EMERGENCY ALL CHIEFS’ MEETING RE: CONSULTATIVE DRAFT ON PROPOSED DECLARATION ACT AMENDMENTS

Background:
On January 30, 2026 the Province provided a draft discussion paper to the FNLC on proposed options for amendments to the Declaration Act and the Interpretation Act. On January 29, 2026, the Province sent notification letters to all BC First Nations notifying of the proposed amendments. On March 23, 2026, First Nations received correspondence from the Province providing a copy of the Consultation Draft of amendments to the Declaration Act and Interpretation Act, conditional on having a signed NDA. The Province will be hosting a political discussion for First Nations leadership on April 1, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Meeting Objective:
To support First Nations leadership ahead of the April 1st meeting with the Premier and Attorney General by providing a high-level overview of the Province’s Consultative Draft and provide space to discuss and determine a pathway forward related to an “offramp” solution that halts amendments and provide Chiefs with an update on next steps, should amendments proceed in the legislature.