The Province of British Columbia has committed to the full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action, the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Tsilhqot’in v. B.C., and to collaborating on changes to policies, programs and laws to bring these commitments into action. The Province recognizes that Indigenous nations have unique interests and values in water, land and resources and hold specialist knowledge of their traditional territories.

Through discussions with Indigenous nations over the course of legislation development, nations identified the potential role of the OSPG in facilitating cultural awareness and reconciliation among regulatory bodies. This role is described in the PGA and will see the OSPG continuing liaison with Indigenous nations in fulfilling its duty. Additionally, the legislation mandates regulatory bodies to establish continuing education programs or requirements respecting legal rights and principles that inform engagement with Indigenous nations in B.C. and support reconciliation.