First Nations chiefs say 'lack of info' to blame for uncertainty around DRIPA, land claims in BC

VANCOUVER — For months now, uncertainty has gripped British Columbia as residents navigate the complexities of Aboriginal land claims and the impacts of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, better known as DRIPA.

During their annual address hosted by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade on Friday, local First Nations chiefs said they believe "lack of information" is to blame.

"It would be an understatement to say the past few months have been very challenging when it comes to reconciliation, discussions around DRIPA, and private land ownership," GVBOT President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson said. "Given the kind of anxiety and nervousness that people are feeling, how would you respond?"

Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow wasted no time in declaring "lack of information" the culprit, taking particular umbrage with how the government has handled the situation.

"We're not going after third-party land," he said. "We have a duty to talk with the governments, and the agreement we signed with the federal government was an agreement to accomplish a lot of things that we're talking about up here — it wasn't about the land."

Sparrow explained that the agreement between the Musqueam and Ottawa in February centred around the fisheries agreement, and opportunity to be "involved in some decision making and self-government."

He went on to accuse some in government of "us[ing] First Nations to divide and conquer, and get political support."

"Even our premier got thrown under the bus when we signed our agreement," Sparrow continued. "We invited him down just to witness … He gets thrown under the bus that he knew what was going on, and he didn’t. We invited him the day before, and out of respect he showed up."

His sentiments were shared by Squamish Nation Council Chairperson Wilson Williams, who said it was "upsetting that that nervousness is out there."

They, alongside Tsleil-Waututh Nation Councilor Curtis Thomas, cautioned British Columbians against falling victim to "misinformation and disinformation."