Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act 2024/25 Annual Report Message from the Premier of B.C. and the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Declaration Act Secretariat 1 Introduction 2 Section 3: Alignment of Laws 4 Alignment of Laws and Ministry Support 4 Key Legislation Passed in 2024/25 5 Interim Approach and Consultation and Co-operation Guidelines 8 Section 4: Declaration Act Action Plan 9 Theme 1: Self-Determination and Inherent Right of Self-Government 11 Theme 2: Title and Rights of Indigenous Peoples 24 Theme 3: Ending Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination 45 Theme 4: Social, Cultural and Economic Well-Being 70 Shared Priorities Framework with Modern Treaty Nations 139 Declaration Act Engagement Fund 142 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 the Province to carry out this important work across B.C. Message from the Premier of B.C. and the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Declaration Act Secretariat Together with Indigenous Peoples and all British Columbians, we continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder on partnerships that support healthy communities, improve the education system, create economic opportunities, strengthen sustainable stewardship of the land, water and resources, and improve services that make life better for all. Details of this work and more are highlighted in the 2024/25 Declaration Act Annual Report, which outlines the collective efforts being made by the provincial government and partners to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples between April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025. The sixth annual report provides a status update on 78 of 89 Declaration Act Action Plan items, reinforcing the Province’s deep commitment to advance reconciliation in B.C. – guided by the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and with meaningful consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples. Working with First Nations and Indigenous organizations across B.C., we are supporting long-overdue improvements to infrastructure, housing, culture, education, and more. We are grateful to the many people whose time, energy, leadership, and expertise are reflected in the work outlined in the report. While we’ve made progress over the past year, there is still much work to be done. While economic headwinds, global fiscal uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs, and other factors outside of our control have challenged, and in some cases slowed down, this critical work, the Province remains committed to advancing reconciliation. The path of partnership laid out in the Declaration 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. We know relationships ebb and flow over time. As Grand Chief Stewart Phillip has said, reconciliation isn’t for wimps. And because we are making the path together as we go, we won’t always get it right. Through challenging times, respective dialogue and partnerships are key to moving forward. Now, more than ever, we need to stand strong together. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility, and when we continue to walk together, we all feel the benefits. Honourable David Eby, K.C. Premier of British Columbia Honourable Christine Boyle Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Declaration Act Secretariat Introduction In 2019 the B.C. Legislative Assembly voted unanimously in favour of British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act (Declaration Act). This law establishes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) as the Province’s framework for reconciliation. The Province is required to report annually on the collective progress made in implementing the Declaration Act. Annual reports share the progress 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. Each annual report covers a year of progress, like a snapshot in time. The 2024/25 Declaration Act 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. The sixth annual report covers work completed from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. The 2024 provincial election required a pause in the Province’s work with partners during the fall and winter. The public service is limited in the actions it can take in the time immediately preceding an election and the transition period after. The election results took some time to finalize, so the transition period between the end of the election and when a new cabinet was sworn in was longer than usual. This meant communications with partners in many cases were limited or put on hold for several months. The current global economic climate is creating challenges nationally and provincially for Declaration Act implementation. This global economic uncertainty has intensified fiscal constraints and budgetary challenges across all levels of government. A disturbing rise in anti-Indigenous racism in B.C. has caused harm and distress to Indigenous Peoples and has impacted the implementation of the Declaration Act. Residential school denialism has been spread to discredit Indigenous Peoples and reverse the critical work of acknowledging the truth and advancing reconciliation. This conduct introduces narratives that further hurt survivors, their families and their communities. Challenging racist narratives, correcting misinformation and supporting collaborative paths forward is essential. Doing this work together is fundamental to Declaration Act implementation as represented in Theme 3 of the Declaration Act Action Plan. The Province remains deeply committed to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and continues to support and uphold this work as demonstrated in this year’s Annual Report. Since 2023, the Province has included digital annual reporting to share progress and stories that capture the work underway to implement the Declaration Act. For more information, visit https://declaration.gov.bc.ca/annual-report/ The Annual Report contains the following sections where important work is progressing: Alignment of Laws: Updates on the alignment of provincial laws with the UN Declaration. Action 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 78 actions reporting in the 2024/25 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 interest holders. For more information on icon design, meaning and methodology, visit https://declaration.gov.bc.ca/annual-report/measuring-progress/ Advancement of modern treaties through the Shared Priorities Framework1: 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. Each piece reflected in the Annual Report is unique and critical to advancing reconciliation across British Columbia. The Province extends deep gratitude to Modern Treaty Nations, First Nations and Métis partners who have guided this work and provided their valuable contributions to the 2024/25 Annual Report. Section 3: Alignment of Laws The Declaration Act Secretariat’s (the Secretariat) mandate is to guide and assist the implementation of section 3 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act). Section 3 mandates the Province to take all measures necessary to, in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, ensure provincial laws are aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration). B.C. was the first jurisdiction in Canada to adopt the UN Declaration into law. Implementing this work requires significant systemic, cultural, and legislative transformation. At the core of the alignment of laws work is co-development, co-operation, co-drafting, and consultation with Indigenous Peoples. The Secretariat works to identify the systemic shifts needed to enable success. Working with Indigenous Peoples and the BC Public Service, the Secretariat will continue to apply new learnings from feedback and further transform existing policies, practices, and processes. Alignment of Laws and Ministry Support The Secretariat plays an essential role in supporting the Province in meeting section 3 of the Declaration Act obligations. This is key to meeting the requirements of the UN Declaration to ultimately respect and honour the human rights of Indigenous Peoples and create transparent processes for Indigenous Peoples and the Province to work together. While the Secretariat supports this work, legislative alignment requires a cross-government approach. Some of the Secretariat’s core functions include: * developing processes and measures to support alignment of laws; and * assisting ministries in advancing legislative initiatives in alignment with the UN Declaration. The Secretariat provides direct support to ministries engaging in alignment of laws work at each stage of policy and legislative development. This support includes: * providing advice on obligations under section 3 of the Declaration Act; * reviewing ministry-created materials relating to section 3; * participating in planning discussions, as well as meetings with partners; and * sharing feedback and lessons learned. Through these actions, the Secretariat supports multiple teams across each ministry providing advice on legislation, including one-time requests and ongoing initiatives. From engaging with ministries and Indigenous partners, the Secretariat receives feedback and lessons learned and uses this information to inform future advice and best practices, and identify systemic, cultural, and procedural change needs. The Secretariat also participates in executive-level cross-government committees. These committees discuss legislative and policy initiatives at key stages. The Secretariat ensures section 3 obligations and perspectives shared by Indigenous Peoples are represented in these forums. Key Legislation Passed in 2024/25 Below are some examples of key legislation passed in 2024 that incorporated the UN Declaration and was effectively developed in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples: Bill 13 Land Title and Property Law Amendment Act (April 2024) The Province passed amendments to the Property Law Act and Land Title Act to remove the need for First Nations recognized as legal entities under federal law (e.g., Indian Act bands) to use proxies, such as development corporations or societies, to purchase, hold and register land. These amendments eliminated a discriminatory and racist legal barrier that added time and cost to First Nations land registration with the B.C. land title office. Previously, to buy or hold land, most First Nations had to undertake the additional administrative processes of setting up a corporation or using alternative arrangements, for example, proxies, federal trust, societies and individual members. To inform the development of the amendments, the Province engaged with First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations, the federal government, local governments, industry, and business organizations to gain feedback. The Province heard a variety of perspectives and ideas about the proposed legislative amendments, documenting them in a ‘what we heard’ report. The changes support the Province’s commitments to reconciliation by advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action No. 45, and the UN Declaration articles 3, 4, 5, and 26 (2). Bill 20 First Nations Mandated Post-Secondary Institutes Act (May 2024) The integral role First Nations-mandated post-secondary institutes play as a key pillar of B.C.’s post-secondary education system is now supported by ongoing funding provided under new legislation. As of April 2024, the First Nations Mandated Post-Secondary Institutes Act commits operational and capacity funding for eligible institutes to support institutional priorities in the delivery of adult and post-secondary education. These priorities include growing First Nations’ capacity toward a skilled and diverse workforce, revitalizing their languages and cultures, and addressing the continuing impacts of colonialism and racism. The new legislation addresses the UN Declaration, specifically article 14(1), and delivers on commitments in the Declaration Act Action Plan. Through continued consultation and collaboration, the Province will work with the First Nations Education Steering Committee and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association to implement the new legislation. Bill 23 Anti-Racism Act (May 2024) The Ministry of the Attorney General introduced new legislation on April 11, 2024, which was passed into law on May 16, 2024. With this legislation, the B.C. government is taking action on systemic racism uncovered through race-based data collection and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities. For example, the legislation requires the Province to strengthen checks and balances in its programs and services in hospitals, schools, courts and other public spaces. A new anti-racism committee will draw up a whole-of-government action plan to address systemic racism. The legislation fulfils action 3.6 of the Declaration Act Action Plan, which commits the Province to introducing anti-racism legislation that addresses Indigenous-specific racism. “The Declaration Act Secretariat (DAS) was instrumental in the successful development, consultation, and introduction of Bill 23, the Anti-Racism Act. DAS worked with members of the AG-Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Branch from the development of the policy intent, where their role was ensuring that AG-staff honoured commitments not only through consultation and cooperation but also actions committed in theme 3 of the Declaration Act Action Plan. DAS informed all the stages of legislative development of Bill 23. DAS played the role of intermediary when policy decisions affecting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit citizens came to play. They provided advice on implementation of obligations under section 3 of the Declaration Act, reviewed materials including cabinet submissions to ensure AG-staff were honoring voices and feedback provided by Indigenous partners during the consultation and cooperation of Bill 23. DAS staff navigated difficult conversations between AG-staff, policy decision makers, and Indigenous partners with an authenticity that routed their feedback on the best outcomes for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in B.C.” - Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Branch, Ministry of Attorney General  Bill 25 Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act (May 2024) The first law of its kind in Canadian history, the Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act enshrined the Province’s recognition of Haida Aboriginal title in the laws of B.C. and confirmed the Gaayhllxid • Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement. The legislation supported the agreement’s implementation approach, which provided for a staged transition to Haida jurisdiction, while also protecting and maintaining private property rights and existing government services and infrastructure in Haida Gwaii. The agreement and legislation were the culmination of more than two decades of dialogue and negotiation between the Haida Nation and the Province. Over the next several years, the Council of the Haida Nation and the Province will work together and negotiate how provincial and Haida Nation laws can work together. Over the transition period, land and resource decisions will continue to be made through existing processes. Local governments, residents and others will have opportunities to have input in the discussions. Bill 7 Social Development and Poverty Reduction Statutes Amendment Act (March 2024) In March 2024, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction introduced amendments to three acts: * The Employment and Assistance Act; * The Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act; and * The Poverty Reduction Strategy Act The first two acts, which together govern income and disability assistance, had not been comprehensively updated since 2002. The new provisions focus on improving employment outcomes by: * Changing employment requirements to better support individuals on income and disability assistance to find and maintain employment; and * Introducing a new approach whereby people are assessed after they start receiving assistance, allowing for more tailored employment supports based on their current needs and readiness. The amendments also included provisions to enable joint and consent-based decision-making agreements with Indigenous Governing Bodies (aligned with the Declaration Act sections 6 and 7) to support any future interest in shared decision-making under these two acts. The legislative changes reflect feedback from more than 10,000 people – 70% of them with lived experience of poverty – gathered during B.C.’s public consultation in 2023. They also incorporate feedback received during distinctions-based consultation and co-operation with First Nations, including Modern Treaty Nations, Métis Nation BC, Indigenous partner organizations, and Indigenous people. The legislation supports action 4.15 of the Declaration Act Action Plan: 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. Interim Approach and Consultation and Co-operation Guidelines During the 2024-2025 year, the Secretariat engaged in extensive work with Indigenous partners and ministries to co-develop additional internal guidelines on consultation and co-operation. The need for additional guidance was identified through feedback from Indigenous partners and BC Public Service employees, during their work within the processes set out in the ‘Interim Approach to Implement Requirements of Section 3 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act’ (Interim Approach). The world-leading Interim Approach provides each ministry with clear, transparent processes for how they are to work with Indigenous Peoples when developing provincial laws. The feedback described the need for more resources and education to aid BC Public Service employees in applying the Interim Approach. The Secretariat began co-development with Indigenous partners, including the First Nations Leadership Council, the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, and Métis Nation British Columbia. The additional guidelines were also discussed at cross-ministry committees and with key ministry executives. The supplemental guidelines formalize advice the Secretariat provides to ministries. This advice is focused on operationalizing consultation and co-operation and describes the key considerations ministries must take when engaging in consultation and co-operation through the stages of the Interim Approach. The guidance and additional resources developed will support the BC Public Service in building a foundational understanding of consultation and co-operation in the UN Declaration. The Secretariat also began work to develop additional internal resources to support ministries, including a self-paced corporate learning course that will be available to BC Public Service employees. The development of additional resources on consultation and co-operation aims to ensure all BC Public Service employees have consistent advice and guidelines needed to support their work. This is one of the ways the Secretariat is working to create new processes and systemic shifts needed to meet section 3 of the Declaration Act obligations. 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 implementing all 89 actions by 2027 and is taking a phased approach to action implementation and reporting, as some actions need to be completed before others can be taken. How far along is this work? Stage of transformation (Salmon) When we think of life, it’s cycles of transformation. We think of our relations with salmon. Salmon is the chief of the water and a representation of critical thinking, taking action and overcoming obstacles. Their cycle of birth, journey, and returning to the land remind us of our reciprocal responsibility and that, with our limited time on earth, we must contribute in a meaningful way. Salmon return the earth and feed it so that other beings may thrive. Low level Initiation Stage Mid-level Planning Stage High level Implementation Stage Transformed Completed How complicated is this work? Complexity (Rock) How much work needs to be done? How big is the rock we must carry? We call on the image of the rock, which reminds us of the physicality of our test of strength competitions. The heavy lifting is not just about brute strength but about how we position ourselves and use our whole being to lift. Low level Some Complexity Mid-level Moderate Complexity High level Notable Complexity Transformed Complexity Resolved Are there challenges? Risks (Medicine bundle) The medicine bundle is a symbol of protection and ceremony. When it comes to risk and challenges, we are reminded of the work that our ancestors undertook to prepare mind, body, and spirit for the things creator would place in front of us. Managing risk is achieved through years of preparation, gaining knowledge, training, ceremony, and mastery. Low level Some Challenges Mid-level Moderate Challenges High level Notable Challenges Transformed Challenges Resolved How are we working together? Engagement (Weaving) Braiding all the necessary pieces together, the land, water, and the people into spaces where deep consultation and co-operation can happen. Each strand is important, each voice is important. Low level Some Engagement Mid-level Moderate Engagement High level Notable Engagement Transformed Full Engagement Distinctions Based Approach The Province applies a distinctions-based approach to Declaration Act implementation. A distinctions-based approach, and appropriate respect for Indigenous laws and jurisdictions, means that the scope of rights enjoyed by an Indigenous People is contextual. Using a distinctions-based approach with individual First Nations, as well as Métis and Inuit is critical to recognizing and respecting the distinct and different rights, laws, legal systems and systems of governance of each. In 2023, the Province released a Distinctions-Based Approach Primer to assist B.C. public service employees in understanding the current legal basis for, and core elements of, a distinctions-based approach. For more information visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/indigenous-people/new-relationship/united-nations-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples/distinctions-based-approach The Province provides learning opportunities for BC Public Service employees and is working towards the development of further guidance to support employees to accurately and consistently apply a distinctions-based approach. 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 1.01 In partnership with the Government of Canada, establish a new institution designed and driven by First Nations to provide supports to First Nations in their work of nation- and governance-rebuilding and boundary resolution in accordance with First Nations laws, customs and traditions. Lead Ministry: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Planning Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? Nation-rebuilding and boundary resolution issues have been ongoing for many years. Leadership for this work rightfully belongs to First Nations, not to the Province. The Province is supporting the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) to engage with First Nations and subject matter experts to develop tools, mechanisms and supports for Nation rebuilding, governance development and shared territory resolution. These actions were committed to in the Declaration Act Action Plan, as well as the Joint Agenda: Implementing the Commitment Document (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/agreements/concrete_actions_final_26nov2018.pdf) agreed to by the Province and FNLC in 2018. Are there challenges? This complicated and necessary work will take time. To fully advance Action 1.01 close collaboration between Canada, First Nations and the Province is essential. The lack of clarity on boundary and overlap issues has deep impacts for First Nations, and for B.C. as it relates to revenue sharing, treaty negotiations, and finalizing agreements and other constructive arrangements. Highlights A key aspect of Action 1.01 is that leadership and direction for Nation-rebuilding and boundary resolution issues come from First Nations, with the Province offering its support and partnership. There is a renewed commitment and desire to move forward on work that began back in 2019 between FNLC and the Province. This renewed commitment is reflected in the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation’s 2025 mandate letter. In the last several months of the reporting year, FNLC and the Province reengaged in conversations related to this action and a plan was developed for the coming year to help guide the direction for moving forward with this important work. 1.02 Shift from short-term transactional arrangements to the co-development of long-term agreements that recognize and support reconciliation, self-determination, decision-making and economic independence. Lead Ministry: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement 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 unique needs. Over the past year, the Province signed a diverse range of agreements that exemplify these efforts. This includes honouring and upholding treaty promises to Snuneymuxw First Nation with the return of 2.67 hectares, part of the historic sxwayxum village site, also known as Millstone River Village. 312 hectares of culturally significant land near Skutz Falls in the Cowichan River valley was also returned to the Lyackson First Nation and Cowichan Tribes. This land transfer marks the first time since colonization that Lyackson First Nation will have access to habitable land where it is possible not only to gather, but to live, work and grow in community. Engagement is ongoing with First Nations across B.C. through regular meetings to negotiate additional agreements to support reconciliation, self-determination, decision-making and economic independence. The Province also engages with local government, the public and interest holders on an ongoing basis. Are there challenges? Ongoing engagement with First Nations can be impacted by challenges in capacity across all levels of government, including First Nations governments. As new agreements demonstrate change and positive steps towards reconciliation, there will be increased demands on capacity. New and innovative approaches to achieving long-term reconciliation may also require new mandates, policy and legislation. This work takes time and requires cross government co-ordination with First Nations and their representative bodies. It also requires greater public and interest holder engagement complimented by public education and awareness-raising efforts related to truth, history and reconciliation. Refer to Action 1.01 for challenges related to boundary overlap. Highlights Signing long-term agreements demonstrates a structured and intentional approach towards reconciliation of Indigenous sovereignty and Crown sovereignty - an internal process integral to Canada’s own constitutional order. Over the reporting period, significant milestones were reached in the co-development process. The following agreements signed this year recognize and support reconciliation, self-determination, decision-making and economic independence: * Lyackson First Nation, Cowichan Tribes, and British Columbia signed an Incremental Treaty Agreement - May 11, 2024 * Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act, 2024, received Royal Assent, confirming the Gaayhllxid • Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement between Haida Nation and British Columbia - May 16, 2024 * Kitselas First Nation, Canada, and British Columbia initialed the draft Kitselas Treaty - June 24, 2024 * Kitsumkalum First Nation, Canada, and British Columbia initialed the draft Kitsumkalum Treaty - June 25, 2024 * T?ilhqot’in Nation, Canada, and British Columbia signed a five-year renewal of the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement - June 26, 2024 * K’ómoks First Nation, Canada, and British Columbia initialed the draft K’ómoks Treaty - July 22, 2024 * shíshálh Nation and British Columbia renewed the 2018 Foundation Agreement - August 2024 On March 8, 2025, K’ómoks First Nation members voted in favour of ratifying the K’ómoks Treaty and Constitution. B.C. and Canada will now undergo their own respective ratification approval processes. This includes introducing provincial, then federal treaty implementation legislation to bring the K’ómoks Treaty into law. If ratified by all three parties, the treaty is anticipated to have an effective date in 2028. 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. 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. Lead Ministry: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Moderate Engagement 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 worked with the First Nations Leadership Council and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations to develop shared approaches to 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. Although the Declaration Act establishes space for negotiating section 6 and 7 agreements, statutory amendments may be required for these agreements to be implemented, where appropriate. 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 2.04 including seeking approval for legislative amendments where required. As part of any proposed legislative amendment process, there will be public, partner and interest holder engagement. The Province is working to build awareness of the scope and opportunities within section 6 and 7 agreements across government and with Indigenous governing bodies, interest holders and the general public. This important work also requires complementary public education and awareness-raising efforts related to truth, history and reconciliation. Highlights In April 2024, 'Namgis First Nation and the Province initiated formal engagement and negotiations on a joint decision-making agreement under section 7 of the Declaration Act to support forest stewardship and sustainable forestry operations. 1.04 & 1.05 Actions 1.04 and 1.05 guide the Province’s work to co-develop a new fiscal relationship and framework with Indigenous Peoples. The Province is consulting and co-operating on both actions through a single engagement process. Actions 1.04 and 1.05 state: 1.04: Co-develop with Indigenous Peoples a new distinctions-based fiscal relationship and framework that supports the operation of Indigenous governments, whether through modern treaties, self-government agreements or advancing the right to self-government through other mechanisms. This work will include collaboration with the Government of Canada. 1:05 Co-develop and implement new distinctions-based policy frameworks for resource revenue-sharing and other fiscal mechanisms with Indigenous Peoples. Lead Ministries: Finance; Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Planning Stage Some Complexity Notable Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? Actions 1.04 and 1.05 guide the Province’s work to co-develop a new fiscal relationship and framework with Indigenous Peoples. The B.C. government is consulting and co-operating on both actions through a single engagement process. Working together, the Province is building a stronger B.C. through partnerships and agreements that create economic opportunities, good jobs, and help build a better future for all. The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation is continuing to plan next steps on the co-development of a new fiscal framework. Engagement to date has reinforced the complexity of this work. An evolving fiscal and political climate has signaled the need to assess how a new fiscal framework will support shared objectives. This includes recognizing First Nations rights, advancing self-governance and self-determination, as well as adapting and supporting the broader economy for all British Columbians in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty. Work with the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations is also being advanced and is reported on under Action 4.49. Are there challenges? This work was paused during the provincial election and lengthy post-election period, only to be resumed in the context of significant economic and fiscal uncertainty. A constrained and potentially volatile fiscal climate across all levels of government and general economic uncertainty has added significant complexity for the Province in co-developing a new fiscal framework. In light of this, new approaches to advancing work under these actions may be required. Highlights The Province has continued to review and consider the significant input from First Nations received over the previous two years. The Province continues to explore opportunities for renewing co-development of a new fiscal framework with First Nations in this new environment. In support of economic reconciliation, the Province is working with First Nations and the B.C. business sector to develop strong economic partnerships. To support this work and create economic growth, the Province announced the intent to develop what would become the First Nations Equity Financing Program (FNEFP) in Budget 2024. This program will facilitate First Nations equity investment by providing loan guarantees for projects where there is a shared interest. The program’s intent is to address barriers many First Nations face accessing capital to gain meaningful representation in projects in their own territories. The Ministry of Finance held discussions with First Nations organizations, provincial government ministries, the federal government and the B.C. business community to develop the FNEFP design and implementation. The Province is also coordinating with the federal government on its National Indigenous Loan Guarantee program announced in late 2024, as well as the federal Canada Infrastructure Bank and First Nations Financing Authority which also provide assistance for First Nations equity financing. 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. Lead Ministry: Education and Child Care Completed Some Complexity Challenges Resolved Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) and the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) have had regular meetings since April 2021 to co-develop the Local Education Agreement approach, which includes the Model Local Education Agreement (Model LEA). ECC has engaged with First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations on Model LEA, in addition to the co-development with FNESC. FNESC consulted with First Nations prior to the signing of the B.C. Tripartite Education Agreement in 2018 and over the last four years to ensure First Nation direction was incorporated into the model agreement. ECC has been meeting with First Nations on the proposed policy since February 2023. Are there challenges? No challenges identified. Highlights Bill 40 was passed on November 8, 2023, introducing a requirement that Boards of Education apply a Model Local Education Agreement, at the request of a First Nation. First Nations may also choose not to have a local education agreement, to remain in their existing agreement, or to negotiate a custom agreement with school districts. This legislation was co-developed with FNESC. ECC has co-developed a Model Local Education Agreement with FNESC, to be applied at the request of a First Nation. The Model LEA, Ministerial Order, and a Local Education Agreement Policy has been co-developed with FNESC and made publicly available. A communications plan, including presentations to sector partners, has been implemented. Since April 2024, the legislation on the Model LEA has come into force and the regulation and policy have now been made public. For more information on Local Education Agreements, or to see the model agreement, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/legislation-policy/public-schools/local-education-agreement-policy 1.07 Update the Bilateral Protocol agreement between the BC Ministry of Education and the First Nation Education Steering Committee for relevancy, effectiveness, and consistency with the UN Declaration to support First Nation students in the K-12 education system. Lead Ministry: Education and Child Care Started Moderate Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? Updates to the Bilateral Protocol Agreement will be co-developed with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC). A draft of the updated Bilateral Protocol is under discussion. Are there challenges? Initiating this work will require significant staffing, capacity and engagement between the Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) and FNESC. Highlights A draft of the updated Bilateral Protocol is being discussed between FNESC and ECC. ECC provided a grant to FNESC to support their participation in all aspects of policy, program and resource development, including engagement on this action. Engagement on a joint approach to this action is still underway due to priorities and readiness of both partners. 