Statement from Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert on MLA Kealy and Brodie’s anti-Indigenous bills
Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, has released the following statement on MLA Jordan Kealy’s failed bill to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and MLA Dallas Brodie’s failed bill titled National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Repeal Act:
“When we work in partnership with First Nations, we create opportunities that benefit everyone. Respecting Indigenous rights isn’t just the right thing to do — it strengthens our economy, builds trust, and ensures sustainable growth for future generations. Prosperity is not a zero-sum game. When First Nations people thrive, British Columbia thrives.
“You can’t deny the existence of First Nation peoples’ human rights with a piece of legislation. First Nation peoples have been on these lands for thousands and thousands of years. They are our neighbours, our co-workers, they are our friends. Waving a magic wand, or a legislative amendment, cannot erase human rights or remove Charter of Rights and Freedoms protections for First Nations.
“It seems that every other day we have opposition MLAs competing for who can put out the most divisive, and rage-baiting motion, amendment, or statement, targeting First Nations. It is deeply saddening to see opposition MLAs introducing harmful legislation and voting against the rights of First Nations people and continuing to promote division at a time we should be coming together.
“In the face of divisive and harmful rhetoric from these MLAs, we won’t stop the fundamental work of reconciliation. And we won’t stop building a province that works for every British Columbian.”