B.C. And First Nations’ Leaders Gather To Build Relationships, Advance Reconciliation

First Nations’ leaders and provincial officials are meeting for the ninth B.C. cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering, to collaborate on ways to recognize, respect and advance government-to-government relationships.

Premier David Eby, together with Grand Chief Stewart Phillip; Chief Cheryl Casimer, First Nations Summit political executive; Regional Chief Terry Teegee; and Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, opened the event yesterday.

“This gathering comes at a critical time. People in this province are facing big challenges – on affordability, housing, the toxic drug crisis and more – and these challenges are being felt acutely and disproportionately in First Nations communities.", said Eby.

"Our government knows the path to health, wellness and prosperity for all is through partnership with First Nations. We have done a lot of good work together, and my team and I are here to build on that strong foundation to continue delivering meaningful changes for people and communities on the ground.”

Wrapping up on Wednesday, the gathering will provide dedicated space and time for new and returning provincial leaders to learn more about the priorities of individual First Nations at the community level.

It also gives time for the Premier and cabinet ministers to share details about the new government’s priorities and ministerial commitments.

With more than 1,000 people representing more than 200 First Nations registered to attend, and more than 1,300 one-on-one meetings scheduled, it is expected to be the busiest gathering to date.

The gathering is co-hosted and organized by the provincial government and the First Nations Leadership Council, which is comprised of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit and the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.