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. Lead Ministry: Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Challenges Resolved Notable Engagement How are we working together? The First Nations-mandated post-secondary institutes legislation was introduced in the B.C. Legislature during the Spring 2024 legislative session. The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) continues to work in collaboration and consultation with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association and First Nations to develop regulation, processes and procedures for implementation of this legislation. The ministry and FNESC have signed a bilateral agreement to guide this work. The ministry undertook two rounds of consultation while developing the legislation with First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations and will be doing another round of consultations before finalizing the regulation, policies and procedures. PSFS continues to consult regularly with Métis Nation British Columbia on this work at monthly bilateral meetings, with additional meetings scheduled as required. Are there challenges? No challenges identified. Highlights First Nations-mandated post-secondary institutes play a vital role in First Nation communities by providing First Nation 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 these institutes given that they fill a critical need for First Nations and First Nation learners that cannot be met by public post-secondary institutions. The intent of this action was to ensure that legislation was enacted to reflect the critical role of First Nations-mandated post-secondary institutes in B.C.’s post-secondary system and establish ongoing core and capacity funding commitments. The legislation supports the alignment of provincial laws with Article 14 (1) and (2) of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 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. Lead Ministry: Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? Urban Indigenous Youth Education Project: Working closely with Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA), Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), and other partners through regular steering committee meetings, project board meetings and ad hoc meetings on key topics. Native Education College (NEC): The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS) is working closely with NEC to build its capacity. PSFS and NEC meet regularly to set direction and work collaboratively. Are there challenges? Urban Indigenous Youth Education Project: Project costs are exceeding established funding commitments. PSFS is identifying options for managing project budget and risks. Native Education College: Challenges faced by NEC include building capacity without necessary and additional public funding. PSFS is committed to seeking opportunities for additional funding. Highlights In the 2024/25 academic year, Native Education College offered its first Associate of Arts Degree in Indigenous Studies – a two-year program that provides students with an academic foundation in Indigenous cultures, history, and contemporary issues. The college continues to see an upward trend with student enrolments, with 34% growth this past winter. 1.10 Co-develop modernized emergency management legislation (replacing the Emergency Program Act) with First Nations. Lead Ministry: Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) developed the Emergency and Disaster Management Act, 2023 (the Act), which came into force on November 8, 2023, in consultation and co-operation with First Nations using a distinctions-based approach. The ministry is undertaking consultation and co-operation to develop supporting regulations and materials. For example, the ministry offered a consultation draft of the Act’s first major regulations to government representatives at all First Nations through a confidentiality agreement. These representatives were invited to virtual sessions on the consultation draft and initial regulations in May 2024. The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) and Modern Treaty Nations technical teams provided input and on July 8, 2024, regulations came into force that define the term “treaty area” and relate to provincial government risk assessment and planning. In Spring 2024, EMCR held sessions with First Nations and local authorities to collect feedback on provincial emergency management projects, including an update to the provincial All-Hazard Plan (Hazard Plan). In September 2024, the Province sought further input from all First Nations regarding updates to this plan. Ongoing work was paused during the provincial election period. The ministry resumed consultation and co-operation with FNLC and Modern Treaty Nations technical teams on regulations for local authorities starting in November 2024. As a result of these engagements, a technical team was formed in February 2025 that includes local authority and First Nations representatives. Updating the Hazard Plan is the first step in creating a new Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (Emergency Plan) for the Province. Future development of the Emergency Plan will include consultation and co-operation with Indigenous governing bodies. Are there challenges? EMCR consulted and co-operated with First Nations rights and title holders throughout the development of the Act and continues to do so in relation to the development of the Act’s regulations. Priorities of the Province and Indigenous partners may not always align, which can sometimes lead to a need for longer timelines to come to agreement on work planning and materials. As partners in consultation and co-operation on legislative development, the Province is committed to taking the necessary time for meaningful contributions and building and maintaining respectful relationships. Some local authorities and First Nations have expressed concerns regarding the capacity needed to implement the Act. They have requested clarity and guidance, particularly concerning capacity and funding concerns. The Ministry is developing implementation guidance materials and posting them online at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/emergency-management/legislation-and-regulations/modernizing-epa Interim guidance on the Indigenous engagement requirements under the Act was developed in consultation and co-operation with First Nations. In 2024, the Province provided $18 million to First Nations and local authorities in B.C. to support implementation through the Indigenous Engagement Requirements Funding Program. This program funding is available for a second year. It supports capacity needs, relationship-building and collaboration related to the requirements. Clear communication and support mechanisms are necessary to fulfill obligations under the Act. Highlights The Disaster Recovery Framework (Recovery Framework) outlines the Province's scalable, flexible and adaptable approach to recovery from disasters. The Recovery Framework that is in place was developed in consultation with First Nations and First Nations partners through a series of engagement sessions in 2023. This feedback was compiled, organized into themes, and then used to inform development of the Recovery Framework, which received final approval in May 2024. EMCR first used the Recovery Framework after the Chilcotin River landslide in July 2024. The ministry’s recovery guide is now in development, with recent input from First Nations emergency managers, and planned contributions from First Nations Emergency Services Society and First Nations Health Authority. All First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations have been notified that they may request recovery guide documents. The ministry is also working with FNLC on an advance payment policy for emergencies and will determine next steps for inclusion of band councils. In June 2024, the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding program was announced to help protect people and communities from climate emergencies. This program supports First Nations and local governments to improve their resilience to natural and climate-driven disasters. Engagement with First Nations before full proposal development and throughout disaster resilience projects is mandatory to ensure that concerns related to downstream project impacts, vulnerability, equity-denied populations and reconciliation are appropriately raised and addressed. 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. Government Lead: Declaration Act Secretariat Completed Complexity Resolved Challenges Resolved Full Engagement 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. For more information, visit https://declaration.gov.bc.ca/annual-report/alignment-of-laws-section-3/ 2.03 Issue guidelines from the Attorney General of B.C. to the Ministry of Attorney General legal counsel regarding the conduct of civil litigation involving the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Lead Ministry: Attorney General Completed Complexity Resolved Challenges Resolved Full Engagement ACTION COMPLETE Highlights Ministry of Attorney General legal counsel has become increasingly knowledgeable about all aspects of the Directives on Civil Litigation involving Indigenous Peoples (the Directives) and adept in their implementation in all litigation matters. The Directives are considered and applied in all new and ongoing litigation matters and they inform instructions in every matter. They are applied throughout the litigation process including pleadings, procedural issues, court submissions, and inter-party communications. Consistent with the Directives, counsel are regularly encouraging and supporting negotiated outcomes in the context of active litigation. 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. Lead Ministries: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? Negotiation of section 7 agreements is a collaborative process with Indigenous governing bodies that involves ongoing engagement. To date, the Province has worked 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 March 2024, the Province secured a mandate to negotiate with 'Namgis First Nation on a joint decision-making agreement to support forest stewardship and sustainable forestry operations. Exploratory discussions are underway with other Indigenous governing bodies interested in developing section 7 agreements, which may result in additional mandated negotiations. Are there challenges? The Province is advancing agreements that share statutory decision-making with Indigenous governing bodies. This work is complex and requires approval before agreement negotiations can begin. Although the Declaration Act establishes the space for negotiating section 7 agreements, amendments to existing legislation may be required for these types of agreements to be implemented (see the Highlights section for examples of legislative amendments that occurred during the reporting period). The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation has heard concerns and feedback from some partners, First Nations and others about a lack of awareness and understanding about these types of agreements and the process to negotiate and implement them. Addressing the concerns requires cross-government alignment, and consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples, interest holders and the public. The Province is working to build awareness and understanding of section 7 of the Declaration Act. This important work also requires complementary public education and awareness-raising efforts related to truth, history and reconciliation. 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. In Spring 2024, the Employment and Assistance Act, as well as the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act were amended to bring these pieces of legislation into alignment with commitments under the Declaration Act. In April 2024, the Adoption Act and the Child, Family and Community Service Act were amended to expand the scope for joint and consent-based decision-making agreements in Indigenous child and family services including the ability to create a full pathway for dispute resolution through the provincial courts under Indigenous law. 2.05 Co-develop and employ mechanisms for ensuring the minimum standards of the UN Declaration are applied in the implementation of treaties, agreements under sections 6 and 7 of the Declaration Act and other constructive arrangements with First Nations. Lead Ministry: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? Co-development of policies and approaches to negotiations require ongoing engagement with Indigenous governing bodies. Ongoing engagement during implementation ensures agreements continue to be relevant and responsive in achieving the minimum standards of the UN Declaration. Are there challenges? Co-developing agreements using a distinctions-based approach requires rigorous engagement with Indigenous governing bodies. Ongoing engagement 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. This is an ongoing activity with no measurable end point. As negotiations and implementation of agreements continue to evolve, the Province will be responsive to ensuring the minimum standards of the UN Declaration are achieved. Highlights In May 2024, Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act, 2024, received Royal Assent, confirming the Gaayhllxid • Gíihlagalgang "Rising Tide" Haida Title Lands Agreement. It's a first-of-its-kind reconciliation agreement between the Haida Nation and B.C. that recognizes Haida Aboriginal title to the lands of Haida Gwaii. The Agreement embodies the spirit and intent of the UN Declaration and is a major step toward the ongoing recognition and empowerment of the Haida Nation. The federal government similarly recognized Haida Aboriginal title to the lands of Haida Gwaii in December 2024 with a celebration held in February 2025. In recent years, there have been foundational shifts in policy and approach to treaty negotiations process in B.C., including the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/recognition_and_reconciliation_of_rights_policy_for_treaty_negotiations_in_bc_aug_28_002.pdf) for Treaty Negotiations in B.C. in 2019, which includes commitments for rights recognition, non-extinguishment and ensuring modern treaties are living agreements. These positive shifts reflect new approaches to negotiations consistent with the UN Declaration, including provisions in the treaties initialed with K’ómoks, Kitselas and Kitsumkalum First Nations explicitly stating that their interpretation and implementation will be informed by the UN Declaration. On March 8, 2025, K’ómoks community members ratified their treaty. In June 2024, the T?ilhqot’in Nation, and federal and provincial governments signed a five-year renewal of the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement. The Agreement was initially signed in August 2019 and commits the parties to bring "transformative change" to the lives of the T?ilhqot’in people and to their relationship with government. Through the Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement, the Ts?ilhqot’in Nation has made significant strides in Nation building and is continually working to improve all aspects of life for T?ilhqot’in communities, including governance initiatives, all of which support implementation of the standards set out in the UN Declaration. 2.06 Co-develop strategic-level policies, programs and initiatives to advance collaborative stewardship of the environment, land and resources, that address cumulative effects and respects Indigenous Knowledge. This will be achieved through collaborative stewardship forums, guardian programs, land use planning initiatives, and other innovative and evolving partnerships that support integrated land and resource management. Lead Ministries: Water, Land and Resource Stewardship; Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Environment and Parks; Forests; Energy and Climate Solutions; BC Energy Regulator Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? Provincial staff, who are supporting each of the initiatives in Action 2.06, are working collaboratively with First Nations and First Nation organizations to co-develop unique approaches that jointly identify priorities and actions across a range of projects at various stages of planning and implementation. There is broad consultation and co-operation with First Nations and engagement with First Nation organizations and cross agency partners, working collaboratively with more than 150 First Nations on multiple projects to support Action 2.06. Are there challenges? While there are notable challenges to this work, especially in the context of a more constrained fiscal environment, these challenges are being monitored and there are actions in place to mitigate them. This is a result of the subprojects developing different tools and methods for working together with Indigenous partners on an ongoing basis, like reviewing work to align with updated direction and entering into agreements for data sharing. Despite facing resourcing challenges, multiple subprojects are continuing to find ways to adapt work to continue collaborating with Indigenous partners and are approaching their executive leadership to find support. Highlights Guardians 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 to partner with First Nations representatives to co-develop the Guardians Stewardship Training Initiative. The Guardians Working Group, made up of representatives of 77 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 and the New Relationship Trust, the Guardians Stewardship Training Initiative provided $3 million to 21 First Nations and First Nation organizations, representing a total of 27 First Nations, to support their capacity to access training for their program and staff. Marine Protected Area Network: In June 2024, the Province of B.C., the Government of Canada and 17 partner First Nations signed the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence Agreement. This agreement establishes a co-governance structure to protect marine wildlife and habitats through the Marine Protected Area Network and enables $335 million in long-term funding supporting Indigenous-led marine stewardship and coastal economic development. The agreement also outlines a timeline for implementation to achieve 25% of marine protection by 2025 and 30% by 2030, incorporating provincial protection tools, creating a secure and lasting future for marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP): MaPP is a co-led marine planning process that began in 2011 between 17 First Nations and the Province in the Great Bear Sea. Project highlight: Shellfish Aquaculture Development. Central Coast MaPP partners have conducted extensive research to promote Nation-owned shellfish aquaculture. This work aligns with the Central Coast Nations’ priorities of fostering new, sustainable economic opportunities while managing fisheries for future generations. Since 2016, annual work plans have included activities to advance Pacific geoduck aquaculture. Four pilot sites were studied to understand the biophysical suitability of intertidal geoduck aquaculture, including developing a Habitat Suitability Index. MaPP partners have gained insights into site selection, permitting, seed acquisition and other logistics necessary for developing geoduck aquaculture on the Central Coast. The next step is to assess the financial feasibility of aquaculture activities and the economic benefits it can bring to communities. 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. Lead Ministry: Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Moderate Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? The Province is committed to building trust and fostering sustained dialogue on watershed security through multiple pathways, including directly engaging with First Nations throughout the Watershed Security Strategy (the Strategy) development process. As this Strategy was developed, all First Nations in B.C. were invited to work with each other and with the Province in the ways of their choosing. The B.C.-First Nations Water Table (Water Table) was convened in June 2022. This collaborative structure, made up of First Nations delegates and representatives from the Province, makes consensus-based, co-developed recommendations to decision-makers. The First Nations Fisheries Council and the Province form a Joint Secretariat supporting the Water Table and its subcommittees. The leadership and ongoing work of the Water Table is key to reconciliation and a new way forward for protecting and sustaining watersheds. Pathways for direct partnership on the Strategy between Treaty First Nations and the Province continue to be built and set the stage for strengthened relationships around watershed stewardship. The Province works with Modern Treaty Nations in ways of their choosing, including government-to-government conversations, joint meetings and facilitated workshops. Engagement with First Nations is unique to each watershed planning project. The Province continues to work in partnership with First Nations to collaborate on developing water sustainability plans, setting community-based priorities and objectives and supporting shared decision-making. Are there challenges? The Province remains committed to strengthening watershed stewardship across B.C. and achieving the long-term vision proposed under the Watershed Security Strategy. Capacity and budgetary resource constraints may present barriers to the Province in implementing goals and actions outlined in this proposed strategy. Despite these challenges, the Province will continue working with First Nations and other partners to prioritize key actions and support ongoing implementation. The Province is receiving a growing number of expressions of interest and requests for support in the use of water sustainability planning and watershed governance tools. Limited capacity may be an obstacle in meeting current demand. Projects will need to be prioritized and correspond to available resources. With current resources, the Province supports six watershed projects in collaboration with First Nations. Adequate scoping of water sustainability planning projects remains a priority. Capacity constraints within Nations and the Province and overlap with other ongoing planning initiatives relating to water sometimes means that water discussions are included in other planning tables. This increases the overall effectiveness of planning efforts but may mean that the work proceeds at a slower pace. Highlights The Water Table and the First Nations Water Caucus were critical spaces for co-developing the Watershed Security Strategy while advancing reconciliation and implementing the Declaration Act. Co-developing a Watershed Security Strategy sets the stage for a transformative approach to watershed stewardship and shared decision-making. Continued collaboration with First Nations (i.e., through the Water Table, First Nations Water Caucus, Treaty First Nations and other First Nations) is critical to addressing watershed security issues of shared concern. Work on the Watershed Security Strategy has shifted to implementation planning. The Water Table and First Nations Water Caucus have also begun to shift to implementation planning specifically identifying their role in the Watershed Security Strategy implementation and potentially expanding the focus. First Nations and communities continue to identify priority actions for watershed security including strengthening drought response and flood resilience, protecting drinking water, and streamlining permitting processes. The Watershed Security Fund was established in 2023 with an initial endowment of $100 million. Investment yields are used to grant $3-5 million annually in watershed security projects. The fund is currently co-managed by the Real Estate Foundation of BC and the First Nations Water Caucus with support from the First Nations Fisheries Council. An initial 26 grant projects were announced in 2024, with future grant intakes expected to follow once a year. Another priority is to strengthen local watershed governance and planning processes in collaboration with First Nations, watershed interest holders and communities. The Koksilah Water Sustainability Plan is under active co-development with Cowichan Tribes. The Nicola Watershed Governance Partnership is working towards designating the watershed for a water sustainability plan that will be co-developed with the Nicola 5 (Upper Nicola, Lower Nicola, Coldwater, Nooaitch and Shackan Band). 2.08 Collaborate with Indigenous partners on issues related to conservation and biodiversity in B.C. including the protection of species at risk. Lead Ministry: Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Province is advancing several interconnected initiatives to achieve a shared vision of ecosystem health, community well-being and economic resilience, including its commitment to co-management with First Nations. This ongoing work supports the conservation of biodiversity, wildlife and habitats, and the restoration and recovery of priority ecosystems and species at risk. These initiatives advance the commitment to the continued development of co-management structures and changes to decision-making practices so they align with commitments made through the Declaration Act. Are there challenges? Ongoing challenges associated with advancing the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework include the pressure on respondents’ capacity to engage due to multiple engagement requests and differing levels of capacity, which impact participation and involvement. Where possible, engagement offerings were bundled together and outreach was conducted through existing government-to-government tables, forums and meetings where many First Nations came to discuss areas of common interest. There is a strong recognition across various levels of government and throughout society that biodiversity loss and climate change are urgent and complex issues. There are many actions being taken to advance changes and solutions. Provincial government teams are working collaboratively with First Nations rights and title holders, as well as advisors, to help shape policy and program content early in the process as part of a more collaborative approach. This includes building stronger relationships and working more closely with First Nations, which requires adequate funding and better relationships through frequent, open communications. These are key priorities under each initiative and program area. Highlights The draft Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/biodiversity-habitat-management/draft_biodiversity_and_ecosystem_health_framework.pdf) was developed collaboratively with First Nations government-to-government tables, leadership organizations and forums, from concept to actions. The Framework reflects a collaboratively built vision for healthy environments, communities and economies. Once finalized, it will identify mechanisms to set clear objectives and facilitate the necessary legislative tools and policies to improve the work we do together to achieve this vision — across various levels of governments and with industry, non-governmental organizations and communities. The Together for Wildlife Strategy’s Goal #5 (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/wildlife-wildlife-habitat/together-for-wildlife/together-for-wildlife-strategy.pdf) is focused on ensuring that collaborative stewardship advances reconciliation with First Nation governments. In co-developing this strategy, the First Nations-B.C. Wildlife Stewardship and Habitat Conservation Forum was formed. The parties worked together to implement the Strategy by co-developing policies and procedures, as well as deciding which actions to prioritize. A significant project that is currently underway is a full review of the Wildlife Act. The Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/tripartite-framework-agreement-on-nature-conservation) was signed by the Canadian government, the B.C. government and the First Nations Leadership Council on November 30, 2023. This agreement identifies goals and objectives that are shared priorities among these parties. Advancing the agreement’s actions, in partnership with First Nations rights and title holders, supports a more inclusive approach to nature conservation across multiple levels of government. It helps address threats to biodiversity and the restoration and recovery of species and ecosystems in B.C., while advancing reconciliation and coordinating funding to support this important work. 2.09 Develop new strategies to protect and revitalize wild salmon populations in B.C. with First Nations and the federal government, including the development and implementation of a cohesive B.C. Wild Pacific Salmon Strategy. Lead Ministry: Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Province is partnering with the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) to advance reconciliation, further the Province’s Declaration Act commitments and implement shared decision making. B.C. and the FNFC entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019 and updated it in January 2023. The MOU provides a framework for overcoming barriers, coordinating intergovernmental relations, and exploring innovative approaches to support First Nations involvement in the implementation and development of fisheries, aquaculture, water and aquatic habitat policy, management, and initiatives. A joint MOU workplan and budget are determined annually and signed off by the Province and the FNFC executive director. This collaborative work now focuses on governance collaborations that create an enduring foundation to support multiple strategic initiatives. This includes the Trilateral Salmon Accord (the Accord), co-development of the Coastal Marine Strategy, the First Nations-BC Water Table, and the coordination of the Watershed Security Fund. The BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BC Salmon Fund) is a joint funding program managed by B.C. and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The program prioritizes Indigenous participation and knowledge to fund projects that support wild Pacific salmon and the ecosystems that they rely upon. Are there challenges? A challenge to the Accord is the fact that the FNFC does not represent all First Nations, including Modern Treaty Nations, within B.C. To overcome this challenge the Accord is open to all First Nations in B.C., with the FNFC taking a convener role to engage and facilitate progress. To reflect the distinct rights, law, legal systems and systems of governance of Modern Treaty Nations, B.C. and DFO committed to maintaining a distinctions-based approach to their relationships that is appropriate for their specific contexts. These opportunities have been emphasized through meetings with the Maa-nulth First Nations, for example, to engage in a manner that suits their system of governance. Currently, the main risk to the BC Salmon Fund projects is the rising costs during implementation. Tariffs and global financial instability may lead to unexpected cost escalation and threaten project completion. At this time, the BC Salmon Fund team is managing these risks on a case-by-case basis and working to reallocate funds to cover increased costs where possible. A future risk is the end of the program in March 2026. This has the potential to impact ongoing work that has been funded over a significant time period, including the loss of capacity and expertise in First Nations partners. This funding has been one of the largest and most dedicated funding programs in several decades aimed at furthering work in fisheries, wild salmon recovery and habitat restoration in partnership with First Nations. B.C. has been working to secure an extension of this program in partnership with DFO. Highlights The Province signed a Trilateral Salmon Accord with the FNFC and DFO that commits to restoring salmon habitat and salmon populations. This commitment to collaborative decision making and priority setting is a significant first for trilateral relations. The BC Salmon Fund has supported a significant number of First Nations and First Nation organizations in their work to restore and enhance salmon populations. Of the 170 projects funded through this fund, 70 (40%) are led by First Nations and Indigenous organizations, and another 26% of projects have significant input through a partnership with a First Nation or Indigenous organization. 2.10 Reform forest legislation, regulations and policy to reflect a shared strategic vision with First Nations that upholds the rights and objectives of the UN Declaration. Lead Ministry: Forests Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Province of British Columbia is working with First Nations partners to update forest legislation and policy. The Ministry of Forests and the BC First Nations Forestry Council have formed a working group to share ideas and information. This working group makes sure that First Nations views are included in the changes. Ministry staff also work closely with individual First Nations to include their values and voices in the process. This approach helps create policies that respect the unique cultural and environmental priorities of First Nations. By talking openly and making decisions together, the Province aims to manage forests in a way that honours First Nations’ rights and traditions. Are there challenges? Both First Nations and the ministry need a lot of staff time and money to make these changes. It will be hard to balance the needs of both groups while making sure the changes happen quickly and fully respect the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Ministry executives know this will be a challenge for both First Nations and the ministry and are working on tools to manage it. The work is bigger than the reporting timeline for the Declaration Act Action Plan and will continue past 2027. Highlights Over the past year, the ministry has worked with First Nations on several projects to improve forest management through changes to forestry law. The ministry has created regulations to support Bill 41 (Forest Statutes Act, 2023), giving more decision-making power when issuing cutting permits and road permits. The ministry also worked on regulations to support Forest Landscape Planning and forest operations plans, as well as updates to other parts of the Forest and Range Practices Act. These changes improve chances for shared management of forest resources. This also reduces barriers for the Province’s decision-makers to respond to First Nations’ interests. Ministry staff worked with First Nations, in consultation and co-operation on these changes to the regulations that support prior legislation changes. The ministry worked with First Nations to ensure their views were included in the legislation as it was developed. As this work moves forward, the ministry will work with First Nations through a distinctions-based approach to ensure the policy, regulatory and legislative work is done in a way that reflects shared strategic vision with First Nations and upholds the rights and objectives of the UN Declaration. 2.11 Integrate traditional practices and cultural uses of fire into wildfire prevention and land management practices and support the reintroduction of strategized burning. Lead Ministries: Forests; Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? In 2021 and 2022, the Province engaged First Nations on Action 2.11 through local discussions and regional forums. These conversations helped identify barriers to integrating traditional practices and cultural uses of fire into wildfire prevention and land management practices. Understanding the barriers, the Province drafted proposals for initial policy changes. The intent of the proposed policy changes was to reduce barriers and support local collaboration. In Spring 2023, the Province worked with the First Nations Forestry Council to engage on these proposals at regional forums. The B.C. government also sought input from all First Nations across the province through a consultation process. Based on this engagement and consultation, the Ministry of Forests amended the Wildfire Act in the fall of 2023. This amendment makes it possible for the Province to assist First Nations with the use of fire for land stewardship when requested. The ministry then amended the Wildfire Regulation in the spring of 2024. This amendment provides the option for the Province and First Nations to develop agreements regarding the use of fire on the land. The First Nations’ Emergency Services Society has been a strong partner in this work. Together, the Province and partners are striving to support the braiding of Indigenous traditional practices and cultural uses of fire with Western fire ecology and land management practices. This coordinated approach has created the space for on-the-ground partnerships with First Nations to reintroduce strategized burning. The Province has established a continuous improvement approach to doing this work. The Ministry of Forests is actively incorporating learnings from on-the-ground implementation into policies, procedures and guidance. Over the course of 2025, the Province is working with interested First Nations on co-developing agreements for expanding Indigenous fire stewardship within their territories. Are there challenges? Climate change is driving changes in the environment, such as extreme drought. This can impact when it’s safe to carry out cultural and prescribed burning. Extreme fire seasons also impact shared capacity to work on burn projects. The safety of those working on and delivering burns and the safety of the public remain a public concern and a top priority. The Ministry of Forests strives to balance these concerns with the need to expand the use of fire as a land stewardship tool. Fire projects must be delivered through a robust and inclusive planning process. This process needs to maintain public safety and safety of those working on and delivering burns. The ministry must also work to maintain and build public support for burning. As the scale of burning increases, there is an increased demand for certified and qualified people with the skills and experience needed to do this work safely. In many areas of the Province, there may not always be enough people and resources to deliver all the approved projects in a given weather window. To help address this the Ministry of Forests is working with partners to speed up and streamline training and capacity development. The Ministry continues to focus on public education, engagement and communication to build public support for burning. In some cases, local values like conservation or recreation may limit opportunities to reintroduce beneficial fire to landscapes. In addition, discussions around liability and insurance for people delivering burn projects are ongoing. Highlights In September 2024, in partnership with ?aq?am, a Ktunaxa Nation community, the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society, and the Cranbrook Zone in the Southeast Fire Centre, delivered the first-ever prescribed fire training exchange (TREX)in B.C. There were 33 participants from 13 communities and agencies who took part in the 12-day workshop. The shared objective of Kootenay ?a·kinq? uku TREX was to expand the pool of practitioners who can safely and collaboratively implement prescribed burning to the landscape such that traditional and cultural practices will be supported in the future. This pilot project serves as a model for future TREX offerings in other regions of the province. For a video documenting the experiences of participants, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz10sOuI2zg&ab_channel=BCWildfireService In 2024, 48 burn projects were implemented, treating over 3,400 hectares. More than 21 burn plans were developed or co-developed with First Nations, and 23 of the 48 implemented projects from 2024 were delivered in partnership with First Nations. One example of a co-developed and delivered project is the Flat Rock prescribed burn with the Williams Lake First Nation and Williams Lake Community Forest. Implementation of the Flat Rock prescribed burn project first started in 2022. The fourth and final burn of this prescription will take place in 2025, achieving goals identified by the Williams Lake First Nation, Williams Lake Community Forest, and the Cariboo Fire Centre in 2020. This project demonstrates the importance of collaboration and how, by working together, shared values like cultural preservation and wildfire prevention can be simultaneously achieved. For more information on the 2024 Cultural and Prescribed Fire Annual Summary Report, visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/wildfire-status/prescribed-burning/annual_summary_report_crx_fire_2024.pdf 2.12 Collaboratively develop and implement CleanBC and the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy to support resilient communities and clean economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples that benefit our shared climate and advance reconciliation. Lead Ministry: Energy and Climate Solutions Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The First Nations Leadership Council - BC Technical Working Group on Climate Change (the FNLC Technical Working Group), established in 2019 by the Climate Action Secretariat and the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), meets monthly to advance collaborative implementation of CleanBC and B.C.’