The BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) has released a statement following the federal government’s throne speech yesterday.
The BCAFN once again heard a number of urgent priority actions meant to address the downward spiralling quality of life faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. This year in particular has been difficult as First Nations’ lives and communities have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The BCAFN has seen slow progress on previous commitments and expects to see full concrete delivery of promises that have been made in the throne speech.
Priorities that would advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples outlined in the throne speech include: legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, infrastructure and affordable housing, action on climate change, funding to improve First Nations participation in green energy, First Nations direct involvement in fisheries management, co-develop new legislation to ensure access to high-quality culturally relevant health care, addressing systemic racism and reforms in the justice system.
The BCAFN looks forward to having further details of commitments regarding reconciliation actions revealed in the upcoming federal government Budget Speech.
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