First Nations Leadership Council acknowledges City of Vancouver unanimous decision to implement the UN Declaration

March 16, 2021

First Nations Leadership Council acknowledges City of Vancouver unanimous decision to implement the UN Declaration

(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. — March 16, 2021 — The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) acknowledges the City of Vancouver’s unanimous decision to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UN Declaration”) at the local government level last week on March 11, 2021.

The FNLC recognizes the historical significance of a major municipality committing to embark on the critical work of implementing the UN Declaration. The FNLC also acknowledges the leadership involved in bringing Motion B.2 forward, particularly from the xʷməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and Vancouver City Councillor Christine Boyle.

It must be recognized that ongoing colonization continues to create harm for Indigenous Peoples within the City of Vancouver, and in broader society. This is sadly apparent in the recent violent arrest of Indigenous Youth showing solidarity with water protectors opposed to Line 3 by the Vancouver Police Department. At the heart of this issue is the Free, Prior and Informed consent of Indigenous Peoples regarding resource projects affecting their Lands and stewardship obligations.