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy (the Climate Strategy). In 2024 and 2025, the Climate Action Secretariat and the FNLC Technical Working Group have been supporting a climate capacity/needs assessment for First Nations and exploring First Nations climate action funding to determine their needs regarding capacity to act on climate change. The Climate Action Secretariat has provided data on Indigenous climate engagements across government for this project; they also continue to support implementation of the BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan. The Indigenous Climate Adaptation Working Group (the Climate Working Group), established in 2021, is comprised of Indigenous members from across B.C. to advise the Province on the Climate Strategy implementation. They continue to meet monthly and are involved in the steering committee for Indigenous Climate Resilience Capacity Building Pilot Project (also called the Resilience Climate Adaptation Network). The Province funded the pilot with $2 million in 2022-23 and an additional $250,000 in 2023/24 to support self-determination and increased capacity for climate initiatives in First Nations communities. Some regional climate action coordinators have now been hired, and the pilot has been extended through 2025/26. In 2024, the Climate Action Secretariat began trilateral meetings with Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Natural Resources Canada, with both the Technical Working Group and the Climate Working Group to ensure alignment and coordination on climate action and adaptation between levels of government and First Nations. Are there challenges? As funding for the Climate Strategy is time bound, from 2022-2025, further coordination with partners will be necessary to continue implementation work. The Climate Action Secretariat is supporting the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness with Indigenous engagement on the Disaster and Climate Risk and Resilience Assessment and associated plan and continues to work with both the Indigenous Climate Action Working Group and the FNLC Technical Working Group regularly. Future collaboration and engagement processes on CleanBC and the Climate Strategy will need to consider current economic uncertainty and a constrained fiscal environment. Highlights The Climate Action Secretariat continues to foster a relationship between the Province and two Indigenous advisory groups. These are built on co-developed indicators for success on Action 2.12, which included appropriate mechanisms or governance structures in place to support collaborative implementation of CleanBC and the Climate Strategy. The expected outcome of this indicator is a formal structure for Indigenous advisory/working groups to engage in dialogue, provide strategic advice and ensure Indigenous perspectives, knowledge and experience of First Nations rights and title holders are included in development and implementation of climate initiatives. The annual Indigenous Climate Resilience Forum is seen as an example of the success of this relationship and co-development of a project focused on Indigenous self-determination and capacity to build climate resilience. The event brings together Indigenous organizations and First Nations for networking opportunities and learning exchange. In February 2025, the Climate Action Secretariat, the B.C. Indigenous Climate Adaptation Working Group and contractor Mahihkan Management Inc. organized and hosted the fourth annual forum, which saw its highest registration numbers ever at 612 people from 91 First Nations and 33 Indigenous organizations. There was a total of 300 attendees from 74 First Nations, 25 Indigenous organizations, three Indigenous Nations from outside B.C., and attendees from international jurisdictions (U.S.A., Ecuador, Panama and New Zealand). The climate capacity/needs assessment being supported by the Climate Action Secretariat and FNLC has seen a survey go out to all First Nations in B.C. on the challenges they face regarding capacity to act on climate change, and data provided by the Secretariat will support research and recommendations by FNLC to strengthen capacity. 2.13 Identify and advance reconciliation negotiations on historical road impacts and road accessibility with First Nations on reserve, treaty and title lands, including reporting-out on the completion and implementation of these negotiations collaboratively with First Nations partners. Lead Ministry: Transportation and Transit Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Notable Challenges Some Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Transportation and Transit (TT) is committed to continuing engagement with First Nations that have active historical road tenure negotiations on their Reserve, Treaty or Title lands. The ministry meets with First Nations regularly that have active negotiations to resolve historical road impacts on Reserve, Treaty and Title land. Part of these negotiations can include a broader relationship agreement to outline how the ministry and First Nations will coordinate future discussions related to TT activities on Reserve, Treaty or Title land. Each negotiation is unique, and with the help of a centrally tracked system, the ministry will be able to share information about ongoing and upcoming negotiations more transparently with First Nation partners. Currently, the ministry is involved in 59 active negotiations to resolve historical road impacts on Reserve, Treaty and Title land. At the time of this report, there are 16 projects with a signed agreement in various stages of implementation. Are there challenges? These complex road impact negotiations require time and resources from both the ministry and First Nation partners. After the implementation of the central tracking system, demands to resolve the historical road impacts on Reserve, Treaty and Title land could increase negotiations. The new system will create internal efficiencies that will support TT staff and resourcing to help meet these demands. The ministry is ensuring that the new system can keep the sensitive information related to these negotiations secure and private by using secure platforms and data storage. The new centralized project management tool release date has been delayed, and the new system will be launched in Summer 2025. Substantive progress has been made and the cross-ministry team creating the tool has started rolling out targeted training and project data will be entered this spring and summer. There is a temporary strain on resources while TT trains staff to use the new system. Highlights The centralized system will provide TT the opportunity to improve relationships with First Nations by increasing transparency and allow the negotiation teams to learn from other negotiations, develop creative solutions and create a more coordinated approach. The ability to show the number resolved and implemented relationship or historical road impact agreements, along with highlighting the additional community or transportation benefits First Nations receive as a result of these resolved negotiations, will show TT's progress toward reconciliation with First Nation partners. The ministry recognizes that the historical road impact negotiations with First Nation 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 TT to understand the current and future negotiations so TT can plan and resource accordingly. 2.14 Modernize the Mineral Tenure Act in consultation and cooperation with First Nations and First Nations organizations. Lead Ministry: Mining and Critical Minerals Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? A consultation and co-operation framework has been developed with consideration of feedback from a sample of First Nations, the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) technical working group, as well as the Declaration Act Secretariat (the Secretariat). The consultation and co-operation framework is intended to be evergreen and is expected to evolve as needed. Pathways for an open and transparent consultation and co-operation process began in Summer 2024 and will recommence in 2025. These pathways include: * All-Nation sessions with all First Nations rights and title holders * Bi-lateral engagement with First Nations rights and title holders * A technical advisory group with First Nations representatives * Technical working group with participants from FNLC, the First Nations Energy and Mining Council, the Declaration Act Secretariat and the Ministry of Attorney General. As this work continues, the Province is committed to making sure First Nations and First Nations organizations are provided ample opportunity to partner in the development of a new mineral exploration legislative framework. This will include opportunities to directly contribute to the drafting of all key milestone documents outlined in the ‘Interim Approach for the Implementation of Section 3 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act’. Are there challenges? The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals recognizes the need for dedicated and ongoing engagement opportunities for industry and the public, in addition to the consultation and co-operation framework established for rights holders. Aligning the Mineral Tenure Act (MTA) with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) as required by section 3 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) will be a significant transformation for the mineral exploration sector in B.C. amid global investment uncertainty, which heightens industry and public attention on economic development and investment certainty supported by known regulatory frameworks. As a result, ongoing, focused engagement is essential to build a shared understanding of the goals of MTA reform. Developing a new mineral exploration legislative framework will require considering diverse perspectives in a collaborative way, including differentiating between First Nation rights holders and existing regulatory stakeholders. The Province must enhance public understanding of the UN Declaration principles and reconciliation to foster meaningful collaboration. In Spring 2024, the ministry prioritized the design and implementation of a new mineral claims consultation framework to respond to the B.C. Supreme Court ruling in Gitxaala vs. British Columbia (Chief Gold Commissioner). This is a separate but concurrent initiative alongside MTA reform. This division of efforts limited the ministry’s capacity to conduct consultation and co-operation on MTA reform in a way that meets First Nations' expectations. Since Summer 2024, the ministry has focused its consultations with First Nations on the court ruling, with consultation and co-operation on MTA reform set to resume in 2025. Highlights The ministry is committed to working in consultation and co-operation with First Nations and First Nations Organizations to align the MTA with the UN Declaration, as required by section 3 of the Declaration Act. The Mineral Tenure Act Modernization Office commenced early policy exploration with First Nations, and First Nation Organizations with the release of a discussion guide in August 2024. Consultation and Cooperation through established consultation and cooperation pathways will continue in 2025. 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. Government Leads: Public Service Agency; Ministry of Finance – Crown Agencies and Board Resourcing Office Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The BC Public Service Agency (BCPSA) provides human resource leadership, expertise, services and programs that contribute to better business performance of ministries. The BCPSA communicates with partners to provide progress updates, review documents and incorporate feedback into Indigenous Crown Relations Essentials level 1 training, as well as for future companion course development. The BCPSA is the lead for internal partners in the provincial government, including the Crown Agencies and Board Resourcing Office (CABRO). CABRO, co-lead for this action item, is responsible for ensuring public sector organizations have access to this training and will work with them to help provide information on further training and supports as they become available. The BC Public Service Agency coordinates internal partners to contribute to and develop level 1 training. The BCPSA shares updates about change management and communications planning related to course development and launch with partners to help support implementation of the course across government and in public sector organizations. The Declaration Act Secretariat and the technical lead for the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) co-hosted a working group on consultation and co-operation in 2024. Through this working group, additional information was shared that has informed the Public Service Agency’s increased attention to change management for the mandatory e-course for public service employees. For example, the BCPSA hosted additional engagement sessions with internal groups, ministry human resources partners and senior leaders to prepare the public service for learning, and to support the culture shift that needs to occur for decolonizing the BC Public Service’s systems, processes and people. The BC Public Service Agency’s corporate House of Indigenous Learning also expanded its cultural safety-related programming –delivering training to 3,500 employees between July 2024 and March 2025, and began planning sessions and supports specific to Indigenous employees. Are there challenges? With differing perspectives from internal and external partners on historical events, the ongoing impacts of colonization and legal interpretations of Aboriginal rights and title, there is a risk of not accurately reflecting the diversity of Indigenous Peoples’ experiences in B.C. in course content. These risks are being mitigated with additional preparatory learning and supports for employees as they gain a deeper understanding of the Province's foundational commitments to Indigenous Peoples, as well as exposure to concepts and tools such as cultural safety, tokenism, Two-Eyed Seeing, trauma-informed practice, etc. The BCPSA continues to work towards ensuring course content is reflective of differing perspectives. The learning required to adequately address Action 3.01 is also vast. Companion courses, to be co-developed with partners, will provide BC Public Service employees with opportunities to learn more about and better understand distinctions-based approaches to working with First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations, Métis and Inuit in B.C., including urban Indigenous Peoples. Given the number of requests for engagement, partner capacity to support continued co-development is a major consideration, though to date, this has not been an obstacle to progress on Indigenous Crown Relations Essentials course development. The BC Public Service Agency continues to build capacity within its network of learning developers, subject matter experts and facilitators. Although timelines have shifted, the BCPSA remains committed to ensuring course content reflects the perspectives of partners. The BCPSA will work closely with partners to review, adopt and/or modify suggested revisions in the next round of co-development to ensure the course satisfies partners. The three-level framework previously endorsed by partners will scaffold learning and guide BCPS employees through foundational and skills-based learning opportunities to meet the intended outcomes of this action. Highlights In alignment with a distinctions-based approach, the BC Public Service Agency continues to work with FNLC, the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, Nations with historic treaties and Métis Nation BC to co-develop and deliver a learning framework that addresses the learning needs identified in this action. These partners provide guidance and feedback on the mandatory e-course (level 1 of 3) content currently under development, as well as provide feedback on change management and communications planning. The timelines for launching the course have been adjusted to accommodate robust internal and external partner feedback. The BCPSA is committed to the co-development of learning with partners and taking the time needed to meaningfully and respectfully include partners' perspectives in content development. Once feedback is incorporated, the second phase of the Indigenous Crown Relations Essential pilot and course launch will follow as soon as possible. Once the course is ready, the Crown Agencies and Board Resourcing Office will develop a communications and change management strategy to support public sector organizations with implementation. The final course content will be made available to public sector organizations through a Memorandum of Understanding between the BCPSA and CABRO. CABRO will ensure public sector organizations have access to the training and will work with them to help provide information on further training and supports available. 3.02 Establish an operational approach to set and achieve targets for equitable recruitment and retention of Indigenous Peoples across the public sector, including at senior levels. Government Leads: Public Service Agency; Public Sector Employers’ Council Secretariat Planning Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Some Engagement How are we working together? The BC Public Service Agency (BCPSA) provides human resource leadership, expertise, services and programs that contribute to better business performance of ministries. The Public Sector Employers’ Council (PSEC) is responsible for strategic coordination of labour relations, total compensation planning and human resource management for the broader provincial public sector. The BC Public Service Agency and PSEC are not currently engaging or working with Indigenous partners on this specific action. Action 3.2 is in the initiation phase with the BCPSA, which is focusing on identifying key internal and external partners, available data and existing human resources levers within the organization that may support and improve recruitment and retention of Indigenous peoples to the BC Public Service. The BCPSA is taking care in this sensitive identity-based work, with a focus on building trust with all contributors. Work will begin to engage with external partners starting in Spring 2025, ensuring a diversity of perspectives contribute to this action. Through the Ministry of Citizen Services, the BCPSA has supported the work of the Provincial Anti-Racism Data Committee to examine racial diversity in the public service. The second phase of research into this area applies a qualitative lens to understanding the barriers that Indigenous and racialized employees experience as they develop their careers in the BC Public Service. Representational data from the biennial Work Environment Survey will also help guide this work. The BC Public Service is reviewing current data management systems with the intent of responsibly widening the collection of demographic data. Related work by the Ministry of Citizen Services on the Indigenous Data Standard will inform this systems review. PSEC will liaise with employers’ associations for the broader public sector to both share the work being done within the public service and learn about practices within the public sector. The BCPSA will also seek opportunities to align as practicable. Are there challenges? This action is somewhat dependent on linkages to other data-related initiatives within the public service, though representational data can continue to be used as a proxy in the interim. Research about Indigenous Peoples is sensitive due to Crown governments' historical misuse of data to harm individuals and communities. The BCPSA is employing a trauma-informed approach throughout work on this action to mitigate known concerns about research and data collection. The BC Public Service Agency has moved forward carefully on this action given the work required on Action 3.01 and Action 4.44. Within the BC Public Service Agency, additional resources are being shared to support targeted delivery of public service employee training. An intensive in-person, five-day, cohort-based training for senior leaders, BC Public Service Agency employees and ministry human resource partners was completed in early April 2025. This is intended to ready them with the tools to examine and change persistent systemic barriers, which are preventing Indigenous applicants and employees from thriving in the public service. A working group of BC Public Service Agency employees will be established in Spring 2025, which will increase Public Service Agency's capacity to engage with internal and external partners. Highlights Currently, the BC Public Service Agency has several initiatives underway specific to Indigenous Peoples that support this action. These include advisory services for Indigenous applicants, support to hiring managers on recruiting Indigenous applicants, a literature review and jurisdictional scan on Indigenous identity in hiring and Settler Identity fraud, a new coaching service for Indigenous employees, an employment exchange program with First Nations governments, and internship, leadership and mentorship programs specific to Indigenous Peoples entering into or already working in the public service to accelerate their career development. The BC Public Service Agency is convening a working group to better understand and address recruitment and retention enablers and barriers specific to Indigenous Peoples. Sixty employees took part in dedicated reconciliation-related training from January to April 2025 to increase their knowledge and capacity for this work. The BC Public Service Agency has also been building and repairing relationships with partners and Indigenous employees through engagement on Action 3.01. 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 Leads: Education and Child Care; Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Started Some Complexity Some Challenges Some Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC), the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS), the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) met in October and November 2023 to initiate discussion about process, timelines and next steps to implement the action. In January 2024, the parties met to discuss terms of reference, potential reviewers, review process and workplan. The technical table last met on June 3, 2024. Are there challenges? Initiating this work requires significant staffing, capacity and engagement between multiple ministries and partners. Highlights In September 2023, the Ministers of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and Education and Child Care responded to a letter from FNLC that formally requested the initiation of an Indigenous-specific racism review in B.C.’s public K-12 and post-secondary public education sectors. Both ministers expressed full support to work together with FNLC and FNESC to move forward on this important initiative. An Indigenous-specific racism review of B.C.’s public education sectors has been identified by First Nations leadership and FNESC as a health and safety issue, an integral aspect of reconciliation, and an opportunity for truth telling. The primary purpose of this work is to address systemic racism in the K-12 and post-secondary sectors. The review will take a distinctions-based approach, while ensuring the involvement of First Nations, Treaty Nations, and Indigenous organizations to address Indigenous-specific racism in B.C.’s public education sectors. 3.04 Implement a mandatory course or bundle of credits related to First Peoples as part of graduation requirements in B.C. and co-create culturally relevant provincial resources with Indigenous people for use by all educators across the K-12 education system. Lead Ministry: Education and Child Care Completed Complexity Resolved Challenges Resolved Full Engagement ACTION COMPLETE Highlights The Ministry of Education and Child Care implemented a new graduation requirement in the 2023/24 school year to ensure all students complete Indigenous-focused coursework before they graduate from B.C.’s K-12 education system. Over 45,000 graduates have completed at least one Indigenous-focus course since implementation of the new requirement. All students must now complete at least four-credits of Indigenous-focused coursework to obtain a B.C. Certificate of Graduation. Prior to implementation, fewer than 5% of graduates had taken any Indigenous-focused courses at the secondary school level. Since implementation, over 45,000 graduates have completed at least one Indigenous-focused course. Recent ministry efforts have focused on supporting educators in delivering the various courses that fulfill the graduation requirement. In the 2024 fiscal year, professional development sessions were provided to train educators across B.C. including a dedicated session for Francophone educators. Additionally, individual First Nations can now participate in the ministry's External Credential Program and have their respective language and culture programs count for graduation credit, as well as fulfilling the Indigenous-focused graduation requirement. 3.05 Provide resources to Indigenous organizations to improve public understanding of Indigenous histories, rights, cultures, languages and the negative impacts of Indigenous-specific racism. Lead Ministry: Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport is continuing existing relationships and actively considering other potential partnerships with Indigenous organizations to fulfill this action. Consultation and co-operation approaches will differ for each Indigenous organizational partner in accordance with a distinctions-based approach. The ministry has heard from local Indigenous artists, community members, and Indigenous-led organizations and First Nations through engagement events and participation in roundtable discussions. Feedback from these sessions is being incorporated into the strategic vision for the BC Arts Council. Additionally, the ministry continues to meet with Métis Nation BC as part of the Province’s alignment with a distinctions-based approach. Indigenous arts and culture practitioners contribute to the BC Arts Council Equity Advisory Network. Members of First Nations and other Indigenous individuals make up over 25% of the Arts Council's membership. Roy Henry Vickers has been the Arts Council inaugural Elder-in-Residence since March 2024, providing guidance on this new role. The BC Arts Council has a long-standing partnership with First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC), a First Nations-led Crown corporation, provides $1.725 million annually to support the FPCC’s arts programs, which supports valuable jobs for First Nations artists. The BC Arts Council has worked with the FPCC on outreach and engagement initiatives, while the FPCC has provided input on BC Arts Council policies, with regular meetings between leadership teams to build relationships and work together. The BC Arts Council has established a Joint Indigenous Arts Advisory group made up of Indigenous BC Arts Council members and community members to guide the development of the BC Arts Council’s Indigenous Arts Strategy. This work will focus on developing an approach to better support Indigenous artists and organizations in B.C. through policy, programs and outreach. Are there challenges? Reaching out and connecting with other Indigenous organizations to partner with on Action 3.05 is measured to ensure meaningful engagement between the B.C. government and Indigenous organizations across the province. This work faces challenges in these uncertain economic environments. While consistent progress is being made, creative solutions for collaboration and resourcing are being sought to continue to meet community demand for Indigenous arts, culture and language revitalization in B.C. Highlights Renowned artist, carver, storyteller, author, and community leader of Tsimshian, Haida, and Heiltsuk heritage, Roy Henry Vickers is the BC Arts Council inaugural Elder-in-Residence, a role which recognizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and self-determination. In alignment with Action 3.05, the BC Arts Council provides funding to the Elder-in-Residence to provide guidance for continued work to integrate equity and reconciliation across the arts sector and provide greater support for the Indigenous organizations. He also provides mentorship and knowledge-sharing for young Indigenous artists, playing a vital role in supporting and strengthening the transmission of Indigenous arts, culture and histories. The BC Arts Council has formally initiated work on an Indigenous Arts Strategy to support Indigenous organizations and applicants through its programs, supported by an Indigenous Arts Advisory Group consisting of Indigenous Council and community members. This work is ongoing. 3.06 Introduce anti-racism legislation that addresses Indigenous-specific racism. Lead Ministry: Attorney General Planning Stage Some Complexity Some Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? The Province is committed to a distinctions-based approach that supports the unique identities, rights, histories, needs, and challenges of each Indigenous partner. This approach is central to efforts to address Indigenous-specific racism through legislation, the development of an action plan, and its subsequent implementation. Based on the input received during initial meetings, an overarching framework for the Anti-Racism Act Action Plan has been developed. This includes collaborative steps for its drafting, the definition of standards and indicators and the establishment of an assessment framework. A schedule for upcoming meetings and a roadmap for the discussion topics have been outlined. Ongoing collaborative meetings will be held, allowing adequate time for the sharing and review of meeting materials. Consultation and co-operation with each Indigenous partner is distinct, and the Province is actively engaging in conversations with each partner to refine meeting materials and frameworks in response to their input. Materials are tailored to the specific needs of partners and, with cultural humility, incorporate their perspectives. Are there challenges? The Province remains committed to integrating recommendations from the First Nations Leadership Council, the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, and Métis Nation BC into detailed indicators and actions within the co-development of an action plan. Resources will be required to do this, and to align the priorities of the Métis Action Plan with those of other Indigenous partners. It is imperative that cross-ministry indicators, strategies, and actions are developed with the level of qualitative and quantitative specificity requested by Indigenous partners. The Province is working to adapt the recommendations provided to meet the current resource capacity. The Province has also communicated budget limitations to Indigenous partners. Furthermore, the Ministry of the Attorney General is collaborating across the provincial government to learn from and adapt the indicator methodologies already developed in respective action plans. Highlights A key highlight has been the invaluable advice and insights provided by Indigenous partners. Partner input has shaped the development of the framework, underscoring the importance of a distinctions-based approach that reflects their unique identities, histories, expectations and challenges. Partners have emphasized the need for clear and specific strategies, actions, targets, and indicators to ensure the action plan effectively addresses Indigenous-specific racism and creates meaningful change in their communities. Partner advice has been central in ensuring that the action plan is being developed to not only comprehensive but also actionable and aligned with their priorities. Furthermore, Indigenous partners have highlighted the importance of avoiding siloed work by the provincial government and urged for a more collaborative, cross-sector methodology. Partners have made it clear that the current approach must be strengthened to ensure that efforts are not isolated but integrated across ministries, reflecting the interconnectedness of the issues at hand. Maintaining self-determination, respecting data sovereignty, and addressing gaps in actions by the provincial government are critical to building trust and ensuring the success of an Anti-Racism Act Action Plan. By continuing to consult regularly with Indigenous partners, the Province is ensuring that Indigenous voices remain at the forefront of this work. 3.07 Implement recommendations made in the In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in B.C. health-care report, striving to establish a health care system in B.C. that is culturally safe and free of Indigenous-specific racism. Lead Ministry: Health Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? Elements of the In Plain Sight recommendations require different approaches for consultation and co-operation depending on what government ministry is leading the implementation and who the key partners are. Partnership with Indigenous organizations, leaders and communities across the province primarily includes the First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, the First Nations Health Council, and regional Nation executive tables. Some recommendations are being pursued primarily through partnerships and actions with the regional health authorities, Provincial Health Services Authority, and Providence Health Care. The approach that each health authority is taking on implementation can be driven by their relationships with First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC and regional Indigenous leaders and governing bodies. While there are significant alignments across the province, each region has a unique structure and processes due to regional context. There are regular working meetings with the Vice Presidents of Indigenous Health from across the health authorities, as well as regular meetings with Métis Nation BC and the First Nations Health Authority. The Ministry of Health continues to observe and learn from the collaboration and co-operation that other projects and ministries are following, in addition to the guidance provided by the Declaration Act Secretariat, First Nations Health Council, and Métis Nation BC. 