BC Premier’s Move to Undermine First Nations Rights is Shameful – AFN National Chief Will Raise Concerns at UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Press Release

(April 20, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak expressed support and absolute solidarity with First Nations in British Columbia as they oppose decisions by the provincial Crown to suspend (or amend) key articles of the provincial Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), as announced by BC Premier David Eby.

National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak recognized AFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee and all other British Columbia Chiefs speaking out and standing up to these changes. The National Chief will raise these concerns this week during her attendance at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

“The Inherent pre-existing rights of First Nations are part of, and are protected by, international human rights law. They cannot be suspended, amended or paused,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Canada and British Columbia purport to be part of an international community that upholds the rule of law, including respect and implementation of fundamental human rights. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms First Nations rights as human rights. Neither Canada nor British Columbia can extinguish, amend or suspend First Nations’ human rights and remain a respected member of the international community.”

“First Nations across British Columbia reject any attempt to dilute, amend, repeal or suspend DRIPA. Free, prior, and informed consent are not barriers to development but rather the conditions that enable it to proceed in a sustainable way over generations,” said AFN Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “Our rights are not negotiable; they are essential for reconciliation, justice, and a shared future. The path forward is through partnership and respect, not fearmongering and betrayal.”

British Columbia’s DRIPA legislation fully commits the Crown to implement and respect the UNDRIP. It was passed into law in 2019 with the unanimous support from all parties and following extensive collaborative work with First Nations in British Columbia. The process for adopting this legislation stood as a beacon of how to do things right.

Earlier this month, Premier Eby met with British Columbia First Nations to announce his intent to suspend key articles of the act which would effectively neuter the legislation. This is being presented by the Premier as a final decision, not an option for discussion.

“Everything about this action is completely contrary to the spirit and letter of the Declaration and the province’s own legislation,” concluded the National Chief. “The Premier’s unilateral decision represents a huge step backwards for human rights and for reconciliation in Canada. Many First Nations in British Columbia supported Premier Eby because of his stand on human rights and DRIPA. It is sad to see him abandon those values and First Nations. We fully support Regional Chief Teegee and First Nations leadership in the region in exploring every option to oppose this regressive move.”

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak will meet with international delegates and leaders over two days this week at the 25th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The National Chief is scheduled to speak and provide recommendations to Heads of State to advance First Nations-led solutions. Subject to change, the location is:

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
United Nations Headquarters – Conference Room 3
405 E 45th St., New York

Please contact the National Chief’s Press Secretary or AFN Communications for details. The National Chief will be available for media interviews. To arrange an interview, please contact Cherish Francis, Press Secretary, through cfrancis@afn.ca or (343) 630-1372.

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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. Follow AFN on X at @AFN_Updates.

For more information, please contact:

Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
cfrancis@afn.ca

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