B.C.’s DRIPA aboriginal rights law faces legal challenge – Business in Vancouver

Sept. 12, 2024

Pender Harbour residents association seeks declaration DRIPA is unconstitutional

The B.C. government’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) is about to face its first legal challenge.

The Pender Harbour and Area Residents Association (PHARA) is going to court to seek a ruling that, one way or another, DRIPA is unconstitutional.

According to a petition filed today in B.C. Supreme Court, it is unconstitutional because it conflicts with Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution, and the B.C. government exceeded its authority when it passed an order in council granting the Shíshálh (Sechelt) First Nation co-management powers over docks.