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. Several First Nations have identified Action 3.07 as a priority in their Declaration Act Engagement Fund workplans, and the ministry is developing an engagement plan for 2025 to meet these needs. Are there challenges? The greatest risks to full implementation in a timely manner are * competing priorities and pressures across the health system and within Indigenous organizations and communities; * resourcing across the Provincial government and Indigenous governing bodies for meaningful engagement and partnerships; and * ongoing systemic silos and structural barriers. Indigenous communities and First Nations governments have prioritized sustaining and improving the health and wellness of their members. Potential approaches have been considered by Nations and communities to dismantling the legacies of settler-colonial oppression, white supremacy, systemic Indigenous-specific racism, and intergenerational trauma, and more recently the impacts of losses to COVID-19, the toxic drug crisis, and the climate crisis. These approaches include fostering and maintaining intrinsic connections to culture, language, and land, autonomy and self-determination, and collaboration with Indigenous organizations and partners to develop supportive systems that promote Indigenous Peoples’ ways of knowing and being. An engagement process model is needed that can address the inherent systemic challenges in engaging and collaborating with Indigenous communities and Nation governments. Highlights In June 2024, a new superintendent was announced to advance the new health legislation. The role of the superintendent will also serve to ensure the changes made to the Health Professions and Occupations Act advance the key recommendations of the 2020 In Plain Sight Report. For more information, visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HLTH0079-000883 Regulators have now completed their amalgamation work to reduce the number of health profession regulatory colleges from 15 to six. For more information, visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HLTH0092-001030 Health Standards Organization and Accreditation Canada continues its partnership with First Nations Health Authority to advance cultural safety and humility through the first assessment of the British Columbia Cultural Safety and Humility Standard. In 2025, Accreditation Canada, with the support of First Nations Health Authority, will lead the first-of-its-kind assessment together with Provincial Health Services Authority. All assessments of the BC Cultural Safety and Humility Standard will be led by First Nations, Métis and Inuit surveyors, including Indigenous patients. For more information, visit https://accreditation.ca/news/hso-and-fnha-to-launch-first-assessment-of-the-british-columbia-cultural-safety-and-humility-standard/ 3.08 Develop and implement community-driven activities to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, beginning with the foundational activities in A Path Forward: Priorities and Early Strategies for B.C. and steps towards achieving the mandate commitment to develop a gender-based violence action plan. Lead Ministries: Public Safety and Solicitor General; Attorney General, Finance – Gender Equity Office Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General continues to take a distinctions-based approach on this action and strives to ensure that input and representation is diverse, including collecting perspectives from urban and rural Indigenous Peoples, on and off reserve Indigenous Peoples, First Nations, Métis, Inuit and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The ministry has met with key Indigenous organizations, committees and groups. Other ministries engage Indigenous partners in support of related ministerial mandate commitments. Safe and Supported: BC’s Gender-Based Violence Action Plan is a three-year plan launched in December 2023 to guide new action across government to prevent, address and respond to gender-based violence. The Ministry of Finance approached engagement on the plan’s development using a distinctions-based approach. Engagement balanced hearing from leadership and directly from Indigenous organizations, families, survivors, women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity and the Gender Equity Office regularly engaged with the Minister's Advisory Council on Indigenous Women, the Gender-Based Violence Action Plan Advisory Committee, the First Nations Leadership Council and Métis Nation BC. Letters were also sent to all First Nations and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations to invite dialogue and discussion. The Province continues to work with Indigenous and community partners during implementation to monitor progress and roll out further initiatives. Are there challenges? There are a number of key challenges to this work: * The Path Forward Community Fund is time limited. Careful consideration of resourcing and collaboration will be needed to ensure continuity of the fund in the longer term, to support future initiatives. * Under the safe and supported action plan, funding has been provided to support several Indigenous-led initiatives, including grant programs administered by or on behalf of the First People’s Cultural Council, the B.C. Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and the Minister’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Women. Granting partners report that interest in their grants from Indigenous applicants is robust and typically exceeds available funds. The level of demand for grants, and for other services being delivered by the First Nations Justice Council and Métis Nation BC, is being monitored. Highlights The June 3, 2024, Path Forward Status Update included progress made on three key broad cross-government actions: 1. the Anti-Racism Data Act; 2. the Anti-Racism Legislation; and 3. Safe and Supported: BC’s Gender-Based Violence Action Plan. The Status Update also outlined cross-government actions to end violence, including community-based supports and initiatives in the areas of health and wellness, housing, public safety, child welfare, education, reconciliation, arts and culture, transportation and connectivity. All 28 mandate commitments are well underway and six are complete. The Path Forward Community Fund received an additional investment of $10 million in federal Women and Gender Equality funding to support Indigenous-led capacity building and safety planning, to assist communities in visioning what they need to create and implement their own culturally safe solutions to ending violence. The fund has supported four rounds of funding to date, resulting in 86 Indigenous-specific, anti-violence projects, with further funded projects to be announced in the near future. Examples of funded projects include seasonal culture camps that promote efforts to eradicate violence; gatherings and circles for Elders and Knowledge Holders, boys, men and male-identifying individuals to address gender and sex-based violence; and training workshops for fathers, including healthy communications and parenting skills. On December 10, 2023, the Province released Safe and Supported, which sets out four priority areas to focus action and resources to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in the province, including a priority on "Lifting Up Indigenous-led Approaches". This year, related actions supported Indigenous self-determination by putting resources in the hands of First Nations and Indigenous communities and organizations to determine their own priorities in a way that best meets the needs of Indigenous Peoples. In addition to the $10 million for the Path Forward Community Fund, allocations included $1 million for the Giving Voice project, which supports healing through community-based projects led by Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people; $2 million for the First Peoples’ Cultural Council to fund First Nations’ cultural practices and coming-of age ceremonies to help rebuild connections to community, culture and Indigenous ways of knowing, and help reduce the risk of violence; and $2 million to support Métis Nation BC to develop new gender-based violence programming specific to the experiences of Métis women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Through Safe and Supported, the Province will continue to support Indigenous-led approaches that centre Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, justice systems and structures, and support Indigenous-led healing and well-being for survivors and their families. 3.09 Identify and implement multi-modal transportation solutions that provide support and enable the development of sustainable, safe, reliable and affordable transportation options for First Nations communities. Lead Ministry: Transportation and Transit Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? In 2023/2024, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit engaged with First Nation communities, governments, hereditary chiefs and First Nation organizations across B.C. on Action 3.09, along with four other transportation initiatives: PlanningTogetherBC, Clean and Active Transportation, Rural, Regional and Intercity Passenger Transportation, and the Provincial Transit-Oriented Development Program. Jointly engaging with First Nations allowed the ministry an opportunity to hear about the transportation gaps and challenges faced by First Nations. The goal of completing joint engagement was to reduce confusion, engagement fatigue and ensure that First Nation partners didn’t have to repeat themselves. During the initial engagement more than 60 communities and four First Nations partners (First Nation Leadership Council, Union of BC Indian Chiefs, BC Assembly of First Nations and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations) provided in-depth feedback, resulting in a ‘what we heard’ report. In 2024/2025, the ministry re-engaged and met with 13 First Nation communities and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations to validate the information with a ‘what we heard’ report, and provide updates on the five transportation initiatives. This report is being used to help identify, action, and improve programs and projects of the five transportation initiatives so the ministry can address the identified challenges, opportunities and additional areas of support. The Province continues to meet with the BC Assembly of First Nations to discuss transportation-related initiatives, challenges and opportunities. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, also supported the BC Assembly of First Nations’s Low-Carbon Transportation Forum held in May 2025. Are there challenges? The Province intends to continue to engage, provide resources, and help make connections that could potentially assist First Nations-multi-modal transportation solutions. Over the next few years, each component that results from the engagement represents a new net project or program to be managed internally. The ministry continues to approach Action 3.09 collaboratively and is working across divisions to develop a list of actions or opportunities to address the challenges and areas of support outlined in the ‘what we heard’ report. Competing priorities and resourcing could delay certain deliverables for Action 3.09. Highlights The ministry engaged with 73 First Nations and four B.C. First Nation organizations between 2023-2025 to understand the transportation gaps, challenges, and barriers faced by First Nation communities, resulting in the creation and publication of the ‘what we heard’ report (www.gov.bc.ca/firstnationstransportationplanning). This feedback helped identify, action, and improve programs and projects. * The Indigenous Access and Resiliency Program was launched in 2023/24 with an initial investment of $120 million over nine years to improve access and safety for First Nations. * The Transit Minor Betterments Fund supports projects that improve transit experience. The program provides up to $100,000 for eligible projects aimed at improving safety, supporting partners, increasing ridership, and improving accessibility. * The Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program provides cost-sharing opportunities for active transportation network planning and infrastructure. First Nations, or local governments partnering with First Nations, are eligible for 80% of the project, up to a maximum of $500,000. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit also developed the First Nation Transportation Planning Guide (www.gov.bc.ca/firstnationstransportationplanning) based on feedback from First Nations. The guide is a practical resource designed to support First Nations as they navigate their own transportation planning projects and map out their specific transportation needs. 3.11 Develop and implement comprehensive policing reforms to address systemic biases and racism. This will include updating the Police Act, BC Provincial Policing Standards and mandatory training requirements; enhancing independent oversight; clarifying the roles and responsibilities of police officers in the context of complex social issues such as mental health, addiction and homelessness; and contributing to the modernization of the federal First Nations Policing Program. Lead Ministries: Public Safety and Solicitor General; Attorney General; Health Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? Policing and public safety policy and legislative reforms are being co-developed with interested First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations and Indigenous leadership organizations. Substantial capacity funding has been made available and provided to participants in support of this work. Throughout the spring and summer of 2024, robust consultation and co-operation occurred with First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations through eight regional in-person meetings, five virtual policy sessions, four in-person policy workshops, and nine virtual policy workshops. In addition, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General participated in government-to-government meetings requested by First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations and has ongoing collaboration with Indigenous leadership organizations on policy co-development. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has since summarized the feedback received and is in the process of validating this information with partners. Validation began with one in-person and one virtual session held in September 2024. Additional validation will occur in 2025/26. Three Crisis Response, Community Led teams (formerly called Peer Assisted Care Teams) are operating with local Indigenous partners: the K’ómoks First Nation, the Prince George Native Friendship Centre and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society. The implementation of Crisis Response Community Led teams in partnership with local non-profit operators is led by the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division. Are there challenges? Due to the scale and complexity of reforming police and public safety policy and legislation, significant capacity, time, and resources are required from all partners, including Indigenous contributors, all levels of government, police, and other interested parties. The co-development of policy and legislation remains a growing process, particularly within the topic of policing and public safety, and considerable efforts are being invested to reach a shared understanding of how to approach this work effectively. The achievement of policing and public safety modernization objectives requires substantial human and fiscal resources, both during the policy development stage and to support resulting new programs and services. In some cases, capital funding will be needed to implement new programs. While the consultation and co-operation activities completed to this point have been well resourced, this will need to be explored moving forward to maintain progress on this action. Staff within the ministry received extensive feedback throughout the consultation and co-operation process and through separate engagements with Indigenous organizations. In total, this input spans a wide variety of topics. Further analysis and targeted engagements will be required to identify the ideal sequencing for future actions. For this reason, ministry staff anticipate the original timing estimates for this action will need to be extended to promote effective collaboration. Highlights In Spring 2024, an initial phase of Police Act amendments was completed and received Royal Assent. Since that time, substantial progress has been made towards completing a series of regulations that are needed to bring some of these amendments into force. Ministry staff also concluded an extensive multi-year engagement with a diverse range of partners to inform the next phase of policing and public safety modernization policy and legislative reforms, which is expected to be initiated in 2025. The First Nations Leadership Council, the BC First Nations Justic Council, and 87 First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations participated in the consultation and co-operation process with $1.758 million in capacity funding provided to participants. Support for those struggling with mental health and substance use issues strengthened this past year with the launch of one new Mobile Integrated Crisis Response team in Squamish in October 2024, and one new Crisis Response, Community Led team in Comox in December 2024. 3.12 Prioritize implementation of the First Nations Justice Strategy to reduce the substantial overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples involved in and impacted by the justice system. This includes affirming First Nations self-determination and enabling the restoration of traditional justice systems and culturally relevant institutions. Lead Ministries: Attorney General; Public Safety and Solicitor General Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Moderate Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? In developing the First Nations Justice Strategy (the Strategy), the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) consulted with First Nations leadership, community members and service providers over numerous meetings and summits. Consultation with communities continues when needed to execute strategies that operate at the community level. Engagement with provincial partners on Appendix A: Proposed Collaborative Action Plan of the Indigenous Women's Justice Plan began in June 2024 and continued through September 2024, with some additional targeted engagement from December 2024 to February 2025. Engagement on the Indigenous Women's Justice Plan with Indigenous and grassroots organizations has been ongoing through winter 2024/25. The Indigenous Justice Secretariat participated in the Justice Council's Legal Aid Transition Workshop in July 2024. With support from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, BCFNJC undertook engagement with Indigenous youth, which culminated in a ‘what we heard’ report. This report will be used to inform further development of the Strategy 10 Youth Prevention Plan. The Province of B.C., the BCFNJC and the federal government hosted a Tripartite Leadership Circle, and an Annual Tripartite Ministers' Meeting. BCFNJC's Tracking Justice tool and its accompanying website were developed for BCFNJC to help satisfy Strategy 16 in terms of reporting out to First Nations and other justice partners on Strategy implementation. The BCFNJC and the Indigenous Justice Secretariat meet monthly with external partners in the following six areas: Indigenous Justice Centres and Legal aid; Gladue; courts and the Declaration Act; women, youth and child welfare; policing and oversight; and diversion, community-based justice programs and corrections. Are there challenges? Cabinet has endorsed the First Nations Justice Strategy, and the Province has invested in Indigenous Justice Centres and Gladue services. Additional funding is necessary for fulsome implementation of the full Strategy. Highlights As part of the Safer Communities Action Plan, and as called for in Strategy 4 of the First Nations Justice Strategy, six Indigenous Justice Centres opened by March 2025. Working together through the Steering Committee for Indigenous Justice Centres and Legal Aid, these six new Indigenous Justice Centres join the already operating nine physical Indigenous Justice Centres and one virtual Indigenous Justice Centre. This fulfills the vision of Strategy 4 – with the full network of 15 being established in the fiscal year of 2024/2025. Indigenous Justice Centres provide culturally appropriate information, advice, support, and representation on criminal and child welfare matters directly to Indigenous Peoples at the community level. The centres work closely with the communities on which they are located to ensure services provided are tailored to the communities' needs. On April 8, 2024, the BC First Nations Justice Council released the Indigenous Women's Justice Plan: Final Draft at the third annual BC First Nations Justice Forum. The Indigenous Women's Justice Plan lifts up the recommendations and calls for justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice, the Red Women Rising Report, the Highway of Tears Symposium Report, and many other reports and recommendations. A guiding draft was brought into community through 17 in-person engagements and three virtual engagements to receive feedback and comments ahead of developing the Final Draft. With support from the Indigenous Justice Secretariat, the Justice Council engaged with the Province during the summer and fall of 2024 to raise awareness of the Indigenous Women’s Justice Plan and its Appendix A: Proposed Collaborative Action Plan. 3.13 Prioritize endorsement and implementation of the Métis Justice Strategy to reduce the substantial overrepresentation of Métis peoples in and impacted by the justice system. This includes affirming Métis self-determination, and enabling the restoration of traditional justice systems and culturally relevant institutions. Lead Ministries: Attorney General; Public Safety and Solicitor General Planning Stage Notable Complexity Moderate Challenges Notable Engagement 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. Métis Nation BC and the Province engaged on an initial implementation workplan to assess what resources would be required to advance the Métis Justice Strategy. Further provincial engagement will be undertaken to support the development of the implementation workplan. Additional consultation will be completed as required during the implementation of each recommendation in the Métis Justice Strategy. Are there challenges? Funding for the implementation of the Métis Justice Strategy is still being explored and is necessary to ensure timely implementation. Highlights The Métis Justice Strategy received provincial endorsement in June 2024. The Métis Justice Strategy was developed following community engagement with the then 38 Métis Chartered Communities. The Strategy seeks to address the overrepresentation of Métis people involved with and impacted by the justice system. The Indigenous Justice Secretariat and Métis Nation BC will be working with provincial partners to develop an implementation plan ahead of proceeding with implementation efforts. 3.14 Advance the collection and use of disaggregated demographic data, guided by a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determination, including supporting the establishment of a First Nations-governed and mandated regional data governance centre in alignment with the First Nations Data Governance Strategy. Lead Ministry: Citizens’ Services Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? Under the joint protocol between the Ministry of Citizens' Services and the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), BC Data Services held five technical level meetings with FNLC since April 2024 to discuss and coordinate work related to the Declaration Act Action Plan and Anti-Racism Data Act. BC Data Services is supporting FNLC in advancing demonstration projects under the Regional Information Governance Centre that support Nations' community data capacity. BC Data Services held four Zoom circle meetings with Indigenous governing entities from April - August 2024, abstained from meetings during the provincial election and interregnum phase, and resumed in December 2024 and January 2025. The ministry is co-developing the updated Indigenous Identity Data Standard with Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous governing entities and Indigenous partners (FNLC, First Nations Information Governance Centre). The ministry has also engaged and sought feedback from VPs of Indigenous Health, the Indigenous Physician Advisor of the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, the Declaration Act Secretariat, and the province’s Indigenous Employees Network. Letters of notification for consent will be sent to 586 Indigenous governing entity email addresses in late March 2025 for 2025 release of statistics and 2025-2027 research priorities. Consultation and co-operation meetings are planned with Indigenous governing entities throughout 2025, as well as ad-hoc meetings as requested by Indigenous governing entities. Are there challenges? Consultation and co-operation with Indigenous governing entities is limited by available capacity and funding. First Nation governments face many demands on their time and expertise, often with limited or no compensation. Coordination with Government of Canada is improving but insufficient on engaging Nations and developing policies for data sharing. The ministry is seeking greater clarity on federal initiatives related to the National First Nations Information Governance Centre strategy implementation from Statistics Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. The federal United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan (June 2023) suggests promising alignment. Mitigation measures in place include ministry participation in regular technical level meetings with FNLC under the protocol. Other challenges include the ministry’s ability to support program implementation due to capacity restraints. Highlights The ministry, though BC Data Services, established a protocol agreement with FNLC to formalize ongoing Declaration Act Action Plan activities and work under the Anti-Racism Data Act. The protocol aligns with the ministry’s activities to collaborate directly with rights and title holders in the province. The protocol does not replace consultation, and regular meetings between the ministry and FNLC are held to discuss progress. In its action plan commitments and in implementing Anti-Racism Data Act, the ministry is building capacity to meaningfully engage with Indigenous governing entities. The Anti-Racism Data Act requires consultation and co-operation with Indigenous governing entities for data initiatives, such as research priorities, which have timelines set in legislation. The Province has worked to iteratively improve its consultation and co-operation mechanisms. This has helped the ministry meet legislative requirements, while also improving data initiatives (e.g., research priorities and annual release of statistics). This approach also reinforced Indigenous governing entity demand for progress on Action 3.14 (via Anti-Racism Data Act research priorities) and this interest has been leveraged to share communications about and build interest in Regional Information Governance Centre progress with FNLC to determine next steps for Indigenous governing entity involvement. The Indigenous identity data standard will provide a standardized way of asking about Indigenous identity, asking only where needed for program or anti-racism purposes, which will reduce harm and support cultural safety. The new racial identity standard will supplement the Indigenous data standard by ensuring that people with multiple racial identities (e.g., Black and Indigenous) will be accurately reflected in the data collected across the provincial government. This work advances a distinctions-based approach to Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determination. BC Data Services is supporting FNLC to advance demonstration projects that support title and rights holders with their data priorities which will inform the service model for Regional Information Governance Centre. One of the projects that BC Data Services is supporting, and for which work is underway, involves establishing a membership database system with inputs from Vital Statistics and the Indian Register to support a source of truth controlled by First Nations governments. 3.15 Adopt an inclusive digital font that allows for Indigenous languages to be included in communication, signage, services and official records. Lead Ministry: Citizens’ Services Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? Indigenous People have the right to use names in their language. Any changes government makes to respect this right will be done together with Indigenous Peoples in B.C. so that it can be done correctly. The ministry is engaging Indigenous Peoples and community members in a few ways: * Consultation and co-operation with First Nations – to align laws, design solutions and prioritize the services most important to Indigenous Peoples. * Community level engagement to understand people’s needs around specific services. To date, three community level engagements regarding including Indigenous names on ID have taken place. The Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, the First Nations Leadership Council and Métis Nation BC have provided input on the project and consultation approach. The Province anticipates that consultation with First Nations to define how government includes Indigenous Persons’ names on ID will take place this year. This consultation builds on the input the Province has received from community members. The Province is grateful for the contributions of each participant. Consultation regarding place names and business names will be held after those on person names. Are there challenges? There is a risk that First Nations will not have time to consult due the number of requests for consultation they receive. To mitigate this risk the ministry is providing consultation material in a format that is easy to respond to and offering a variety of ways to engage so that First Nations can select an option that meets their capacity. Furthermore, the ministry attended the January 2025 B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering as an exhibitor to increase awareness of the upcoming consultation and identify specific contacts to receive the materials. People’s lives occur across the boundaries of provinces, territories, and nations. Indigenous People may experience additional harm if the work the Province does to advance inclusion of Indigenous language names doesn't align with the delivery of programs and services in other jurisdictions. To mitigate this risk, the Province is working closely with provincial, territorial, and federal partners to ensure the changes B.C. makes maintain access to services when individuals accessing services have an Indigenous language name. This includes providing standards and templates other organizations and jurisdictions can use in their implementation and an interim approach that will be compatible with systems and services that currently cannot process Indigenous language characters. Highlights Between May 2023 and October 2024, the BC Data Service hosted three engagements to understand the needs of Indigenous People who wish to register an Indigenous name, and to explore options for how to include names. Materials for consultation with First Nations are currently being reviewed and approved. Feedback from the engagement sessions was positive; one participant’s remarks in response to the engagement summary report was: “The team presenting this information were very knowledgeable about the culture and our names. They did their [re]search and further to that applied what they had learned. I felt seen. I felt valued and I felt heard. I really appreciated the visual presentation. The team leading this process are to be commended for a job well done. I raise my hands in thanks [to] you all.” In addition to engaging with Indigenous People, the BC Data Service interviewed service delivery staff from across the BC Public Service to identify support and tools, including training material, to help them provide services to people using Indigenous language names. The insights from this research will play a crucial role in improving the process for Indigenous People who register an Indigenous name and support safe service interactions. 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. Lead Ministry: Education and Child Care Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? Provincial consultation with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and engagement with Métis Nation BC is required to address the broader scope of this action and increase participation in Foundation Skill Assessments to support improved literacy and numeracy outcomes. Are there challenges? It’s challenging for both the Ministry of Education and Child Care and Indigenous partners to find the capacity to fully implement this action. Student outcomes published in the annual Aboriginal: How Are We Doing? Report demonstrates that there continues to be persistent disparities in the results between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, highlighting the need of the public school system to better support Indigenous learners. Highlights The ministry releases the Aboriginal: How Are We Doing? Report annually. For the third year, superintendents received letters with district-level reports that also highlight the Foundation Skills Assessment as a key indicator for literacy and numeracy. The ministry acknowledges the importance of mechanisms such as the Foundation Skills Assessment to maintain accountability in school districts for improving outcomes for Indigenous students. School districts are required to report Foundation Skills Assessment results through the Framework for Enhancing Student Learning. The ministry will continue to collaborate and support school districts to improve outcomes for Indigenous learners within their strategic planning and collaborate with Indigenous Education Councils. The ministry has launched a comprehensive, provincial initiative to improve literacy levels of all B.C. K-12 students. Focus areas include supporting school districts to use evidence-based literacy screening and intervention supports that meet the needs of Indigenous learners. As part of this broader ministry focus on supporting early literacy, the ministry is also developing teaching supports for kindergarten to grade 4 foundational reading, writing, oral language and mathematics skills as part of the BC Learning Pathways. 4.02 Develop and implement an effective recruitment and retention strategy to increase the number of Indigenous teachers in the K-12 public education system. Lead Ministries: Education and Child Care; Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Challenges Resolved Notable Engagement How are we working together? In October 2022, the Ministries of Education and Child Care (ECC) and Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS), the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC) and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA) formed a working group to co-develop strategies to support the training, recruitment and retention of First Nations teachers. A sub-working group will develop a plan supporting First Nations led community-based teacher education. ECC is also consulting with Métis Nation BC as part of the development of a broader K-12 workforce plan, to identify priorities and actions specific to Métis teacher recruitment and retention. Conversations with Métis Nation BC are ongoing to finalize priorities and an approach for Métis teachers. PSFS is also initiating discussions with Métis Nation BC to identify priorities and actions specific to Métis teacher training. Are there challenges? No challenges identified. Highlights The working group has developed a plan to guide the work and monitor progress. One of the key initiatives completed under the workplan consisted of a research and engagement project with school districts to better understand their human resources practices and efforts to attract, recruit, and retain First Nations teachers, and to hear directly from First Nations teachers about their experiences. Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills also formed a sub-working group, in collaboration with Education and Child Care, the First Nations Education Steering Committee, and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association, which developed and launched a call for proposals for community-based teacher education programs from First Nations working in partnership with public post-secondary institutions, school districts, other First Nations, and First Nations-mandated institutes. 4.03 Co-develop and implement a framework for the involvement of Indigenous Education Councils in school district financial planning and reporting. Lead Ministry: Education and Child Care Completed Moderate Complexity Challenges Resolved Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Education and Child Care has consulted with First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations on Indigenous Education Councils, engaged with Métis Nation BC, and co-developed work with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC). The Indigenous Education Council Ministerial Order, policy, and template terms of reference, which were co-developed with FNESC, have been finalized and are being implemented. Are there challenges? No challenges identified. Highlights The passing of Bill 40, the School Amendment Act, 2023 (School Act), on November 8, 2023, introduces a provincial standard for Indigenous Education Councils to ensure that boards of education meaningfully engage with First Nations, Treaty First Nations, and Indigenous communities, and that Indigenous Peoples have input into decisions affecting Indigenous students. These changes will support better education outcomes and attendance for First Nations and other Indigenous students attending provincial public schools, and more effective relationships between boards of education and First Nations. Boards of education are in the process of establishing and maintaining Indigenous Education Councils. Indigenous Education Councils advise the board; advise on grants provided under the School Act in relation to Indigenous students; and approve plans, spending and reporting of targeted grants related to Indigenous students. 