaty implementation 

In the reporting period, MTNs and the Province:

* Held the 2023 annual leadership meeting between the Province and Modern Treaty Nations (Premier’s Forum) and began planning the 2024 forum; 
* Worked collaboratively to develop an instructional design plan for a treaty implementation course for public servants; and 
* Advised the development of the Indigenous-Crown relations essentials course in development for all public servants.
Modern Treaty Nations and the Declaration Act
The Shared Priorities Framework includes a priority outcome that the Declaration Act be implemented in a manner consistent with distinct modern treaty rights. 
Modern Treaty Nations are self-governing First Nations with established and constitutionally protected rights set out in the treaties. 
It is important that in implementing the Declaration Act, Modern Treaty Nations are included early and often, as supported by Article 37 of UNDRIP which states that:
1. Indigenous peoples have the right to the recognition, observance and enforcement of treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements concluded with States or their successors and to have States honour and respect such treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements.
2. Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as diminishing or eliminating the rights of Indigenous peoples contained in treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements.
Measuring Progress
As the first jurisdiction to adopt the UN Declaration and create an action plan, B.C. is leading the way to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and create a better future for all. 
The Declaration Act Action Plan represents complex, interconnected, and generational change – all within the context of first-of-its-kind work. As the Province navigates this work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, there is a need for early signals of what is working and what is not so efforts can be expanded or shift course. At the same time, longer-range signals of progress towards the Action Plan outcomes will also need to be considered.

While the Declaration Act Annual Report has included action specific indicators in the past, the Province is working with First Nations and Métis partner organizations to identify more meaningful indicators that will support accountability and show progress against the Action Plan outcome statements. These indicators will be organized in a wholistic indicator framework reflecting the breadth and interconnectedness of the UN Declaration. 

The collaborative work underway across government will identify new indicators where significant and critical work is occurring, but little data or visibility exists. This work will be grounded in Indigenous data sovereignty and will reflect the growing institutional capacity among First Nations and Métis to govern and report on their data.

The shared development of indicators is a strong indicator itself – an indicator of the growth and development of collaborative work under the Declaration Act. Measuring progress on outcomes through an action plan indicator framework will provide new and unique insights that will strengthen this complex work in efficient, effective, and partnered ways. The Province is committed to accountable and transparent reporting through improved data and measurement in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples. 
1 Province of British Columbia: Shared Priorities Framework. Online: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/first-nations-negotiations/first-nations-in-treaty-process/shared-priorities-framework 
2 Province of British Columbia: Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan 2022-2027.
---------------

------------------------------------------------------------



---------------

------------------------------------------------------------





2