April 20, 2026– Hupacasath and Tseshaht Territories, Port Alberni, BC
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council applauds the Leadership Council and the Premier of BC for
coming to an agreement regarding no changes to the Declaration on Indigenous Peoples Rights
Act (DRIPA) for the next six months. This agreement prevented BC-First Nations relationships
from falling apart and from pitting First Nations against the provincial government.
The NTC is relieved that there can now be a period of time without the threat of amendments to
DRIPA hanging over our heads and clear strategic thinking can occur. We have always wanted to
sit down with BC and work on these issues without amending DRIPA. We did not agree with
unilateral actions proposed by the Premier in the media without talking to First Nations. It is
time for respectful and good faith engagement.
During this six month period, a table will be established to look at options and solutions to the
issues BC sees with DRIPA. Implementing DRIPA, maintaining our human rights, changing
legislation to align with UNDRIP, shared decision making and sustainable economic
development are very important to continue to work on during this time. DRIPA has been
described as a framework for Reconciliation and efforts must continue to realize reconciliation.
President Judith Sayers commented “I am happy that we can be putting our energies towards
achieving good work and not fighting with BC. There are good initiatives happening in the
province that can now be accomplished under the same path we set 7 years ago.”
Vice President Les Doiron says “it is good to see that the parties could come to a meeting of the
minds and to take the time to listen and hear one another and find solutions collaboratively.
That is how you work together.”
NTC knows the importance of this table and expects viable and acceptable solutions to come
out of this working group to be accepted by both parties. We must continue with selfdetermination
for First Nations while achieve benefits for all of British Columbians seeing a
working respectful relationship in place. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act
started as a collaborative effort and it must continue in that fashion.
Contact:
Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, President, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
P: 250.724.5757 ext. 231 or 250-415-0387
E: judith.sayers@nuuchahnulth.org
Les Doiron, Vice President, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
P: 250-724-5757 ext. or 250-731-7218
About Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) provides programs and services to over 10,000 registered
members. The role of the NTC is to represent 14 First Nations in three regions stretching 300 kilometers
of the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island from Brooks Peninsula in the north to Point-no-Point in the
south. The NTC represents Ahousaht, Ditidaht, Ehattesaht/Chinehkint, Hesquiaht, Hupacasath, Huu-ayaht,
Kyuquot/Checklesaht, Mowachaht /Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Tseshaht,
Uchucklesaht and Ucluelet First Nations and provides a variety of programs and services to them.
For more information, please visit www.nuuchahnulth.org.