4.06 Promote culturally relevant sport, physical activity and recreation initiatives and opportunities that increase Indigenous engagement, participation and excellence in both traditional and mainstream sports for individuals in both urban and rural or remote areas. Lead Ministry: Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Completed Complexity Resolved Challenges Resolved Full Engagement ACTION COMPLETE Highlights The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport’s Sport Branch celebrated the many achievements of the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) in fiscal 2024-25. The Province provides $1.4 million in funding annually to I·SPARC. Several highlights of I·SPARC's 2024/25 programming are listed below. In the first six months of fiscal 2024/25, I·SPARC hosted 120 community-based youth athlete, coach and official development initiatives and facilitated five programs, reaching 6,379 participants. I·SPARC supports Indigenous youth to pursue recreation and sport at all levels, not solely on a high-performance or competition pathway, with programs such as Aboriginal Youth FIRST. Twenty-seven youth participated in the Aboriginal Youth FIRST provincial camp August 25 to September 2, 2024. In total, 69 certifications were achieved at the camp in activities such as lifesaving, lifeguarding, first aid, scuba diving and dry suit diving. In 2022, the ministry directed $3.6 million in one-time funding to I·SPARC for the RISE Grant Program, to support programming over five years. RISE (Resilient, Inspire, Strength and Engage) grants are truly transformational, providing youth in and from care with up to $1,000 annually to pursue physical activity, recreation, sport and cultural activities. Grants can be used towards registration fees, equipment, and travel costs, a unique feature of the RISE grant program. In the first six months of fiscal 2024/25, I·SPARC funded 714 individual RISE grant applications, totaling $350,150. This interim total surpasses the total number of grants funded in fiscal 2023/24 by 143 grants. 4.08 In alignment with the tripartite health plans and agreements, continue to strengthen and evolve the First Nation health governance structure in B.C. to ensure First Nations are supported to participate as full and equal partners in decision-making and service delivery at local, regional and provincial levels, and engage First Nations and the Government of Canada on the need for legislation as envisioned in the tripartite health plans and agreements. Lead Ministry: Health Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Moderate Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Tripartite Framework Agreement on First Nations Health Governance (the Framework Agreement) was signed in 2011 by the provincial government, federal government, and BC First Nations, and endorsed by the First Nations Health Council (FNHC). Several committees have been established under the Framework Agreement: 1. Implementation Committee, which monitors the implementation of the Framework Agreement and the effectiveness of the health governance structure; 2. Political Principals, which consists of the tripartite political leads and provides executive direction and governance oversight; and 3. the Tripartite Committee on First Nations Health, which monitors tripartite progress towards improving health and wellness. The tripartite partners are near completion of the second five-year evaluation of the implementation of the Framework Agreement, covering the period from 2019-2023. The Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Declaration Act Secretariat to ensure meaningful engagement with Modern Treaty Nations and the Province’s distinct relationship with Modern Treaty Nations is upheld through this process. Are there challenges? There is a growing interest from individual First Nations in engaging directly with the Ministry of Health to explore government-to-government relationships and supports that align with their self-determined priorities. Establishing spaces that enable meaningful joint decision-making at local, regional, and provincial levels is a complex and evolving process. Efforts are underway to support coordination across sectors, regions, and governance structures. The tripartite partners are conducting a comprehensive evaluation of progress on implementing the Framework Agreement covering the period 2019-2023. The evaluation report is slated for public release in Summer 2025. FNHC has been engaging with First Nations to inform the development of two consensus papers that were originally intended for consideration at Gathering Wisdom XIII (13) in June 2025: * B.C. First Nations-specific principles to guide provincial and federal health-related legislation; and * Evolving FNHC’s role and governance structure within the broader First Nations Health Governance Structure, to reflect input from evaluation participants as well as FNHC’s updated focus to move from transfer to transformation. To allow for more engagement and build consensus on these complex topics, the First Nations Health Authority has extended the engagement timeline. The engagement process will continue throughout Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 to continue to build consensus across communities. Highlights Renewed Fraser Partnership Accord: In February 2024, the Province renewed its commitment with the Fraser Salish Regional Caucus, Métis Nation British Columbia and Fraser Health to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in the Fraser Salish region. The Fraser Partnership Accord has been amended to include the Fraser Salish Regional Caucus and, for the first time, Métis Nation BC, as signatories and full and equal partners in decision-making and service delivery at local and regional levels. The accord was first signed in 2011 and amended in 2020, and aims to blend cultural and modern health practices to improve health and wellness for all people in B.C. A core element of the new accord is the creation of an Indigenous Health Collaborative Council that will serve as a joint decision-making body to provide governance for Indigenous health services in the region and programs to ensure that general health services provided by Fraser Health are culturally safe and free from Indigenous-specific racism. The accord seeks to achieve the commitments regarding health and the social determinants of health made in the Declaration Act Action Plan. The partners to this accord endorse and commit to work to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and aim to establish a culturally safe health care system in B.C. that is free of Indigenous-specific racism through the implementation of advice and recommendations made in the In Plain Sight report. For more information, visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HLTH0013-000128 4.09 As a part of the implementation of the Accessible British Columbia Act, support the identification, prevention and removal of barriers for Indigenous persons with disabilities. This includes ensuring that the development of accessibility standards considers the rights recognized and affirmed by the UN Declaration. Lead Ministry: Social Development and Poverty Reduction Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Accessibility Directorate focuses on improving accessibility for people with disabilities and is located within the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Throughout the development of the first two accessibility standards, the Accessibility Directorate has conducted ongoing consultation and engagement with First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations, Métis, and urban Indigenous People and organizations. As part of this commitment, the Accessibility Directorate contacts partners on a quarterly basis to provide updates on the development of standards, including overviews of draft sections, and to offer various options to engage in policy development. These options include meetings or presentations by provincial government staff, working sessions, and/or written submissions. Ongoing meetings are held with: one Modern Treaty Nation (Tsawwassen First Nation), Métis Nation BC, two First Nations (Saulteau First Nations and T'eqt''aqtn'mux), the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, and the First Nations Health Authority. Additional meetings have been held with Maa-nulth Treaty Society’s Health and Wellness Working group, Tseshaht First Nation, and Skidegate First Nation. Feedback and discussion from these meetings have helped to inform the standards, as well as complementary materials such as guidelines, training and toolkits that will support their implementation. The Accessibility Directorate has also done further research on the application of accessibility standards for organizations operating on Modern Treaty lands based on questions received from Modern Treaty Nations during engagement sessions. Are there challenges? The Accessibility Directorate has limited capacity to respond to engagement requests from Indigenous partners. Indigenous partners have similar capacity limitations with reviewing proposed accessibility standards. Highlights In Summer 2024, Indigenous partners were invited to apply for $2,500 in provincial funding to host a community-led session on the accessibility standards. The BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society, the Cariboo Chilcotin Métis Association, and the Prince George Métis Community Association were provided with funding. The Accessibility Directorate also engaged with participants at the 2024 Elders Gathering through presence at a booth. Moving forward, there will be opportunity for further consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples and partners, including on draft regulations. 4.10 Prioritize the implementation of Primary Care Networks, the First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative, and other primary care priorities, embedding Indigenous perspectives and priorities into models of care to increase Indigenous Peoples’ access to primary care and other health services, and to improve cultural safety and quality of care. Lead Ministry: Health Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Health is actively collaborating with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), who leads engagement efforts through close collaboration with local planning communities composed of First Nations health directors across the province. These committees are crucial in ensuring the planning and implementation of the Primary Care Networks and First Nations-led Primary Care Initiatives are culturally appropriate and aligned to the needs of Indigenous communities. Métis Nation BC and its Métis Chartered Communities are participating in some Primary Care Networks on Vancouver Island, with support of the Ministry of Health as part of the Indigenous Refresh strategy. Are there challenges? Primary Care Networks and First Nations-led Primary Care Centres have experienced service planning and implementation delays due to the health human resource shortages that significantly impacts progress in improving health care in regions throughout the province. Additionally, increasing patient attachment gaps are commonly outpacing physician and nurse practitioner recruitment in Indigenous, rural and remote communities. Primary Care Networks and First Nations-led Primary Care Centres have experienced challenges with space planning as many sites require additional space and facilities to provide health care services to the communities in their respective regions. There are also obstacles related to physician compensation and the requirement to provide full scope family practice in rural and remote communities. The Health Sector Workforce and Beneficiary Services Division and the Primary Care Division are working closely with the communities and regional health authorities to review practice category and direction moving forward to mitigate clinic closures. Highlights Qualitative feedback from First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners on Indigenous cultural safety and humility, learning, and engagement will be gathered through Primary Care Networks and First Nations-led Primary Care Centres. They will be incorporated into planning and implementation activities in ways that reflect the unique context of each local community. Additional indicators regarding progress and outcomes as led and determined by Indigenous communities and organizations still need to be decided. The provision of physician services is created through locum work within First Nations communities. Furthermore, local community Primary Care Networks are engaging with First Nations and Indigenous health-serving organizations in service plan development and implementation. There are Indigenous representatives/representation within Primary Care Networks governance structures, including at planning and steering committee tables. Representatives from each community are members of the Primary Care Network Planning and Steering Committees and are active in the Primary Care Network governance. In some cases, they serve as committee co-chairs. The planning and actioning recommendations of items result from engagement with Indigenous Peoples. At the time of this report, there are 91 of 103 Primary Care Networks launched (88%) in B.C. There are 14 out of 15 First Nations-led Primary Care Centres approved, with three in operation providing services (All Nations Healing House, Lu'ma Medical Centre and Northern Nations Wellness Centre) and 11 in implementation (northern St’át’imc, Nlaka'pamux, Nuxalk & Ulkatcho, Fraser West, es zúmin’, Gitxsan & Wet'suwet'en Primary Care Centre, Dadzi Wellness Centre, Nuu-chah-nulth, Coast Salish, Éyameth’ Health Centre and Kwakwaka'wakw), and one in the service plan approval process (Fraser South). Lu'ma Medical Centre, All Nations Healing House and Northern Nations Wellness Centre had 16,358 patient visits and 483 net-new attachments in the current fiscal year (between April 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024). Fourteen out of 15 approved First Nations-led Primary Care Centres aim to attach 26,950 new patients, with Fraser South planning to have an attachment target of an additional 3,200 patients. According to the fiscal year 2024 and 2025 Primary Care Workforce Report current to January 2, 2025: * 71.62/175.55 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (41%) Indigenous Health resources (e.g., Elders and traditional wellness supports) recruited throughout all models of care (Primary Care Networks, First Nations-led Primary Care Centres, CHCs, NPPCCs, and UPCCs), supporting culturally safe team-based primary care delivery. * 34.30/49.98 FTE (69%) recruited in three First Nations-led Primary Care Centres that are in operation. * 60.20/245.04 FTE (25%) recruited overall in the 14 First Nations-led Primary Care Centres approved. 4.11 Increase the availability, accessibility and the continuum of Indigenous-led and community-based social services and supports that are trauma-informed, culturally safe and relevant, and address a range of holistic wellness needs for those who are in crisis, at-risk or have experienced violence, trauma and/or significant loss. Lead Ministries: Public Safety and Solicitor General; Health Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? The broad scope of Action 4.11 and its 10 corresponding sub-actions has led to varying approaches to engagement, with the recognition of and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems being a key element of all the approaches. The engagement approaches undertaken are largely distinction-based. For example, the Ministry of Health is engaging separately with partners from the First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs-led Indigenous Advisory House, and the Provincial Directors of Mental Health and Harm Reduction in the health authorities to discuss how implementation planning may differ for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit clients in the programs under the Integrated Support Framework. Strategic and broad engagement is required, and planning is underway to commence the process throughout 2025/26. The Aboriginal Housing Management Association and Ktunaxa Nation are leading Complex Care Housing projects, and Nuxalk First Nation, Tla’amin Nation, Kekinow Native Housing Society and Lu’ma Native Housing Society have partnered with health authorities to co-lead Complex Care Housing projects. The Complex Care Housing Policy Advisory Committee, which includes First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC and Aboriginal Housing Management Association, meets quarterly. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General 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. Since October 2023, Gambling Support BC has contracted five regional service providers to implement regional engagement plans to connect with First Nations, Métis Chartered Communities, urban and away-from-home Indigenous populations and Indigenous serving partners. The goal is to build relationships and raise awareness of available program services among the Indigenous populations across B.C. Service providers are currently meeting their quarterly engagement targets and building meaningful connections, as reflected in the significant rise in community and individual-driven service requests. The BC Coroners Service has undertaken varying approaches to engagement, with a focus on continued learning from Indigenous partners and support of traditional practices and policy. The BC Coroners Service is engaging with the First Nations Health Authority through continued conversations, including having the Chief Medical Officer serve on the hiring panel for all BC Coroners Service forensic pathologists, to ensure the candidate performs the role in an appropriate and culturally informed way. The First Nations Health Authority also plays a role in the training of newly hired coroners, sharing culturally appropriate and respectful approaches to death. The BC Coroners Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the First Nations Health Authority in May 2014 that remains in place. The MOU commits the parties to mutually and collaboratively supporting each other in a positive and constructive manner to improve First Nations public safety and the prevention of deaths among First Nation Peoples. The BC Coroners Service has also been involved with Tk?emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and has committed to supporting all First Nations to the extent that their mandate allows. Since 2017, BC Coroners Service has worked with the BC Family Information Liaison Unit, facilitating more than 60 information requests from families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Through the Family Information Liaison Unit, the BC Coroners Service answers questions around historical investigations into deaths in a trauma informed and culturally sensitive approach to sharing often very sensitive information. Further, in Spring 2024, the BC Coroners Service signed an MOU with the Williams Lake First Nation, the RCMP, the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and the Ministry of Forests, to work together and assist with the identification of found remains near the St. Joseph Mission. In September 2024, the BC Coroners Service began a dialogue with the BC First Nations Justice Council about the Indigenous Women's Justice Plan to identify opportunities for further engagement and partnership. Are there challenges? Challenges to fully implement Action 4.11 include the following: Strategic alignment and prioritization within and across ministries will be required to optimize engagement and implementation capacity for this action. First Nations and Indigenous leadership organizations may face capacity constraints due to competing priorities and limited resources, which could impact their ability to engage effectively in advancing this action; There may be barriers within provincial policy and legislation to advance the innovative approaches required by the action; There may be difficulty securing Indigenous service providers for some projects due to ongoing challenges with the BC Bid system and timely communication to First Nations, Métis and Inuit providers when postings go live; It may be challenging 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 undertaken to advance it; Staff recruitment continues to be a challenge for all Complex Care Housing projects. The Ministry of Health is monitoring risks to implementation and operations; Gambling Support BC’s Indigenous services stream operates with limited budget and resources to engage with Indigenous communities, expand services, and align with Action 4.11. Research indicates that Indigenous populations face a higher risk of problem or pathological gambling (11.2% to 19.8% of the population compared to 7% of non-Indigenous populations). Despite this, Indigenous Peoples have historically been underrepresented among Gambling Support BC clients due to challenges in outreach. Recent engagement efforts have significantly increased service requests, creating pressures on the program to meet growing demand; Community-partner capacity (agencies and front-line partners are short-staffed), lack of trust between First Nation agencies/participants and local policing partners, lack of sustained funding for community agencies, and lack of cell service in remote communities have all been identified as impediments in effective communication and service delivery. Highlights A wide variety of innovative and meaningful partnerships, programs and initiatives that are underway or have been completed throughout 2024/25 and are contributing to the advancement of Action 4.11, including: the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General provides annual funding to 70 Sexual Assault Services Programs across B.C., 22 of which are Indigenous focused and five Sexual Assault Centres located in Victoria, Vancouver, Surrey, Kamloops and Prince George. With funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada, the ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has supported enhancement of the Indian Residential School Survivor Society's crisis line to provide support to survivors of gender-based violence. The Enhanced Health in Supportive Housing Program is in the early stages of planning. The First Nations Health Authority and Métis Nation BC 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. Gambling Support BC's contracted service providers supported 1,165 direct service engagements, including events, workshops, meetings, and presentations, reaching an estimated 27,500 participants between April and December 31, 2024The Indigenous stream therapeutic counsellors have seen an intake of 70 private individual clients and 35 therapeutic group sessions offered in community. To ensure ongoing success, and to respect the community’s long-term goals, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General continues to work closely with the Esk’etemc First Nation’s leadership following the launch of the Esk’etemc Intervention Circle in July 2023. Capacity building grants of $50,000 have been given to Witset First Nation and the Gitanmaax Band to establish Intervention Circles in their communities. Both are moving into the early training phase in preparation for implementation. In Spring 2024, Dr. Nel Wieman, Chief Medical Officer, First Nations Health Authority, spoke at two BC Coroners Service employee conferences on advancing cultural safety and humility across B.C. Dr. Wieman spoke to how the BC Coroners Service has adjusted policies and practices to enable First Nations’ traditional laws, protocols and practices; on ways to continue to ensure family members are kept informed during and following a death investigation; and ensuring that cultural and trauma informed training continues for all coroners. In signing the MOU with the Williams Lake First Nation, the BC Coroners Service committed to supporting and working with the Nation to co-design a culturally safe and appropriate process for the disinterment, examination, and identification of human remains in a manner that is consistent with both the requirements of the Coroners Act and the wishes of those families and communities whose children died at St. Joseph's Mission. Section 12 of the MOU states that a task team, comprised of the senior leads from each signatory, shall meet bi-monthly to discuss the implementation of the MOU. At the end of March 2025, the investigative team at Williams Lake First Nation met with the BC Coroners Service for the initial meeting. Additionally, the BC Coroners Service has been involved with Tk?emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and has conveyed their commitment to supporting all First Nations to the extent their mandate allows. In September 2024, the BC Coroners Service began a dialogue with the BC First Nations Justice Council about the Indigenous Women’s Justice Plan. The BC Coroners Service is looking forward to working with the BC First Nations Justice Council to enhance the work and knowledge of the BC Coroners Service working in this space. 4.12 Address the disproportionate impacts of the overdose public health emergency on Indigenous Peoples by: * applying to the Government of Canada to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use, and continuing campaigns and other measures to help end the stigma and shame associated with addiction; * expanding prescribed safer supply and other harm reduction measures; and * ensuring accessibility of recovery beds, and evidence-based, culturally relevant and safe services to meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples, including youth. Lead Ministries: Health, Attorney General, Public Safety and Solicitor General Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Health continues to collaborate and engage with First Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous organizations throughout the various components of this action., including: Decriminalization * Law Enforcement Implementation Working Group, which includes the First Nations Justice Council and the Health Authority Working Group (First Nations Health Authority). * Work with Métis Nation BC to be responsive to the decriminalization engagement needs of Métis peoples and communities. * Building Relationships in Collaboration Grants committee (First Nations Health Authority, First Nations Justice Council and Métis Nation BC). Harm Reduction * Support the expansion of harm reduction initiatives through planning tables, oversight committees and working groups, including the overdose prevention services’ Minimum Service Standards development core advisory table. This work includes the First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. * As of July 2024, the Ministry of Health initiated service planning meetings with all health authorities and the First Nations Health Authority. Youth Culturally Relevant and Safe Services * Health authorities, the First Nations Health Authority, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, the First Nations Education Steering Committee and Métis Nation BC inform the implementation planning for integrated child and youth teams. * The Province participates in regular Indigenous Partners Committee meetings with the First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and FNESC. * The Province participates in monthly meetings with the First Nations Health Authority to support progress of Budget 2023 investments. The First Nations Health Authority is also a key partner in harm reduction-related toxic drug crisis response and supports the regional response team. The health authority is involved in prescribed alternatives governance committees and working groups; is a key partner in the provincial drug checking network and in expanding access to opioid agonist treatment services; and sits on the implementation and steering committees that oversee certified practice designation for opioid use disorder. Are there challenges? Certified Practice designation for Opioid Use Disorder/Opioid Agonist Treatment * First Nations have identified a need to provide programming that is community-led and Nation-driven, which builds on existing strengths and values of First Nations peoples and is not directed by other's agenda or criteria. The First Nations Health Authority is exploring development of opioid agonist therapy programming that meets communities where they are at in relation to their specific needs, goals and beliefs around substance use. Prescribed alternatives/harm reduction * Partner capacity to engage with multiple streams of work at varying touchpoints may impact depth of engagement achieved. Mitigation of this risk is sought via close communication with key Indigenous partners. Youth culturally relevant and safe services * Integrated child and youth teams support new clinical and non-clinical roles hired in 20 school district communities across the province. Capacity to fully implement integrated child and youth teams and deliver services is dependent on available labour market resources and constraints. Decriminalization * Disaggregated data is still needed to fully evaluate the equity impacts of decriminalization for Indigenous Peoples. The Ministry of Health continues to work with policing partners to improve access to this data. * Since the new section 56 decriminalization exemption came into effect on May 7, 2024, possession offences have increased to approximately 2022 levels (pre-decriminalization). During B.C.’s original section 56 exemption, there was a 76% decrease in possession offences in the first year of decriminalization. More data is needed to understand this trend. * There are unique challenges to expanding access to harm reduction initiatives, like drug checking, for rural and remote First Nations communities. The First Nations Health Authority will be working with regional health authorities and other partners to explore ways to mitigate these challenges. Highlights In the month of December 2024, 44 overdose prevention services and supervised consumption services reported witnessed consumption visits to the BC Centre for Disease Control. Of these, 27 reported witnessed inhalation visits. Starting in May 2024, the Province initiated a series of pilot projects exploring increased access to nasal naloxone to priority populations, including Indigenous People. Between January and June 2024, 2,415 nasal naloxone kits were distributed to 51 First Nations communities. In August 2024, 1,600 nasal naloxone kits were distributed to 25 post-secondary institutions and 25 First Nations Mandated Institutions. 50,000 nasal kits are being shipped to 150 community sites, as well as up to 700 pharmacies for distribution to people with dexterity limits, those in cold climates, youth, and Indigenous Peoples. The First Nations Health Authority is supporting 68 First Nations communities, First Nations health service organizations and Aboriginal Friendship Centres to access public health vending machines and care cupboards to increase low barrier and 24/7 access to harm reduction supplies. As of October 1, 2024, the certified practitioner in opioid use disorder scope of practice expanded to include an additional opioid agonist therapy medication, extended-release buprenorphine. With expansion, these practitioners can prescribe the four most common opioid agonist therapy medications in B.C. (buprenorphine, methadone, slow-release oral morphine and extended-release buprenorphine). 4.13 Increase the availability and accessibility of culturally safe substance use services, including through the renovation and construction of Indigenous-run treatment centres and the integration of land-based and traditional approaches to healing Lead Ministry: Health Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Mental Health and Addictions portfolio within the Ministry of Health continues to engage with Indigenous partners on its Indigenous Program. Work has taken place with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Métis Nation BC (MNBC), BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAFN), First Nations in B.C., Tribal Councils and First Nations communities. The First Nations Health Authority continues to manage aspects of Tripartite MOU-funded First Nations treatment center projects alongside First Nations partners including in the areas project management, funding allocations and procurement. Ministry of Health staff have partnered closely with the FNHA on the treatment centre initiative, replacement of six existing First Nation-run treatment centres, and building of two new ones. Ministry staff participate in several working groups alongside project partners, including. First Nations, Indigenous-led organizations, regional health authorities and other interested parties to guide the development of each project. The Province has partnered with Community Action Initiative, FNHA and MNBC in the co-development of the Capacity Building Grant call. The Canadian Mental Health Association BC, in partnership with the Province, FNHA and MNBC, conducted and completed a rigorous process of selecting service operators to administer all 180 grant funded beds. The application design and adjudication process was done in collaboration with the FNHA. Applicants were required to demonstrate how their policies and procedures foster an environment that is non-discriminatory and anti-racist. The Ministry of Health’s Primary Care Division fosters strong collaborative partnerships within the FNHA to enhance the delivery of primary health care services. Through regular engagement and joint planning, the Primary Care Division and the FNHA ensure that virtual care programs are well supported, effectively implemented and continuously improved. Are there challenges? When supporting the implementation of Canadian Mental Health funded beds that involve a capital project (i.e. building a new service), timelines may shift often due to complexity of capital builds (construction, permitting, etc.). Funding for Real-Time Virtual Support services is confirmed until the end of 2025/26. The Primary Care Division is engaging with the Hospital and Provincial Health Services Division, Health Section Workforce and Beneficiary Services Division and Financial and Corporate Services Division to evaluate Real Time Virtual Supports and determine future strategy to align with provincial direction beyond that date. Highlights Progress continues to be made on major projects funded through the Indigenous Program. In 2024/25, the Province invested $7 million in initial funding for the Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre in Lantzville. With support from the FNHA, this centre will be the first on Vancouver Island to offer detox services specifically for Indigenous youth. Through a phased implementation approach, the centre will provide 10 substance-use treatment beds and 10 detox beds (in development) that offer culturally informed care to Indigenous People aged 12 to 18 years who are struggling with substance use and mental health issues, including intergenerational trauma. The ministry secured funding to support both capital and operational costs for the Tsakwa’lutan Healing Centre, led by the We Wai Kai First Nation (Quadra Island), which will provide culture-based treatment and supportive recovery programming. The centre was announced in July 2024 and is anticipated to have 32 publicly funded adult treatment beds. Funding was provided to Lheidli T’enneh First Nation to support the consultation, engagement and early planning processes for a Northern Centre of Excellence for Children and Youth. Consultation processes closed May 31, 2024, with an initial consultation report shared with the ministry in July 2024. In a collaborative effort involving the ministry, the FNHA, Northern Health and Northern First Nations Alliance, the Northwest working group was formed to address immediate service gaps and long-term system needs in B.C.’s northwest. 4.14 Increase the availability and accessibility of resources to Indigenous partners in COVID-19 pandemic health and wellness planning and response, including the implementation of the Rural, Remote, First Nations and Indigenous COVID-19 Framework to ensure access for all Indigenous Peoples to immediate and culturally safe and relevant care closer to home. Lead Ministry: Health Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Primary Care Division in the Ministry of Health fosters strong collaborative partnerships with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) to enhance the delivery of primary health care services. Through regular engagement and joint planning, the Primary Care Division and FNHA ensure that virtual care programs are well supported, effectively implemented, and continuously improved. A key achievement has been strengthening the FNHA’s Medical Affairs and Wellness Office by enabling them to hold medical contracts for Indigenous-focused family physicians and nurse practitioners. This supports expansion of culturally grounded physician and nurse practitioner care through the initiatives like the First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative, First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day, and some Primary Care Networks. Are there challenges? Funding for Real-Time Virtual Support services is currently approved until 2025/26. The Ministry of Health’s Primary Care Division, in collaboration with Hospital and Provincial Health Services, Health Sector Workforce and Beneficiary Services Division, and Finance and corporate services, is conducting further policy work on coordinated virtual services and establishing a long-term governance structure for Real-Time Virtual Support services before seeking base funding for 2026/27 and onwards. The FNHA is experiencing physician recruitment issues for their virtual care lines, which results in barriers to service provision and underutilized budget spends. Physicians working these call lines are at capacity. The Primary Care Division is working with partners to create a recruitment strategy to resolve this issue. Highlights From implementation (April 1, 2020, for First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day and August 17, 2020, for First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service) to March 7, 2025, there were 53,805 First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day encounters and 8,385 First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service encounters. From April 1, 2024, to March 7, 2025, there were 11,057 First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day encounters and 1,531 First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service encounters. Clients’ satisfaction rate for First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day and First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service: * From patient satisfaction surveys from November 10, 2022, to March 7, 2025, over 95% of users accessing the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day service report satisfaction with their appointment and over 96% of users indicate they would recommend the service to their family and friends. * From patient satisfaction surveys from April 1, 2024, to March 7, 2025, over 96% of users accessing the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day service report satisfaction with their appointment and over 96% of users indicate they would recommend the service to their family and friends. * From patient satisfaction surveys from March 15, 2023, to March 7, 2025, over 91% of users accessing the First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service report satisfaction with their appointment and over 93% of users indicate they would recommend the service to their family and friends. * From patient satisfaction surveys from April 1, 2024, to March 7, 2025, over 90% of users accessing the First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service report satisfaction with their appointment and over 92% of users indicate they would recommend the service to their family and friends. 