British Columbia Premier David Eby is facing strong backlash from First Nations leaders after a leaked transcript revealed heated criticism of his plan to temporarily suspend the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). The transcript, obtained by The Canadian Press, details a meeting where Indigenous leaders accused Eby of "absolute betrayal" and acting in a manner that "smacks of colonialism".
The controversy stems from Eby's proposal to suspend sections of DRIPA for up to three years. He argues this pause is necessary to mitigate potential unintended impacts on the province's legal system following a court ruling that calls for the immediate incorporation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into B. C. laws. The B. C. Court of Appeal decision in December 2025, related to a case involving the Gitxaala and Ehattesaht First Nations, has created legal uncertainty that the government says needs to be addressed. Eby stated that his government would pass legislation this session to enact the suspension.
However, First Nations leaders have voiced strong opposition to any changes to DRIPA. They argue that suspending the act undermines the government's commitment to reconciliation and infringes upon their rights. Some leaders stated that Eby is "not there anymore" as a partner and accused him of making "rash" decisions. Robert Phillips of the First Nations Summit said that leaders were "clear and resolute" that they do not support any regression or pause on reconciliation.
Opposition parties have also weighed in on the issue. While the Conservative Party has been seeking the repeal of DRIPA, interim leader Trevor Halford stated that Eby's announcement has made the situation even more uncertain. B. C. Green representative Rob Botterell questioned the need for revisions and suggested that the solution lies in implementing DRIPA with adequate resources. Eby hopes First Nations leaders will at least tolerate the pause as the government appeals the Gitxaala case to the Supreme Court of Canada.
