He hasn’t even been sworn in yet, but days after premier-designate Lorne Doerkson’s election win, First Nations leaders in British Columbia are already warning him there will be repercussions if he repeals legislation around consultation and consent. One of the province’s most prominent leaders went so far as to say there could be protests in the vein of “Idle No More” demonstrations against then-prime minister, Stephen Harper, if Doerkson goes ahead with repealing the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act. “It’s a very volatile situation brewing in British Columbia, it could very well move to battleground B.C.,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. In an interview with CTV News, Phillip went on to say that blockades and civil disobedience could be part of that action, which would undermine the B.C. Conservatives’ message that they want to “unleash” investment and economic activity in the province. “Capital is timid, investments will flee the province of British Columbia,” said Stewart. “My message to corporations in regard to all of this is, buyer beware.” Mixed messaging from Doerkson At his first press conference as premier-designate, Doerkson told journalists that he’s not backing down and is repealing DRIPA “as soon as we can.” While he’s looking into recalling the legislature for a brief fall session, the Conservative leader doesn’t expect to undo that legislation until the spring. He went on to defend his position, while extending an olive branch. “If DRIPA had the opportunity to solve the problems in this province we wouldn’t be in court, and legislation that forces two parties together does not seem very beneficial to anybody, in my mind,” Doerkson said. “I am absolutely committed to this, and I mean it when I say that I will take a meeting with First Nations any day so that we can grow a partnership and a friendship together.” Strong opposition from many First Nations The B.C. Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs issued a joint press release on Monday committing to working with Doerkson and urging him to keep DRIPA as a “framework of reconciliation” and to engage in a dialogue with them. The statement went on to say that the outgoing NDP government failed “to clearly communicate a transparent and accountable implementation plan for the declaration act, which contributed to the spread of misinformation and fear.” Chief Shana Thomas, with the First Nations Summit, noted that “as the original occupants of these lands, First Nations in B.C. enjoy unceded and constitutionally protected title and rights.” Phillip is willing to sit down with Doerkson but is sceptical any discussions would be fruitful. “If he were to embrace an honest genuine effort to pick up DRIPA and see if there’s a possibility to work our way through that, we can avoid the chaos,” he said. “But I don’t believe Mr. Doerkson has the courage to do that. He’s going to listen to the mob, he’s probably going to think ‘well, that got me here, so I’ll keep singing that song.’”