4.15 Incorporate Indigenous experiences and knowledge of poverty and well-being into ongoing poverty reduction efforts and the 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy. The strategy will recognize the ongoing impacts of colonialism and include Indigenous-identified actions and progress measures. Lead Ministry: Social Development and Poverty Reduction Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR) undertook a broad distinctions-based engagement from Winter 2022/2023 through Spring 2024 to update B.C.’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. The 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy was released on July 24, 2024. Targeted consultation was conducted with key partners between April – July 2024, (including the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Métis Nation BC, and the First Nations Leadership Council), to refine the strategy and prepare for its launch. The ministry is continuing to work with partners to incorporate Indigenous experiences and knowledge of poverty and well-being into ongoing poverty reduction initiatives and annual reporting. This includes providing funding to: * First Nations Summit since 2020 to establish the First Nations Well Being Fund in support of B.C.’s poverty reduction efforts. Part of this funding has supported First Nations to develop their own poverty reduction or well-being plans, and to undertake engagement with First Nations to develop indicators that measure well-being in community. * Métis Nation BC in 2020 to support Métis well-being through a one-time grant for a tenancy support program, and a Métis healthy living cooking workshop series, which Métis Nation BC developed in 2023 and administered in 2024. * United Way BC in 2023 to administer the Critical Food Infrastructure Fund, with funding going towards Indigenous and urban Indigenous-serving organizations to support food security and poverty reduction initiatives. Engagement is ongoing with the Minister’s Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee, which includes representation from the First Nations Leadership Council, Métis Nation BC and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. The ministry also engaged with participants at the 2024 Elders’ Gathering and the 2025 B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering through presence at booths. Are there challenges? Action 4.15 requires Indigenous-identified actions and progress measures to be included in the 2024 strategy (complete) and annual progress reporting. The inclusion of relevant progress measures will be informed by work underway across the provincial government to improve on existing measures and understanding of well-being and quality of life in B.C., including progress measures co-developed with Indigenous Peoples. These progress measures will be incorporated into ongoing annual reporting when they become available. Highlights Key highlights for this reporting period include: * Consultation on the final draft of the 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy, including targeted engagement with the First Nations Leadership Council, Métis Nation BC, and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. * Sharing an embargoed copy of the final draft and inviting representatives from First Nations Leadership Council, Métis Nation BC, and BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres to a pre-release briefing. * Sharing the 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy with all Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners and interested parties who provided input during its development. * Honouring reconciliation commitments by including Indigenous-identified actions in the strategy and recognizing that the ongoing practices and impacts of colonialism are the root cause of Indigenous peoples’ experiences with poverty and disproportionately high poverty rates. * Continuing to work across government and with Indigenous partners to incorporate Indigenous wellness measures and actions into the work. * Attending the 2024 Elders’ Gathering and the 2025 First Nations Leaders’ Gathering to engage attendees on the 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy and progress measures work. 4.16 Co-develop a B.C.-specific fiscal framework, in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit, and in consultation with key Indigenous organizations, to support and move forward with jurisdiction over child and family services. Lead Ministry: Children and Family Development Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Children and Family Development is working with First Nations and Indigenous partners who have expressed interest in engagement, as well as with Indigenous Services Canada, to facilitate the co-development of a provincial funding model to support First Nations providing child and family services in B.C. The ministry will continue to communicate with First Nations involved in the co-development process through written updates, invitations to engage in co-development sessions and in-person workshops. Feedback received through the development process was shared in an interim ‘what we heard’ report and will continue to be used to inform the development of a provincial funding model. The ministry will continue to use an engagement and co-development approach that: * Acknowledges the specific rights, interests, priorities and concerns of rights holders and Indigenous partners; * Respects distinct and unique cultures, histories, rights, laws and governments; and * Includes different approaches or actions that are responsive to distinct interests and perspectives. Are there challenges? Properly consulting with all First Nations in B.C., Modern Treaty Nations and First Nation groups in a reasonable timeframe to meaningfully advance co-development of the funding model will add significant complexity to the process of meeting the diverse needs and expectations of all parties. The federal government is currently using an interim funding approach. The timeline for when the long-term federal funding model will be developed and implemented is unknown. Integration with a future federal funding model is a process that will require careful negotiations with all parties. Until integration is possible, provincial funding is subject to federal interim policies, including potential reductions in federal funding amounts where it is considered to overlap with areas where the Province contributes funding. All First Nations in B.C., the First Nations Leadership Council, and Our Children Our Way Secretariat have been invited to review materials and join engagement sessions. Frequent written updates have been sent to partners. Due to capacity limitations, many partners have been unable to fully engage in the process. At the beginning of the funding model process, all First Nations in B.C, Métis and Inuit were invited to review materials and join engagement sessions. Highlights The ministry is working with First Nations and other Indigenous partners who expressed interest in engagement, as well as with Indigenous Services Canada, to facilitate the co-development of a provincial funding model to support First Nations in providing child and family services in B.C. In addition to virtual sessions, in-person workshops were held in April and August 2024. 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. Lead Ministry: Children and Family Development Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement 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. These agreements may be between the Province and a Nation (bilateral), and between a Nation, the Province and Canada (trilateral). The scope of these 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. The Ministry of Children and Family Development continues to engage with Indigenous Services Canada and Indigenous governing bodies at coordination tables. Additionally, the ministry continues to negotiate community agreements under section 92.1 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act to support information sharing, consultation and co-operation with First Nations, Treaty First Nations and Indigenous communities. First Nations, Métis and Inuit long advocated for the creation of an Indigenous Child Welfare Director position within the ministry. In September 2024, the Province responded by appointing Jeremy Y'in Neduklhchulh Williams as the province’s first Indigenous Child Welfare Director. This role will provide leadership and advice for services to First Nations, Métis and Inuit families receiving services delivered under the Child, Family and Community Service Act, and directly support the implementation of Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services. The Indigenous Child Welfare Director’s role and responsibilities will continue to evolve over time through collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and federal and provincial partners. Are there challenges? A wide range of agreements made possible by legislation exist to support First Nations, Modern Treaty Nations and Indigenous communities regarding child and family services. These include Child, Family and Community Service Act section 92.1 agreements, enabling agreements, amending agreements, coordination agreements, and treaties. The number of negotiations required to achieve these agreements is expected to increase significantly over time. Jurisdiction over Indigenous child and family services has been recognized as a Constitution Act, 1982, section 35 right of Indigenous Peoples, and by the Province in section 4.1 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act. However, it is not clear at this time which precise section 35 rights may or may not be held by Métis Nation BC, including child and family services in B.C. Additionally, the ministry is waiting for the outcome of a related judicial review on a federal government decision which does not recognize Métis Nation BC as an Indigenous governing body in B.C. This has created a challenge to determine which agreements can apply to Métis Nation BC. Ministry leadership has engaged with Métis Nation BC on these legal complexities. Providing child and family services to Indigenous Peoples in B.C. is increasingly complex and will require examining current resources, and potential new processes and structures, to make sure child welfare services are delivered in a coordinated and seamless way. Temporary staffing is now in place across all ministry divisions to respond to the strong interest in child and family service agreements. Actions are being taken to retain experienced and knowledgeable staff and to increase staffing further to meet the anticipated demand. Highlights The ministry has signed five coordination agreements, seven Child, Family and Community Service Act section 92.1 community agreements and 117 information-sharing agreements. The ministry is in the process of negotiating five additional coordination agreements and an additional three Child, Family and Community Service Act section 92.1 community agreements. Métis Nation BC and the Province have established a bilateral process to work through various challenges and improve the level of support provided to Métis children and families involved in the child welfare system. 4.18 As committed to in the First Nations Children and Youth in Care Protocol, co-develop and implement measures to support improved education outcomes of current and former First Nation children and youth in care, including meaningful data collection to inform policy planning and service delivery. Lead Ministries: Education and Child Care; Children and Family Development; Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Education and Child Care meets regularly with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), and other provincial ministries at a technical working table to implement key actions and milestones from the workplan. An oversight table with representation from senior leadership at FNESC, FNLC, and the Ministers of Education and Child Care, Children and Family Development and Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills is required to meet twice per year to review and provide feedback on progress to date. The oversight table last met on April 12, 2024, and is tentatively scheduled to meet next in Spring 2025. Are there challenges? All parties involved have capacity challenges that make it difficult to meet key milestones and deliverables within the established timelines. Identified limitations to existing legislation and information sharing agreements may require changes as they impact the ability to complete the action. Additional expansion to the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program and a debt relief program for former children and youth in care will require substantive work to advance before changes can be made to programs. Highlights In January 2025, the Ministries of Education and Child Care, Children and Family Development, and Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills published the inaugural Children and Youth in Care: How Are We Doing? report as required by Action 4.18 and the First Nations Children and Youth in Care Protocol (the Protocol). The oversight table will continue to meet bi-annually to ensure that the objectives of the Protocol and the workplan are being met. The technical working table is also exploring mechanisms to appropriately and consistently identify children and youth in care to provide educational support as needed. 4.19 As part of a commitment to an inclusive, universal childcare system, work in collaboration with B.C. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples to implement a distinctions-based approach to support and move forward jurisdiction over child care for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples who want and need it in B.C. Lead Ministry: Education and Child Care Planning Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? In drafting regulations for the Early Learning and Child Care Act, 2021, the Ministry of Education and Child Care (ECC) engaged First Nations, including Modern Treaty Nations, and invited input from First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society, the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC), and Métis Nation BC (MNBC). The ministry meets regularly with Indigenous partners (the Aboriginal Head Start Association of B.C., the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society, Métis Nation BC, First Nations Health Authority and BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres) to advance mutual early learning and child care priorities, engagements, and key child care initiatives. These include B.C.’s Inclusive Child Care Strategy, the development of a federal-provincial/territorial and multilateral early learning workforce strategy and proposed amendments to the B.C. Child Care Licensing Regulation. ECC consulted and engaged with Indigenous partners in 2025 to review updates to the B.C. Child Care Sector Occupational Competencies, including the development of a draft Program Guide: B.C. ECE Standards of Practice and Occupational Competencies. Are there challenges? Achieving the long-term goals of Action 4.19 requires fundamental shifts in early learning and child care policies, which may take time to implement. Sustainable, long-term, distinctions-based funding is necessary to fully support Indigenous-led and self-determined early learning and child care systems. Limited financial, workforce and infrastructure resources can hinder implementation of distinctions-based child care, and policy and funding mechanisms can further compound these challenges by obscuring distinctions. Many Indigenous communities, particularly those in remote areas, face challenges in accessing the necessary resources for quality child care services. Ensuring alignment between provincial, federal and Indigenous governance structures will require ongoing collaboration and adaptability. Currently, early learning and child care involves multiple ministries overseeing licensing, certification and credentialing, requiring strong cross-government coordination to address regulatory barriers. Provincial and federal funding and reporting timelines can misalign with Indigenous governance processes and limit meaningful engagement, consultation and decision making. Coordinating work with multiple orders of government, First Nations governments, First Nation and Métis organizations, as well as child care providers, may result in fragmented service delivery if communication and collaboration are not effectively managed. The ministry is working alongside First Nations and Métis partners to navigate these differences. Highlights Effective September 1, 2024, the Early Learning and Child Care Act, 2021 and regulations allow enhanced Affordable Child Care Benefit support for child care arranged or recommended by an Indigenous authority under Indigenous law. In September 2024, ECC signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FNLC and the federal government, committing to First Nations' self-determination and jurisdiction over early learning and child care. The First Nations Early Learning and Child Care Grant provided flexible funding in 2022-23 and 2023-24 to support First Nations' distinct needs. ECC collaborated with the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society to expand and enhance the Indigenous-specific Child Care Resource and Referral program, strengthening culturally focused resources, training and support for early years professionals. 160 Métis-led child care spaces supported through partnerships with MNBC, including distinctions-based space creation funding for the development of five new child care programs. An additional 323 child care spaces, across five child care programs, are funded through the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. These partnerships with MNBC are supporting the creation of 483 Métis-led child care spaces throughout B.C. ECC partnered with the FNHA and the Aboriginal Head Start Association of B.C. to support over 2,200 no-fee Aboriginal Head Start child care spaces with culturally relevant programming. ECC has also partnered with the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres to survey Friendship Centres on early learning and child care priorities, presenting results to the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres members in June 2024. 4.20 Advance a collaborative, whole-of-government approach in the partnership between the Métis Nation of British Columbia and the Province of B.C., respecting Métis self-determination and working to establish more flexibility and sustainability in funding. Lead Ministry: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and Métis Nation BC have co-developed a new relationship approach that reflects common values and objectives as identified by Métis Nation BC and the Province. The BC-Métis Nation BC Relations Table structure now includes regular political engagement and separates political discussions from staff level tables. Shared priorities are being advanced at a number of ministry-specific sub-tables. These tables will work toward supporting Métis Nation BC's strategic socio-economic priorities, which include health and wellness, housing and homelessness, economic development, culture, heritage and language and emergency management Are there challenges? Work on social sector priorities has been slow but is moving forward. Highlights Métis Nation British Columbia and the Province of British Columbia are working together under the BC-Métis Nation BC Relations Table to fulfill objectives under the Declaration Act Action Plan. The formation of social sector technical tables specific to economic development, culture, housing, health and emergency management are significant steps forward in supporting reconciliation efforts with Métis Nation BC's 28,000 registered Métis citizens. The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation is providing annual capacity from the Indigenous Funding Program to support the B.C.-Métis Nation BC Relations Table. 4.21 Bring together key Indigenous urban leaders to create a provincial urban Indigenous advisory table to develop and implement a 5-year plan to address the priorities of urban Indigenous Peoples, including a focus on Elders, youth, children, women, men, 2SLGBTQQIA+ and persons with disabilities. Lead Ministries: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Social Development and Poverty Reduction Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Province continues to work with urban Indigenous partners to establish an engagement model for urban Indigenous leaders to communicate and collaborate with the Province. This work is taking a community-led approach, with a focus on relationship building, increasing the Province’s awareness of the contributions and history of urban Indigenous people, and cultural safety. Important groundwork has been laid, such as creation of the Provincial Urban Leaders Working Group (the Working Group) which builds on Indigenous-led urban Indigenous leadership dialogues held in 2023. The Working Group is comprised of the Victoria Urban Indigenous Coalition and the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. The Working Group continues to meet regularly and has a collaboratively built workplan which is being put into place. To guide the development of an engagement process with urban Indigenous People, the Working Group has hosted gatherings, surveys and research efforts. This initial engagement provided an opportunity for urban Indigenous people to have their voices heard – including more than 50 urban Indigenous leaders. The Working Group has met consistently since it was established in October 2023 and held 10 meetings in 2024. To date, these meetings have focused on priorities and activities described within the collaboratively built workplan. The Working Group is prioritizing grassroots, Indigenous-led relationship building and increasing the Province’s awareness of the rights, experiences and needs of urban Indigenous people. Open, transparent and community-led work is underway and building towards an engagement model that facilitates a connection between urban Indigenous leaders and the Province. The Victorian Urban Indigenous Leadership Table (one of B.C.'s urban Indigenous coalitions) held community meetings in the summer and fall 2024 and winter 2025, including an in-person meeting of more than 65 urban Indigenous leaders, rights and title holders and the other B.C. urban Indigenous coalitions, called the Gathering of BC’s Urban Indigenous Coalitions. The intent of these meeting aligns with the outcomes of the ‘what we heard’ report and support from the urban Indigenous community. 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 voices from throughout 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. Partners have also expressed the need for durable funding and a continued prioritization of funding for urban Indigenous service providers. Highlights The Province is committed to an Indigenous-led process that brings together urban Indigenous leaders to create better outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in urban areas. As an active member of the Working Group, the Province is building strong relationships with partners, including BC’s Urban Indigenous Coalitions, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and others. In October 2024, representatives from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and urban Indigenous Leaders attended the Gathering of BC’s Urban Indigenous Coalitions and participated in conversations and information sharing related to the Declaration Act and the Declaration Act Action Plan. Participants expressed gratitude for the Indigenous-led approach, and surveys and follow-up reporting highlighted the importance of establishing an engagement model and increasing involvement from government. This reporting year, a new website (https://urbanvoices.ca/) launched and acts as a repository for information sharing and learning resources to increase awareness of B.C.’s urban Indigenous People. The website includes statistical information, as well as reporting from partners, such as the Gathering of Urban Indigenous Coalitions. The website delivers on the recommendations from the October 2023 ‘what we heard’ report. Released in 2023, the report reflects early engagement themes from urban Indigenous leaders, such as recommendations to increase data and research opportunities and increase the general public awareness of the contributions of B.C.’s urban Indigenous people. 4.22 Ministers and executives across the provincial government social sector will meet annually with urban Indigenous service organization leaders, such as the provincial urban Indigenous advisory table (see Action 4.21), to discuss successes, innovations, and challenges of supporting the social, cultural and economic needs of urban Indigenous Peoples. Lead Ministry: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Implementation Stage Some Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Provincial Urban Leaders Working Group (comprised of the Victoria Urban Indigenous Leadership Table, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation) that supports Action 4.21 has met regularly throughout 2024 and included a private gathering of B.C.'s urban Indigenous Coalitions held in October 2024. Action 4.21 and Action 4.22 are intrinsically linked, and should work together concurrently, rather than in a linear fashion with one following the other. The Province continues to engage with partners and other urban Indigenous organizations with the goal of building an engagement model that enables communication and collaboration between the Province and urban Indigenous People and establishing an annual meeting. Following the October 2024 gathering, a report was shared with the Province that identified a number of recommendations and community support for continuing to build an engagement model to communicate and collaborate with a broad group of urban Indigenous voices. As a building block towards this model, on a monthly basis, B.C.'s four urban Indigenous coalitions gather, and as a Provincial Urban Leaders Working Group member, the Victoria Urban Indigenous Leaders Table shares updates with the broader group related to Action Plan priorities. 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 voices from throughout the province are included. In addition to internal capacity, partners have expressed the need for durable funding and a continued prioritization of funding for urban indigenous service providers. Highlights In October 2024, the four urban Indigenous coalitions in B.C. (located in Victoria, Vancouver, Surrey and Prince George) came together in Victoria to share their wealth of knowledge and discuss ongoing involvement in a province-wide engagement model with urban Indigenous People, as described through the implementation of Action 4.21. The gathering, hosted by the Victoria Urban Indigenous Leadership Table, resulted in a 32-page report, including 10 recommendations. Feedback at the gathering was positive and participants expressed gratitude that the hosts ensured a grassroots, community-driven approach was maintained, reflective of agency autonomy and the desire to remain non-representational and non-political. The recommendations in the report indicate a path forward towards establishing an engagement model with urban Indigenous people, with upcoming work suggesting increased involvement from the B.C. government. This reporting year, a new website (https://urbanvoices.ca/) launched, meeting objectives established in the Provincial Urban Leaders Working Group Workplan, and acts as a repository for information sharing and learning resources to increase awareness of B.C.’s urban Indigenous People. The site includes statistical information, a helpful historical timeline, as well as reporting from partners, including the Gathering of Urban Indigenous Coalitions, and delivers on the recommendations from a ‘what we heard’ report, released in October 2023. 4.23 Undertake a cross-government review of provincial supports and services for Indigenous Peoples in urban settings and develop a plan with clear timelines that will provide greater collaboration and coordination to meet needs. Lead Ministry: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Implementation Stage Some Complexity Some Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? Initial work on Action 4.23 is taking place within the B.C. government, centered on reviews of programs, services and potential funding sources. Informal surveys about administrative processes such as contractual arrangement types, reporting requirements, and engagement themes have been conducted within the B.C. government. A database tool has been designed to assist in gathering information from ministries related to delivering programs, funding models and engagement themes. Throughout the process of this work, government anticipates working with partners such as urban Indigenous organizations to share findings, evaluate processes and work in partnership whenever possible. The Provincial Urban Leaders Working Group is comprised of Urban Indigenous partners, the Ministries of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and was created to support implementation of Action 4.21. The Working Group’s workplan and actions reflect recommendations from early engagement with urban Indigenous organizations, including the importance of creating opportunities to ensure urban Indigenous voices are incorporated into the Province’s programs, policies and to co-develop a path forward through continued engagement. While the Working Group is directly linked to Action 4.21, It’s through this relationship that discussions and engagement have occurred that has helped define the scope of the work, and potential focus areas of Action 4.23. The findings of the data gathered to support Action 4.23 will lead to the development of a plan with clear timelines that will provide greater collaboration and coordination to meet needs. This may include a review of existing materials, committees, forums, as well as surveys and interviews and products and technology available with external providers. Factors for consideration in this work include: working with Indigenous-led partner organizations where applicable, the scope of work, working within the context of a distinctions-based approach, programs and policies that support or are likely to have an impact on Indigenous people, as well as consideration for programming not specifically for Indigenous people, but with a disproportionate impact or uptake by Indigenous people. Are there challenges? Capacity to resource this work and funding to continue to engage potential partners on the work are potential challenges that the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation is working to mitigate by exploring relationships with partner ministries doing similar projects. Highlights Initial work is underway to undertake a cross-government review of provincial supports and services for Indigenous Peoples in urban settings. Much of what is currently occurring involves collaboration between B.C. government ministries to evaluate what funding, programs and supports currently exists. In doing this review, employees have recently learned of other information-gathering initiatives in government that may assist with how government shares information about available supports with Indigenous organizations. Although this work is in early stages, preliminary conversations have yielded excitement about what the findings of this review may reveal and the direction the work may take once partners are collaboratively working with government. This will lead to the development of a plan with clear timelines that will provide greater collaboration and coordination to meet the needs of urban Indigenous people. This may include a review of existing materials, committees, forums, as well as surveys and interviews and products and technology available with external providers. Factors for consideration in this work include: working with Indigenous-led partner organizations where applicable, the scope of work, working within the context of a distinctions-based approach, programs and policies that support or are likely to have an impact on Indigenous people, as well as consideration for programming not specifically for Indigenous people, but with a disproportionate impact or uptake by Indigenous people. 4.25 Work with Indigenous Peoples to build more on- and off-reserve housing and pursue new federal contributions. Lead Ministries: Housing and Municipal Affairs; Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs is dedicated to advancing the Province’s commitments to true, lasting and meaningful reconciliation, and to implementing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The ministry and BC Housing work together to deliver a wide range of Indigenous housing programs, available on- and off-reserve, including the Indigenous Housing Fund and the Community Housing Fund. In 2018, B.C. became the first province in Canada to invest in First Nations’ housing on reserve, a federal jurisdiction. As of December 31, 2024, the Indigenous Housing Fund has 3,227 homes complete or underway, with 1,303 of those on reserve. Additionally, the Community Housing Fund has 1,338 homes complete or under way for Indigenous Peoples, with 341 of those being on reserve. Further programs available to fund Indigenous housing projects include the Supportive Housing Fund and the Women’s Transition Housing Fund. These homes are serving Indigenous youth, single people, families, women and children fleeing violence, seniors, Elders and those experiencing homelessness. The ministry has dedicated resources that support meaningful engagement and consultation on ministry initiatives, including legislation, regulations, policies and programs. This includes working with Indigenous leadership organizations, such as the First Nations Leadership Council, Métis Nation BC and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations, on key provincial initiatives. Notable examples of innovative housing solutions the ministry has advanced with Indigenous partners include the Attainable Housing Initiative with the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation where thousands of first-time home buyers will have the opportunity to purchase a home at an initial 40% below market value at the Heather Lands in Vancouver, and the ministry’s partnership with First Nations like the Cowichan Tribes on the BC Builds program, which aims to lower construction costs, speed up timelines and deliver more homes that middle-income people can afford. Are there challenges? In 2018, the Province invested into on-reserve housing to support First Nations in B.C. whose housing needs were not being met by the federal government, despite on-reserve housing being of federal jurisdiction. The Province requires funding support from the federal government to secure B.C.’s share of funding announced in the last federal budget and associated with expected initiatives including the national Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy and a proposed national for-Indigenous-by-Indigenous Housing Centre, to advance and advocate for B.C. Indigenous housing priorities. There is a need for increased collaboration and alignment of programs and funding between government systems to work together to provide affordable, long-lasting housing on- and off-reserve across the province, and a need for federal support for on-reserve infrastructure. There are many systemic challenges associated with Indigenous housing in B.C. These challenges include ongoing impacts of colonialism, poorly built homes on-reserve and a lack of utilities and infrastructure to enable the improvements these homes require, serious over-crowding in homes, particularly on-reserve, leading to faster deterioration of homes and inadequate living conditions, a lack of energy efficiency and weather-proofed homes, specifically for homes on-reserve in more northern and remote communities, and a significant need for more affordable housing for Indigenous Peoples across B.C. Highlights In May 2024, the Province announced the opening of 34 rental homes in Sechelt. Located at 5573 Sunshine Coast Hwy., the project is the result of a partnership between the Province, through BC Housing, the federal government, through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the shíshálh Nation. The building is named Our House of Clans, representing the interdependence and co-operation of the five clans of the shíshálh Nation: bear, frog, orca, wolf and eagle. Our House of Clans is constructed on land that is sacred to the shíshálh Nation. It is the site of the former St. Augustine’s Indian Residential School administration buildings. A Reconciliation Plaza will house a totem called Carving Tears Into Dreams of Reconciliation, created by the late shíshálh master carver Tony Paul. The totem was developed and organized by the syiyaya Reconciliation Movement, with more than 1,500 people assisting with the carving. In September 2024, it was announced that thousands of first-time home buyers will have the opportunity to purchase a home at an initial 40% below market value at the Heather Lands in Vancouver, made possible through an innovative financing initiative envisioned by x?m??k??y??m (Musqueam), S?wx?wú7mesh (Squamish), and s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, delivered in partnership with the Province. The Attainable Housing Initiative will see approximately 2,600 homes being built at the Heather Lands. The initiative was proposed by the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation as a meaningful way for the Nations to harness economic, cultural and social benefits from their land holdings by strategically partnering with other levels of government. The partnership will include Nations providing the land and the Province contributing up to $672 million. 4.26 Strengthen the health and wellness partnership between Métis Nation British Columbia, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, and support opportunities to identify and work to address shared Métis health and wellness priorities. Lead Ministry: Health Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? Métis Nation BC and Ministry of Health representatives meet monthly to discuss Métis Nation BC issues impacting Métis health and wellness, and to explore opportunities to partner on advancement of health system priorities. The Ministries of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and Health maintain regular bilateral meetings with Métis Nation BC to discuss mutual shared priorities and hold a quarterly meeting specifically on advancing key priorities and actions with the goal of improving health and wellness for Métis peoples in B.C. From this engagement, several working groups and meeting forums support provincial engagement on health and wellness overall. The work plan will evolve over time to reflect key collaborative priorities and includes: • Commitment to enhance cultural safety and humility for Métis peoples in B.C.; • Supporting the mental health and wellness of Métis peoples in B.C., including exploring harm reduction and substance use programming; • Improving Métis peoples’ efforts to support lifestyle as medicine and address risk factors impacting health and wellness; and • Enhancing provincial information systems. In addition, the Mental Health and Addictions portfolio of the ministry has a monthly meeting scheduled with Métis Nation BC to discuss mental health and harm reduction priorities. Using a distinctions-based approach, the ministry has been mindful of including feedback and perspectives provided by Métis Nation BC in the development of policies and programs throughout areas of work. In Spring 2024, the then Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions provided Métis Nation BC with a $500,000 grant in support of culture-based recovery and aftercare. In addition, the Province has recently increased the $375,000 annual capacity funding provided to Métis Nation BC with an additional $125,000 for a total of $500,000 annually. Are there challenges? Métis Nation BC has identified various challenges experienced by the organization, including funding and capacity that are impacting their ability to move forward with engaging on external opportunities and initiatives. Meaningful engagement and participation as well as maintaining reporting requirements with external partners has been noted by Métis Nation BC as exceeding their existing capacity. The organization has expressed that being able to access stable and flexible long-term funding, such as multi-year agreements, would significantly reduce administrative burdens and would provide continuity for programming. As a result, the ministry and Métis Nation BC now have a multi-year funding arrangement through 2025-26 and will explore options for future funding. Métis Nation BC has expressed a desire to establish 5- to 10-year flexible core agreements that reduce administrative burden, embed cost-of-living escalators, and would ideally align with Métis Nation BC’s fiscal cycle. Highlights Métis Nation BC hosted two Girls Gatherings, which took place in September 2024, and in February 2025, supported by one-time funding from the Province. The event included an overnight camp gathering held in Prince George for Métis girls ages 8-15. It included teachings and cultural activities facilities by Elders, knowledge holders, and mental health service providers focused on mental wellness and life promotion to increase wellness strategies for Métis girls. Each gathering also included a sashing ceremony. The feedback received from these gatherings was extremely positive. Many families reached out to share the impact the gatherings had on their families and how they plan to pass teachings on to other family and community members. More information can be found at: https://www.mnbc.ca/news-events/events-calendar/metis-girls-gathering Métis Nation BC hosted six regional harm reduction gatherings throughout Fall 2024 and early 2025, supported by one-time funding from the Province. These gatherings brought together community to learn about services available, share teachings around healing and culture and share perspectives of what Métis harm reduction is. These gatherings provided opportunities for Métis community members to learn information about local resources (including Métis Nation BC, Foundry, Health Authority partners, etc.), how to administer naloxone, and strategies for building community relationships. The knowledge shared within communities will inform a harm reduction framework for Métis Nation BC that will be reflected in services offered by Métis Nation BC that weave culture and community into harm reduction. Many community members have expressed gratitude for these gatherings and have built relationships and systems of support that did not previously exist. For more information, visit https://www.mnbc.ca/work-programs/programs-services/virtual-harm-reduction-gatherings 4.27 Review the principles and processes that guide the naming of municipalities and regional districts, and evolve practices to foster reconciliation in local processes. Lead Ministry: Housing and Municipal Affairs Planning Stage Some Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? When action planning work got underway, the ministry started to build a relationship with Tla’amin Nation staff. Since 2024, that relationship has evolved into regular virtual engagement meetings to discuss Action 4.27 and to collaboratively begin developing draft guidance materials that can be used to support this action. In the context of the distinctions-based approach, it is important that the language, culture, heritage, history and land-based connections of the First Nation(s) on whose territory a local government is located, are honoured, acknowledged and understood by communities across B.C. Ministry staff recognize that local government names and local First Nations’ interest in those names will be unique across the province and that the local context, history and reconciliation priorities will be different in each. Ministry staff intend to expand engagement on Action 4.27 to other First Nations across B.C. to gather input. Are there challenges? Planning has begun for engagement with First Nations and First Nations organizations, as well as local governments and local government organizations, to understand their interests and collect feedback to further inform this work. Depending on the level of interest, there is a risk that there may not be enough resources to effectively engage. However, it’s important to engage in this dialogue across the province to capture different perspectives and interests and inform the materials developed as part of Action 4.27. Community conversations about First Nations place names must consider how to confront Indigenous-specific racism and support cultural safety during engagement processes. Colonial names and the process of discussing them can have a negative impact on First Nations who are still living under a colonial system of government, are facing intergenerational trauma and experience systemic racism in B.C. and Canadian society. Local discussions about First Nations place names reveal that there are diverse views on the matter, and it can be challenging for locally elected officials, local government staff and local First Nations to manage these discussions and related processes. While aspects of this work have no easy answer or pathway to follow — particularly where racist attitudes surface during local engagement meetings and discussions — the development of guidance may assist with managing these challenges. Highlights The restoration or reclamation of First Nations place names is identified in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action as an important reconciliation step. It is part of recognizing, preserving and strengthening Indigenous histories, languages and cultures. Guidance materials that are co-developed with First Nations and local government partners will be a first step to supporting local governments and First Nations to better understand the work they can do together to support the revitalization of First Nations place names locally. As a part of this work, ministry staff developed a network of provincial ministries that have a role in naming to better understand how different entities are named (e.g., geographical features, school district names, infrastructure and roads). This outreach has shown the growing variety and depth of work that is being done to support First Nations language revitalization and place names across the province. Ministry staff have also reached out to several municipalities and regional districts to understand local policies (e.g., streets, parks) and processes around naming (including the restoration of First Nations place names). Research has also included an analysis of past local government name changes, including the Village of Daajing Giids, to learn from and adapt the guidance. 4.28 Draft a report with recommendations for how BC Parks can better reflect Indigenous Peoples’ histories and cultures in provincial parks and protected areas. Lead Ministry: Environment and Parks Completed Complexity Resolved Challenges Resolved Full Engagement ACTION COMPLETE Highlights The report has been completed and will be used to guide a strengthened approach to BC Parks' partnerships with First Nations. The agency continues to work alongside First Nations partners to ensure that their histories and cultures are represented at decision-making tables and through collaborative cultural heritage projects. Moving forward, the report will also be used to inform the renewal of the BC Parks Reconciliation Action Plan, ensuring that the feedback and recommendations provided by First Nations partners are carried forward into other realms of BC Parks' work. 4.30 Support Indigenous language revitalization through sustainable funding. Lead Ministries: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation; Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation is the lead on this action and works directly with the First Peoples' Cultural Council (FPCC) and First Peoples' Cultural Foundation. The First People’s Cultural Council is a First Nations-led Crown corporation with a legislated mandate to protect, revitalize and enhance First Nations languages, heritage, culture and arts. Its work is supported by an advisory committee representing all the First Nations languages in B.C. The First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation is an Indigenous-led, non-profit society established in 2000 to support the vitality of Indigenous languages, arts, and cultural heritage in B.C. 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 is working closely with Métis Nation BC to identify the unique requirements of Métis learners including support for Michif language revitalization. Are there challenges? Constraints on federal Indigenous language funding will impact First Nations’ language revitalization efforts in the province. The ministry continues to work with the FPCC and the federal government towards securing long-term sustainable funding. The FPCC’s cultural revitalization work is critical to reconciliation and First Nations self-determination. Between 2018 and 2024, B.C. committed $136 million to support First Nations languages, heritage and arts revitalization. Funding committed in Budget 2025-26 continues the language revitalization work underway at comparable funding levels while assisting the FPCC and First Nations communities by committing to predictable, stable funding each year as opposed to intermittent grant funding. Community demand for language revitalization in B.C. exceeds current funding levels, despite consistent progress being made. In partnership with the FPCC, the Province will continue to work with the federal government towards long-term sustainable federal funding to serve the interests of First Nations and the public. Although the Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills has secured $1 million in annual funding over three years (fiscal 2023-24 to 2025-26, $3 million in total), additional funding is required. Funding secured to date will not meet the current and ongoing needs of the six existing programs or support additional language degrees being offered. To address this, 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. Highlights Investing in First Nations languages, arts, culture and heritage is an important way to connect people to community, land and culture. In 2025, B.C. announced $15 million per year, ongoing, to the First Peoples’ Cultural Council to support First Nations languages, heritage, arts and cultural programming. This includes $12 million per year dedicated to addressing the growing demand for language revitalization, and it will provide critical jobs for speakers, particularly Elders and First Nations’ women. A Conference Board of Canada report on the economic impact of the FPCC’s investments in 2023-24 demonstrates the positive impacts on provincial and national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job creation in First Nations communities and local economies. The Conference Board’s analysis determined that for each dollar of the FPCC’s revenue, $1.52 is contributed to Canada’s GDP and $1.15 to B.C.’s GDP. In that same year, FPCC activities generated $142.3 million in output within the Canadian economy ($103.8 million in output for B.C.) from $60.3 million in revenue (to which the Province contributed $20 million) and created 1,822 full-year jobs. The First Peoples’ Cultural Council takes a community development approach and transfers knowledge and expertise to people who lead revitalization work in community. FPCC funding, training, resources and support enable skills training and mentorship in addition to creating jobs that would not otherwise exist without funding for cultural revitalization. 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 annual funding over three years ($3 million in total). 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 through a partnership with the En'owkin Centre, University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBC Okanagan) and Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT). The Syilx Okanagan Nation, NVIT and UBC Okanagan have launched the Bachelor of N?e?kepmx Language Fluency (approved in November 2022). The Lillooet Tribal Council, NVIT and UBC Okanagan 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. Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) have launched the Bachelor of Arts, Nisga’a Language Fluency. Lake Babine Nation, NVIT and UNBC are planning to launch the Bachelor of Nadut’en Language Fluency. 4.31 Develop full-course offerings in First Nation languages and implement the educational Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the K-12 education system. Lead Ministry: Education and Child Care Started Some Complexity Notable Challenges Some Engagement How are we working together? In the context of a distinctions-based approach and consistent with recent amendments to the School Act, 1996, 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 of Education and Child Care will continue to engage with the First Nations Education Steering Committee on priority actions. Supporting First Nations languages has been acknowledged as a key priority, however with competing priorities on additional Year 3 actions, there is currently no progress to report. Are there challenges? Long-term, sustainable funding is required to complete this action. A concern amongst Indigenous peoples living in urban settings may be how the ministry will ensure that all Indigenous languages are supported in the K-12 public education system in alignment with a distinctions-based approach. Significant resources will be needed to complete this action due to the diversity of First Nations languages in B.C. Highlights In alignment with a distinctions-based approach, the ministry 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. 4.32 Co-develop a K-12 First Nations Language Policy and associated implementation plan for the public education system with the First Nations Education Steering Committee, including ensuring that the language and culture of the local First Nation(s) on whose territory(ies) a board of education operates schools are the ones primarily reflected in any First Nations language and culture programs and services of the board. Lead Ministry: Education and Child Care Started Some Complexity Notable Challenges Some Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Education and Child Care will engage with the First Nations Education Steering Committee prior to engaging more broadly with First Nations rightsholders. Are there challenges? Due to the diversity of First Nations languages in B.C., significant resources will be required to complete this action. Highlights In alignment with a distinctions-based approach, the ministry has provided direction to 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 Amendment Act, 2023 (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. 4.35 Work with First Nations to reform the Heritage Conservation Act to align with the UN Declaration, including shared decision-making and the protection of First Nations cultural, spiritual, and heritage sites and objects. Lead Ministries: Forests; Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Moderate Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project is being led through the Joint Working Group on First Nation Heritage Conservation (Joint Working Group) with input from the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations (Alliance). The Heritage Conservation Act consultation and co-operation plan outlines in detail how the Province will consult and co-operate with First Nations on this work, taking a distinctions-based approach. This has set the foundation for the collaborative development of resources and materials and has informed two submissions seeking government direction 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-to-government meetings as requested. Feedback was received by way of oral commentary during engagement sessions and meetings, responding to questions via interactive presentation voting software, and through survey responses and written submissions. Upon consideration of feedback, a joint decision was made to amend project timelines to develop a more comprehensive package of amendments, to ensure proposals are responsive to First Nations' input and to allow more time for consultation and cooperation with First Nations and engagement with stakeholders and the public. As informed by the ‘what we heard reports’ to date, the Joint Working Group is preparing a submission for Spring 2025, with input from the Alliance to seek provincial government direction on proposed policy scope and timing for potential legislative introduction. Pending provincial government direction, proposed legislative changes to the Heritage Conservation Act will then be co-developed with First Nations in accordance with the consultation and co-operation plan. Are there challenges? Current public dialogue and understanding of alignment of laws work and shared decision-making agreements indicate a need for increased education among stakeholders and the public to support successful implementation of Heritage Conservation Act changes. A comprehensive engagement plan is being developed which will include public outreach and education. Pending direction in Spring 2025 on proposed timing for potential legislative introduction, comprehensive consultation and cooperation with rights holders and engagement with stakeholders may be a challenge. Highlights During 2024, policy analysis and research were undertaken based on the feedback heard from First Nations and stakeholders during Phase 1 and 2 engagement on the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project to support next steps. While no broad engagement activities took place during 2024 after the project pause, Ministry of Forests project staff met with individual First Nations on request. Input from these meetings and what was heard in Phase 1 and 2 has continued to inform work on transforming the Heritage Conservation Act. Pending provincial government direction in Spring 2025 on project scope and timing, the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project team looks forward to broad engagement with First Nations and stakeholders on the next phase of the project. 4.36 Ensure every First Nations community in B.C. has high-speed internet services. Lead Ministry: Citizens' Services Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? Access to reliable high-speed internet and cellular connectivity is more important than ever before. From healthcare and education to public safety and economic growth, internet access plays a vital role in our daily lives. The Ministry of Citizens’ Services collaborates with all levels of government, including First Nations and First Nation organizations, to support projects and funding that expand connectivity in underserved First Nation reserves and Modern Treaty Nation lands. Working together, we are making steady progress. In 2017, 66% of households on First Nation reserves had access to high-speed internet services. As of January 2025, that number has increased to approximately 83%, with an additional 13% expected to be connected when projects in progress are completed. Are there challenges? There are overall programmatic risks to meeting the 2027 targets for several reasons including: * Accurate Data — there is a need for comprehensive and up-to-date data on the number, locations, and addresses of homes in First Nations communities to assist in ensuring all homes have access to high-speed internet; * Technology solutions (i.e., Low Earth Orbit 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, utility poles, etc.). Highlights As of January 2025, 83% of homes on First Nation reserves have access to high-speed internet services. When all current projects are complete, that figure will rise to nearly 96%. 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. 4.37 Provide funding to assist Indigenous tourism businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to further support recovery of the Indigenous tourism sector in B.C. Lead Ministry: Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Completed Complexity Resolved Challenges Resolved Full Engagement ACTION COMPLETE Highlights In 2021 and 2022, the Province allocated a total of $8 million through the BC Indigenous Tourism Recovery Fund to support the recovery and growth of Indigenous tourism businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched in February 2021, the fund provided grants to Indigenous-owned businesses, including lodges, resorts, restaurants, outdoor adventures, galleries, and gift shops. Delivered in partnership with Indigenous Tourism BC, the fund aimed to help businesses navigate the ongoing economic challenges posed by provincial restrictions during the pandemic. Businesses received grants of up to $45,000 to cover expenses such as rent, utility bills, health and safety measures, and transitioning services online. The grants helped maintain or create nearly 1,200 jobs across communities in B.C. and supported over 300 Indigenous tourism businesses. One example of the fund’s impact is Talaysay Tours in Vancouver, which used its grant to develop a virtual tour of Stanley Park. The interactive experience educates viewers about the local trees and plants of the Pacific Northwest, showcasing their historical use by Indigenous Peoples for food, medicine, and technology. Brenda Baptiste, chair of Indigenous Tourism BC noted, "Indigenous Tourism British Columbia has worked hard with interest holders and provided a support system for businesses to continue operating during the pandemic." 4.38 Provide investments to Indigenous Tourism B.C. to support Indigenous tourism, Indigenous job creation, preservation of Indigenous languages, celebration of Indigenous cultures and the stewardship of territories, and to tell the stories of Indigenous Peoples in B.C. in their own words. Lead Ministry: Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Challenges Resolved Moderate Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport meets with Indigenous Tourism BC every six weeks to discuss progress on the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative and identify challenges, successes, where support is needed, and upcoming opportunities for further collaboration. Indigenous Tourism BC also submits written progress reports bi-annually, as well as an annual report complete with financials. The distinctions-based approach is providing Indigenous Tourism BC with the flexibility to allocate the funding, within the program parameters, based on Indigenous tourism partners' specific needs and meeting tourism partners' where they are at in their tourism journeys. This approach ensures that the work is Indigenous led. The ministry and Indigenous Tourism BC 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. Highlights In March 2023, Tourism Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, allocated $6 million to Indigenous Tourism BC to create and implement Indigenous led, culturally focused training and educational programs for Indigenous tourism workers and employers. In 2024-25 Indigenous Tourism BC continued to deliver the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative. The initiative empowers Indigenous tourism workers, businesses, and communities by offering culturally relevant training, professional certifications, educational programs, and work placements. To date, more than 1,000 individuals from all six tourism regions of the province have now taken part in the training programs. The eight Regional Indigenous Tourism Specialists employed by Indigenous Tourism BC are vital in supporting First Nations communities and tourism businesses by helping them access the training and foster tourism development. Some of the programs available through the initiative now include Occupational, Marine, and Wilderness First Aid, SuperHost Certification, FOODSAFE, Indigenous Ambassador training, Developing and Packaging Tourism Products, Building Sustainable Tourism Businesses, and Tourism Digital Marketing Essentials. These training programs continue to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and workers in building their skills and capacity, enhancing visitor experiences, and contributing to the overall growth of the tourism industry. Key outcomes include improved tourism infrastructure, market-ready Indigenous tourism businesses, and a workforce prepared to deliver authentic, meaningful Indigenous experiences to visitors. 4.39 Work with the Province’s Economic Trusts and First Nation partners to develop a mechanism that ensures inclusion of First Nations at a regional decision-making level. Lead Ministry: Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Planning Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation worked closely with three regional economic trusts — the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior B.C., Island Coastal Economic Trust, and Northern Development Initiative Trust — to develop and conduct a comprehensive series of engagements with all the First Nations located in their respective service regions. • The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior B.C. worked with their Indigenous Outreach Consultant, Gail Joe, to engage a majority of the 33 First Nations in their service region. The engagement process started in July 2024 and finished in November 2024. Between November 2024 and February 2025, the trust held three in-depth meetings with First Nations leaders who expressed interest in providing input with the objective of exploring governance models and legislative amendments. Ministry staff are coordinating with the trust to receive their report. • Island Coastal Economic Trust engaged Sanala Planning, who is conducting an independent Indigenous-led process with the majority of the 53 First Nations across Vancouver Island and the surrounding coast. They are exploring their vision for transforming the Trust to a new model of co-governance and shared decision-making. From these Indigenous-led engagements, First Nations and Sanala will produce a strategic recommendations report that will be provided to the trust, provincial government, Members of the Legislative Assembly, local governments and the public in Spring 2025. • Northern Development Initiative Trust established an Indigenous Advisory Committee in 2022 to guide its work with First Nations. In 2024, the trust hired four independent consultants to engage with the majority of the 89 First Nations located in their service region to understand their views on representation in the Regional Advisory Committees and the Board of Directors. Each consultant submitted final reports at the end of 2024. Ministry staff are coordinating with the trust to receive their report. Are there challenges? The Province and trusts need to explore ways to address capacity constraints for engaging in direct dialogue with First Nations governments across each service region to ensure diverse perspectives and interests are incorporated into the design of a new mechanism for regional inclusion in decision-making. Highlights • The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior B.C led an inclusive, broad-based engagement with First Nations in their service region which has helped strengthen awareness and relationships between the Trust and First Nations in the region. First Nations leaders expressed support for a new governance model that brings them together with municipally and regionally elected officials to address regional economic development collaboratively. • Island Coastal Economic Trust engaged 32 First Nations in its service region in 2024-25. Sanala held two-hour dialogue sessions and gathered many insights. These include how governance of the Trust can be transformed to drive long-term regional economic impact and harness local leaders’ diverse knowledge and relationships to build strategic and collaborative partnerships between their governments and businesses. First Nations leaders expressed support for the Trust being transformed into a model of co-governance and shared decision-making. • Northern Development Initiative Trust worked with a team of consultants to engage with 66 First Nations in its service region in 2024-25. These consultants submitted a final report at the end of 2024. The results of the engagement were positive with First Nations leaders expressing support for a more inclusive governance model. 4.40 Ensure Indigenous collaboration in the development and implementation of the BC Economic Plan, including a technology and innovation roadmap. Lead Ministry: Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? Engagement with First Nation partners is ongoing across flagship initiatives from the StrongerBC Economic Plan: * The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation continues to maintain and strengthen relationships with the First Nations Centre of Excellence in Economic Development through regular monthly meetings and facilitating connections with key ministry and government partners, provincially and federally, to explore opportunities for collaboration and fostering strategic partnerships. * Under the Mass Timber Action Plan, the Office of Mass Timber Implementation and the First Nations Forestry Council co-developed the First Nations Engagement Strategy, establishing shared principles, goals and a work plan. This partnership also facilitated the Dinner and Discussion Table on Mass Timber, which the First Nations Forestry Council hosted with financial support and implementation assistance from the Office of Mass Timber Implementation. * Innovate BC secured new federal support to extend the Integrated Marketplace until October 2026. All businesses, including Indigenous-owned companies, are invited to participate in testbed/projects planning process. Testbeds can also access the Integrated Marketplace to support engagement with Indigenous partners and communities. * As part of government’s ongoing work on trade diversification, the Export Navigator program has provided support to 35 Indigenous businesses, including 16 that were referred to third-party service providers for 2024-25. The program has two specialist advisors specifically dedicated to supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, one in the Lower Mainland and the second supporting all other Indigenous-owned businesses across the province. * The B.C. Maritime Industries Infrastructure Modernization and Expansion Grant program is administered by the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries. The results from the most recent application intake were announced in September 2024. In total, there were 152 project applications and 41 funded projects. Economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and people have been identified across 60% of projects. * The B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation has completed one project and one training program benefiting Indigenous participants and their communities. Three ongoing projects will create 11 Highly Qualified Personnel jobs, five additional jobs, and train eight Indigenous Highly Qualified Personnel. Moreover, these projects will help two Indigenous businesses increase their revenue. Are there challenges? There are no significant risks to the overall Economic Plan. However, some individual flagship action risks are being monitored and mitigated to support successful implementation: * Capacity funding may not be sufficient for Indigenous governments and organizations to consider, participate in and activate opportunities in the mass timber sector. * Innovate BC may need to do further communication and outreach to better ensure that Indigenous communities at testbeds are aware of Integrated Marketplace opportunities. The ministry is mitigating these risks through outreach and supporting Indigenous partners with wayfinding. The ministry maintains transparent communication with partners, seeking feedback, and adapting strategies as insights are gained. The ministry is also supporting the First Nations Centre of Excellence with securing federal funding. The Office of Mass Timber Implementation identified an obstacle in the lack of flexibility in existing funding mechanisms to collaborate with Indigenous partners in policy development work. The Office works closely with First Nation organizations due to their technical expertise in economic development. They are exploring potential funding mechanisms to support collaborative work with Indigenous partners. Highlights The BC Assembly of First Nations officially launched the First Nations Centre of Excellence in the latter half of 2023 and appointed the first CEO, Harlan Schilling. In 2024-25, the centre expanded the team to include four people and then turned its focus to strategic planning. The centre has developed a five-year strategic plan with a focus on international trade relations, knowledge sharing and best practices, communications and promotions, service delivery to First Nation companies, and a sovereign wealth fund. Additionally, the centre developed a service delivery framework in collaboration with the ministries of Jobs Economic Development and Innovation, and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. The service delivery model goals are policy collaboration, convening, path finding and market navigation, business development and strategic planning support, and market analysis. In April 2024, the Office of Mass Timber Implementation and the First Nations Forestry Council hosted a Dinner and Discussion with 14 First Nation Chiefs and leaders to discuss mass timber and launch the First Nations Mass Timber Engagement Strategy. This strategy aims to build reciprocal relationships, grow First Nations leadership in the mass timber ecosystem, and promote the use of local wood in culturally appropriate and energy-efficient infrastructure. The Office also held five information sessions in partnership with provincial and federal funders and the Forestry Council. These sessions, attended by 26 First Nation participants, provided insights into mass timber manufacturing and funding opportunities. Participants connected directly with funders to support business development, expansion, and capital purchases. The Integrated Marketplace provides an opportunity for Indigenous groups and businesses to be directly involved in bringing innovation and technology adoption to their operations and communities. This has been demonstrated by Metlakatla First Nation through their involvement with Gat Leedm Logistics in the Zero Emissions Vehicle Long-Haul Trucking project at the Prince Rupert Port Authority testbed. The project will help to remove financial and information barriers for adopting and investing in innovative clean tech solutions by Gat Leedm and other trucking companies. 4.41 Work with First Nations, Métis chartered communities and urban Indigenous organizations to provide funding for self-determined, community-led programs for Indigenous Peoples to upgrade skills, obtain credentials, secure employment, and develop and support community economies. Lead Ministries: Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills; Social Development and Poverty Reduction Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? For direct funding, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills 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 ministry has provided direct funding to the First Nations Education Steering Committee this fiscal year and meets monthly with them to further discuss program approaches. Indigenous Skills Training and Education Program staff work with Métis Nation BC, as the representative organization of 28,000 Métis citizens and 39 Métis Chartered Communities, to provide funding for Métis people. The ministry also meets monthly with Métis Nation BC and prioritizes collaboration work based on mandate and capacity. In addition, the ministry, Métis Nation BC and Employment and Social Development Canada have established a Tripartite Working Group that shares best practices, reporting, and how best to coordinate provincial and federal labour market funding. Are there challenges? Requests for funding may exceed available budget. The ministry is monitoring program budgets closely and consulting with partner ministries on opportunities to fund complementary projects, if applicable. The ministry has been using an interim approach to the administration of the Indigenous Skills Training and Education program. The Education Steering Committee and the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association have expressed concern regarding the current approach. A tentative plan to engage on the program approach with the Steering Committee, the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association, First Nations, First Nations partners, Métis Nation BC, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and urban Indigenous organizations, is anticipated for 2025. Highlights The ministry is managing over 80 skills training agreements with First Nations or organizations designated by a First Nations, Métis Nation BC and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres. 4.42 Co-develop economic metrics to help evaluate progress as reconciliation is advanced. The baseline data will begin to address the persistent gap in Indigenous-specific economic metrics and through this co-designed effort, build a comprehensive set of data to measure Indigenous economic well-being and track progress over time. Lead Ministries: Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation; Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Province has been collaborating with Reconciling Ways of Knowing Stewardship Society (Reconciling Ways) on an approach for co-developing a cohesive and responsive set of economic metrics that centre First Nation concepts of economic wellbeing. Acting as a convenor, Reconciling Ways facilitated a series of workshops with subject matter experts between 2023-2025 that focused on co-design of economic metrics. The ministries of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, with advice from the Ministry of Citizens' Services, continue to explore other avenues by which the Province can advance this work. Are there challenges? The workshops led by Reconciling Ways of Knowing Stewardship Society highlighted the diversity of data governance initiatives currently being planned or advanced and the need to better align these efforts to ensure federal and provincial governments are supporting First Nations-mandated institutions and First Nation governments to develop the technical, digital, legal and service delivery infrastructure necessary for First Nation governments to collect, steward, and use their socio-economic data in ways that align with their laws, vision, and values. Workshop participants noted that predictable and sustainable funding for further development of data governance capabilities is required. This work cannot be done without meaningful trust being built between First Nations governments and the Province. The ability to successfully co-develop economic metrics depends on relationship building, resourcing and allowing time for the formation of shared ideas and solutions. It is understood that the work to co-develop economic metrics on a province-wide scale as described in the action will take time and needs to be balanced with and responsive to the diverse needs, priorities and perspectives of First Nations. Additionally, further exploration of these concepts is required to ensure a distinctions-based approach can be applied. Highlights Between 2023-2025, Reconciling Ways of Knowing Stewardship Society conducted a series of First Nations-specific workshops which provided valuable insights into the complexity of co-developing First Nations economic metrics. This series included four workshops which discussed: First Nations data governance and economic well-being and governance metrics, Indigenous nationhood and social wellness metrics, economic development and economic well-being, and Indigenous nationhood, Governance development and metrics co-design respectively. These workshops provided the following insights: * Co-development of this work with First Nations is based on relationships built on trust and takes time; * Data gathering and development of metrics must adhere to the data sovereignty, standards and governance specific to a First Nation; * Good governance is foundational to economic success and economic data is crucial for decision-makers to advance good governance — these two elements cannot be separated; and * The data that is deemed meaningful will be unique to the questions, interests and priorities of individual First Nations. These workshops provide a foundation for further collaboration with First Nation partners on concrete steps to address the persistent limitations of First Nations-specific economic data as described in the action. 4.43 Co-develop recommendations on strategic policies and initiatives for clean and sustainable energy. This includes identifying and supporting First Nations-led clean energy opportunities related to CleanBC, the Comprehensive Review of BC Hydro, and the BC Utilities Commission Inquiry on the Regulation of Indigenous Utilities. Lead Ministry: Energy and Climate Solutions Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions collaborates with First Nations organizations and First Nations to enhance opportunities in clean energy projects. Recent examples include: * A Clean Energy Project Types and Opportunities Primer providing guidance on navigating relationships between First Nations and industry for economic opportunities and project partnerships developed with the First Nations Major Projects Coalition; * A new BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative program stream which will administer $140 million over several years to support smaller Indigenous-led power projects through the New Relationship Trust; * An Expression of Interest to participate in a study with the University of Victoria’s research initiative Accelerating Community Energy Transformation on the financial viability of First Nations-owned utility models created in partnership with the First Nations Energy and Mining Council and Clean Energy BC; and * Exploration of co-ownership/equity opportunities, procurement opportunities, and co-designing an environmental review on BC Hydro’s North Coast Transmission Line system expansion. The Remote Community Energy Strategy Working Group, comprised of representatives from remote First Nations, contributes to development and implementation of policy and programs, including: * The Remote Community Energy Strategy, a multi-interest holder initiative which aims to reduce diesel consumption for electricity and heating in remote communities by 80% by 2030; * The Community Energy Decarbonization and Resilience Program, supporting decarbonization in remote communities; and * The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation Amendment made in June 2024, which enhances the regulatory certainty for renewable energy generation projects that displace diesel in remote communities served by BC Hydro (Non-Integrated Areas). Are there challenges? Recent tariffs imposed by the United States are likely to create economic uncertainty and require prompt action to mitigate negative impacts. However, these trade changes may also present an opportunity to boost investment in British Columbia’s energy sector and expand energy generation within the province. Feedback from First Nations governments and organizations about obstacles to co-development indicate constraints in both organizational capacity and financial resources, an overwhelming volume of engagement requests, and a recurring criticism that participants routinely provide the same answers without seeing a reflection of their comments resulting in substantive change. A decline in engagement participation points to evidence of engagement fatigue. Highlights In June 2024, the Province launched Powering our Future: BC's Clean Energy Strategy which outlines actions and commitments to accelerate the transition to clean energy and create new opportunities for people and businesses throughout British Columbia. The strategy is led by the overarching principle of advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. The transition to a clean energy economy includes principles of energy efficiency, reducing emissions, innovation, safety, affordability, sustainable economic growth, regional recognition, and healthy and resilient communities. The strategy recognizes it is essential to develop meaningful partnerships with First Nations to achieve the goal of advancing First Nations-led clean energy projects. In April 2024, BC Hydro launched a competitive Call for Power with a minimum 25% First Nations equity ownership, following comprehensive engagement with First Nations. The Clean Energy Major Projects Office supports the ten selected renewable projects (nine wind and one solar) to ensure that First Nations benefit and play a key role in project development. The chosen projects ranged from 49% to 51% First Nations equity. In June 2024, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation was updated to enhance regulatory certainty for renewable energy generation projects that displace diesel in remote communities served by BC Hydro, referred to as Non-Integrated Areas. The amendment was informed by recommendations from Remote Community Energy Strategy Working Group and discussions with remote First Nations and local governments. 4.44 Review, evaluate and improve B.C.’s Indigenous Youth Internship Program. Government Lead: Public Service Agency Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Some Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? The Public Service Agency operates the Indigenous Youth Internship Program (IYIP) amongst a suite of leadership and development programs available to Indigenous Peoples. The Internship Program Advisory Committee includes representatives and/or IYIP alumni from the BC First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Métis Nation BC, and Indigenous public service employees. The Public Service Agency shares project documents and plans with IYIP committee members for feedback, which is then incorporated by the contracted vendor, MNP LLP. The diversity of partner perspectives has been key in guiding co-development at each stage of this action. The committee and Indigenous organizational partners will be invited to engage in data analysis and other co-development activities as the action proceeds. Data from the evaluation will be made available to the Ministry of Citizens’ Services to inform their research related to the Anti-Racism Data Act. In aligning IYIP evaluation data collection with Anti-Racism Data Act research, the evaluation data will also impact recruitment and retention work happening on action item 3.2. Are there challenges? The IYIP has 350 alumni and an even broader network of mentors and supervisors from within the BC Public Service and across many Indigenous organizations. Connecting with potential evaluation participants requires a variety of tactics given that the Public Service Agency needs to collect participants' consent for MNP LLC to contact them. The IYIP webpage was updated to highlight that the evaluation is happening and provides a form for interested evaluation participants to complete to be contacted to take part in surveys, interviews and/or focus groups. Adequate time is being built into the workplan to ensure a statistically significant number of participants engage in a variety of evaluation activities. Highlights The Public Service Agency and external contributors via the Indigenous Youth Internship Program Advisory Committee were able to meaningfully contribute feedback to the evaluation workplan, framework and data collection tools. Taking the time to incorporate feedback from contributors has strengthened the framework and is helping to ensure data collection can occur intentionally and safely. Data collection started in February 2025, continuing into Spring 2025 with the vendor, MNP LLP, beginning to conduct interviews, surveys, and focus groups with current and former IYIP staff, alumni, and intern supervisors and mentors within the public service and Indigenous organizations. The data collection phase of the evaluation is expected to continue to Summer 2025, with a public report and recommendations to follow in Fall 2025. The Public Service Agency and the vendor are adhering to the principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession throughout the project, and will share data with the Anti-Racism Data Act Research Committee to enhance available data for related research on Indigenous employees' experience in the public service. 4.45 Prioritize and increase the number of technology sector training opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and other groups currently under-represented in B.C.’s technology sector. Lead Ministry: Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Implementation Stage Moderate Complexity Challenges Resolved Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Province funded Innovate BC to manage the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Horizons Bootcamp program. Innovate BC contracted Alacrity Canada to deliver this program. The Province funded DIGITAL to manage the Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator (CTTA) program. DIGITAL contracted NPower to deliver this program. Alacrity — a non-profit organization in B.C. that seeks to help and empower entrepreneurs — will reach out to several Indigenous organizations to promote the CRM Horizon's Bootcamp to increase program awareness among their networks. NPower, the Canadian Tech Talent delivery partner, is currently working with Indigenous partners to receive validation of program information for the Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator program. The Province continues to work with Innovate BC and DIGITAL to deliver programming through Alacrity and NPower by funding opportunities to support initiatives that increase Indigenous Peoples' involvement in B.C.'s technology sector. Are there challenges? No challenges identified. Highlights The next iteration of the Digital Skills Bootcamp, overseen by Innovate BC and delivered by Alacrity Canada, is focused on offering new opportunities for participants across B.C. to effectively use CRM systems. The CRM Horizons Bootcamp has achieved over 70% representation of people from equity-seeking groups among participants since launching in August 2024. Additionally, more than 70% of participants are based in rural or remote areas of the province. Over the next fiscal year, Alacrity Canada has plans to engage several Indigenous organizations to promote the CRM Horizons Bootcamp. In September 2024, the Province announced it renewed its partnership with NPower Canada, Microsoft Canada, and CIBC, investing $4 million to expand the Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator program. This funding will provide training for over 1,800 job seekers across B.C. over the next two years, equipping them with essential digital skills for careers in tech. The new phase of Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator program will focus on emerging fields like cybersecurity and generative AI. Over the past year, NPower has participated in events connecting with Indigenous job seekers, engaged with organizations focused on Indigenous workforce development, and initiated discussions to explore new collaboration opportunities. These efforts reflect Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator’s commitment to fostering Indigenous participation in digital skills training and employment pathways. The Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator is actively planning new initiatives to encourage Indigenous participation and ensure that these communities are well-represented and supported throughout the program. 4.47 Advance a collaborative approach to cannabis-related governance and jurisdiction between First Nations and the Province that reflects common objectives to protect youth, prioritize public health and safety, strengthen First Nations governance capacity and secure economic benefits for First Nations. Lead Ministry: Public Safety and Solicitor General Planning Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Moderate Engagement How are we working together? In 2022/23, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (PSSG) and First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) co-developed a discussion paper to directly engage with the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations (the Alliance) and B.C. First Nations, leading to a ‘what we heard’ report released in the fall of 2023 that summarized perspectives and recommendations to the Province and the First Nations Leadership Council on how to move forward on cannabis-related governance and jurisdiction. In 2023, FNLC, the Alliance and the ministry also began initial development of policy approaches to shape the next phase of engagement. Since this initial engagement, FNLC and the ministry have continued working collaboratively to develop next steps in advancing policy development and engagement on cannabis governance and jurisdiction. In 2024, the Province worked on a recurring basis with First Nations to develop, seek approval, and implement a new financial arrangement related to government-to-government cannabis agreements under section 119 of the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, 2018. Are there challenges? The complexity of this work requires careful navigation of diverse views and interests on how collaborative governance and jurisdiction between First Nations and the Province could be meaningfully advanced. This work takes time, continued resources for co-development processes, cross-government coordination, and deep consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples. The Canadian cannabis sector continues to experience substantial challenges, with many small and medium sized businesses finding it increasingly difficult to attain and/or maintain financial viability. The Province is continuing to lead development and implementation of actions to support the provincially regulated cannabis sector. This project is further complicated by the intersection of cannabis jurisdiction with federal law. Federal involvement and action may also be required to ensure the success of local cannabis operations, and to support collaborative approaches to cannabis governance and jurisdiction between First Nations and the Province. Highlights In Summer 2024, the scope of section 119 agreements was expanded to include a financial arrangement, enabling a portion of the provincial wholesale mark-up to be transferred to First Nation governments. To date, there are seven First Nations with section 119 agreements, and PSSG is reaching out to other First Nations who may be interested in entering into a section119 agreement. The new financial arrangement has been positively received by First Nations governments. The B.C. Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund, administered by the New Relationship Trust, was developed by FNLC, PSSG, and Indigenous Services Canada in 2022. This program helps address gaps in capacity and funding to support inclusion of First Nations communities and businesses in the regulated cannabis sector. To date, the Province has provided $6 million to the program, including a final installment of $1.25 million in 2024/25. Since inception of the program, the New Relationship Trust has disbursed $3.2 million, supporting 13 cannabis-related projects. 4.48 Work with the B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food and other Indigenous partners to identify opportunities to strengthen Indigenous food systems and increase Indigenous participation in the agriculture and food sector. Lead Ministry: Agriculture and Food Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Notable Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is committed to working with the B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF) (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/business-market-development/agricultural-trusts-and-councils/bc-indigenous-advisory-council-on-agriculture-and-food), New Relationship Trust (NRT) and other Indigenous partners through multiple initiatives focused on strengthening Indigenous food systems. Working closely with Indigenous advisors and subject matter experts, and in partnership with Indigenous- led organizations, has enabled the ministry to invest in Indigenous-led program design and delivery to support Nation- and community-driven food-related projects taking place across the province. The IACAF provides a platform for the ministry to work with Indigenous food systems and agriculture leaders to address persistent barriers and support equitable participation in the food and agriculture sector. In 2024/25, the IACAF and the ministry co-developed a second three-year strategic plan (2024-2027) that prioritizes working together to champion economic revitalization, investment and funding, address policy gaps impacting access to traditional foods, and promote awareness, education and engagement related to Indigenous food systems. The ministry is working to action recommendations and advice from Indigenous partners through new and ongoing initiatives, including the First Peoples’ Food Sovereignty Table co-led with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). As part of Feed BC, the ministry continues to work closely with Indigenous subject matter experts to develop and widely disseminate learning resources and guidance for public institutions to support incorporating Indigenous foods into their food services in a good way. Are there challenges? Frustration, distrust and disengagement among Indigenous partners stemming from perceptions of insufficient government action to meaningfully acknowledge, understand and address the scope of colonization, resource appropriation, ongoing resource development, other impacts and regulatory barriers restricting Indigenous self-determination over their food systems remains a significant risk. Without an all-of-government approach to Indigenous food systems, the First Peoples’ Food Sovereignty Table, in partnership with the FNHA, was created to support collaborative work across areas of government and with Indigenous organizations. The interjurisdictional complexity and the Province’s evolving fiscal approach continue to challenge effective, timely action. Indigenous partners and subject matter experts continue to identify adequate, long-term funding and investment in Indigenous food system revitalization and enhancement projects as a critical need. Annual funding cycles and uncertainty create risks to ongoing investments and the long-term success of Indigenous food systems projects. The Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Program is in its final year. Future funding has not been identified at this point in time.  The Program’s first (2023/24) and second (2024/25) intakes were fully subscribed within days. The Indigenous Food Pathways Program faced similar high demand. The intense competition for funding highlights a significant obstacle to reconciliation, with Indigenous partners noting that it reinforces colonial racism and expends limited local resources. Increasing the use of Indigenous foods in institutions is limited by regulations related to commercial food safety requirements and wild-harvesting; lack of access and supply of traditional foods; and lack of food service decision maker support. Highlights The ministry has made significant investments in community-led, place-based projects across the Province. In November 2024, the Indigenous Food Pathways Program (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/indigenous-food-pathways-program) was introduced under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to enhance food security, sovereignty, and Indigenous participation in B.C.'s agriculture and food sectors. Alongside it, the B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/bc-indigenous-pathfinder-service) was launched to connect Indigenous-led businesses and projects with relevant programs, services, and funding opportunities to strengthen food systems, sovereignty and security. The second intake of the $30 million Indigenous Food Security and Food Sovereignty Program (https://newrelationshiptrust.ca/indigenous-food-security-and-sovereignty/) was delivered in May 2024 by NRT. To date, 114 projects across Indigenous communities, urban centers, and First Nations territories have been supported. These projects focus on priorities like boosting local food processing, revitalizing food harvesting and processing practices, expanding production capacity, and growing commercial value-added enterprises. The final intake will open in May 2025. Feed BC supported the Cooking in Two Worlds (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/growbc-feedbc-buybc/feed-bc-and-the-bc-food-hub-network/feed-bc-program/indigenous-and-traditional-foods-in-public-institution) Gathering at the University of British Columbia, bringing together Indigenous leaders and chefs to share insights on integrating Indigenous foods into institutional food services through cultural respect, traditional culinary practices, and inclusive dining experiences. A new Cooking in Two Worlds resource was launched with case study stories of Indigenous foods in B.C. institutions. Nineteen leaders from health, post-secondary and correctional facilities participated in a learning cohort journey to improve their knowledge, skills and understanding to incorporate more Indigenous foods into their programs in a good way. 4.49 Review existing provincial mandates to enhance treaty and self-governing Nations’ fiscal capacity to deliver services to their citizens. Lead Ministry: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Some Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? To advance work on Action 4.49 and the Shared Priorities Framework, the Province and the Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations have set up dedicated government-to-government fiscal policy tables. Together, the parties are collaboratively developing new fiscal policy for consideration by decision makers. Input and guidance from Modern Treaty Nations is directly reflected in the policy design process. Are there challenges? The Province and Modern Treaty Nations continue to make important progress to advance this action. A potential risk is the complexity of the fiscal policy topics that are being explored, which requires significant investment of time and capacity by all parties. Working together, the Province and Modern Treaty Nations will need to ensure the work is being managed in a way that maintains the current momentum and continues to produce principled and tangible outcomes. As Modern Treaty Nations take on an enhanced role in land and resource management, the Province must ensure all ministries take a consistent approach to working with them in a way that supports modern treaty rights, shared priorities and outcomes. This requires change management, including information sharing, to ensure a common understanding of the purpose of the new funding and how it can support improved outcomes on the land base. Highlights In 2024, the Province and Modern Treaty Nations negotiated amendments to Fiscal Financing Agreements, based on a co-developed new model for funding core lands and resource management. The new core funding will support Modern Treaty Nations in exercising their responsibilities as governments, and in partnering with the Province on lands and resource management. The amendments also commit the parties to collaboratively develop criteria, and an evaluation framework for an incremental funding component in cases where Modern Treaty Nations can demonstrate expenditure need beyond the core funding. The Province and Modern Treaty Nations continue to collaboratively explore options to renew the Province's mechanism for transferring funding under modern treaties, to better reflect their jurisdiction and autonomy. Together, progress has also been made towards the development of an overarching Modern Treaty collaborative fiscal policy, which is intended to lay out principles, methodologies and provisions to guide modern treaty fiscal relationships between the Province and Modern Treaty Nations. Shared Priorities Framework with Modern Treaty Nations 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 (Alliance) to identify new pathways to renewing treaty relationships and advancing treaty implementation. The Province works in consultation and co-operation with Modern Treaty Nations and the Alliance to advance the shared vision set out in the Shared Priorities Framework to ensure that: * Modern treaties are recognized, observed, and enforced;  * Modern Treaty Nations and the Province are resourced for a whole of government approach to timely and effective treaty implementation;  * The Province’s relationships with Modern Treaty Nations are distinct and reflect their established rights; and  * The Province’s relationships with Modern Treaty Nations are dynamic and evolve and improve over time. 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. Lead Ministry: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Implementation Stage Notable Complexity Moderate Challenges Notable Engagement How are we working together? The Alliance of BC Modern Treaty Nations (Alliance) and the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation work together through the Shared Priorities Framework Working Group to coordinate the implementation of the Shared Priorities Framework, track overall progress and identify new implementation priorities. The work to implement the Shared Priorities Framework is a whole-of-government task and occurs across ministries through projects, programs and other activities. Work on the Shared Priorities Framework is being done in consultation and cooperation with Modern Treaty Nations through the Alliance. The approach being taken is to concurrently develop and strengthen the Province’s relationships with Modern Treaty Nations while achieving the intended outcomes of the Shared Priorities Framework. The degree of consultation, cooperation, accommodation and collaboration varies across and within the projects, programs and other activities aimed at implementing the Shared Priorities Framework. The approach is as cooperative, collaborative and accommodating as the project, program or other activity allows. Are there challenges? The primary risks to implementing the Shared Priorities Framework are the availability of dedicated provincial staff, vulnerability to staffing vacancies and competing provincial priorities. These limitations are the major bottleneck for implementation but are not currently halting the work. A secondary risk is treaty partners perceiving these limitations as deprioritizing and disrespecting treaty relationships. Another risk is the possibility of a lack of uptake of codeveloped implementation strategies and resources across government. These risks may be controlled, in part, through the development of resources and education opportunities for provincial employees, which will enhance the capability of the Province for taking a whole-of-government approach to implementation. Inconsistent awareness across government of the Shared Priorities Framework and treaty obligations represents a primary obstacle to the success of implementation. This inconsistent awareness hinders the application of a whole-of-government approach to treaty implementation and delays the early and meaningful inclusion of Modern Treaty Nations in consultation and cooperation processes. Recently completed guidance and educational materials for provincial employees will contribute to resolving this obstacle. An additional obstacle to implementation is budgetary constraints preventing the Province from completing projects to meet commitments and B.C. government staff capacity being limited by the need to support emergent projects and competing priorities. Highlights Implementing the Shared Priorities Framework demonstrates the Province’s ongoing commitment to modern treaty relationships and treaty implementation. This reinforces modern treaties as providing a blueprint for reconciliation and a foundation for government-to-government relationships based on mutual respect and established rights. Some highlights from 2024/25 include: * The fourth annual Premier’s Forum was held in June 2024, hosted on Tla’amin Nation Territory. The Premier’s Forum is a gathering of the Premier, Cabinet and the leaders of Modern Treaty Nations. It serves as a reaffirmation of the relationship the Crown holds with Modern Treaty Nations. * The Province and the Alliance completed the co-development of guidance for provincial government employees on engaging with Modern Treaty Nations. This work aims at ensuring government employees understand and enforce treaty rights and obligations and uphold the government-to-government relationships between the Province and Modern Treaty Nations. * The Shared Priorities Framework includes a priority to establish fiscal arrangements to fulfil treaty rights and obligations. In 2024, the Province and Modern Treaty Nations negotiated amendments to fiscal financing agreements based on a co-developed new model for funding core lands and resource management. The new core funding will support Modern Treaty Nations in exercising their responsibilities as governments and in partnering with the Province on lands and resource management. The amendments also commit the Province and Modern Treaty Nations to collaboratively develop criteria and an evaluation framework for an incremental funding component in cases where Modern Treaty Nations can demonstrate expenditure need beyond the core funding. * In April 2024, the new, collaboratively developed legislative framework for property taxation on Nisga’a Lands and Treaty Lands was implemented as part of the Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2024. Effective as of the 2025 taxation year, Modern Treaty Nations are broadly enabled to self-determine property taxation on their Treaty Lands, including whether and how to exercise their own assessment and property taxation laws and policies. During June and July 2024, the Province and Modern Treaty Nations each entered into new Real Property Tax Agreements under the new legislative framework. * The Province and Modern Treaty Nations continue to collaboratively explore options to renew the Province’s mechanism for transferring funding under treaty side agreements to better reflect the jurisdiction and autonomy of modern treaty governments.?They have made progress towards developing an overarching Modern Treaty Collaborative Fiscal Policy, which aims to lay out principles, methodologies and provisions to guide modern treaty fiscal relationships. 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 (Engagement Fund), 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 Engagement Fund, 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, 2025, 95% of eligible First Nations in B.C. had been approved for funding through the Engagement Fund since its first year in 2023. Learn more about how the Engagement Fund is supporting First Nations across B.C.: Chawathil First Nation “The [Declaration Act Engagement Fund] is a game changer for First Nation communities," says Aaron Pete, Chawathil First Nation Councillor. "The Declaration Act funding allows us to go in and say these are the priorities that our communities identified... It's really important that we make sure we have a plan members embrace and are proud of, and that everything we do is driven by the culture of our community and the stories of our Elders." To learn more, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXGlicWfYaY Yaq?it ?a·knuq?i’it First Nation (Tobacco Plains Indian Band) "No longer is Yaq?it ?a·knuq?i’it just a checkbox in a consultation process. Yaq?it ?a·knuq?i’it through this agreement and other work we're doing, [the Nation’s] voice will be heard clearly. The Nation will be at the decision-making table," says Scott Manjak, Tobacco Plains Indian Band, Chief Reconciliation Negotiator. “This Nation has set itself on a path to actually make a difference and how (the mining) industry operates in their territory and that is again tied back to the funding that we’ve received.” To learn more, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqrmYvOHmkQ Splatsin First Nation "Each Indigenous community group should be free to find their own way," says Michael Winstanley, Splatsin First Nation Title and Rights Department Director. “The whole idea of the Declaration Act is actually being part of administering the land because that’s Splatsin’s and all of Secwépemc people’s responsibility - is to look after not only the land but the animals, the plants, the birds, the fish. It’s everything.” To learn more, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV3FHpeoVdA 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-treatyprocess/ shared-priorities-framework 2 Province of British Columbia: Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan 2022-2027. --------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- ------------------------------------------------------------ 2