METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT INDIGENOUS RELATIONS COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, February 4, 2021 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 28th Floor Committee Room, 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia and online via Zoom (log-in details provided)
A G E N D A1
OPENING REMARKS Director Sav Dhaliwal, Board Chair
1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
1.1 February 4, 2021 Regular Meeting Agenda That the Indigenous Relations Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for February 4, 2021 as circulated.
2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 October 8, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes That the Indigenous Relations Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held October 8, 2020 as circulated.
3. DELEGATIONS
4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS
5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF
5.1 2021 Indigenous Relations Committee Priorities and Work Plan That the Indigenous Relations Committee endorse the work plan as presented in the report dated January 20, 2021, titled “2021 Indigenous Relations Committee Priorities and Work Plan.”
1 Note: Recommendation is shown under each item, where applicable.
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5.2 Quarterly Report on Reconciliation Activities That the Indigenous Relations Committee receive for information the report dated January 8, 2021, titled “Quarterly Report on Reconciliation Activities.”
5.3 Metro Vancouver’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples That the MVRD Board receive for information the report dated January 22, 2021, titled “Metro Vancouver’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.”
5.4 Manager’s Report That the Indigenous Relations Committee receive for information the report dated January 14, 2021, titled “Manager’s Report.”
6. INFORMATION ITEMS
6.1 Metro Vancouver’s Guide to First Nation Communities with Interests in the Region, 2021
6.2 Correspondence re: support for recognizing September 30 as National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, dated December 23, 2020, from Mary-Ann Booth, Mayor, District of West Vancouver to the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS
9. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING Note: The Committee must state by resolution the basis under section 90 of the Community Charter on which the meeting is being closed. If a member wishes to add an item, the basis must be included below.
That the Indigenous Relations Committee close its regular meeting scheduled for February 4, 2021 pursuant to the Community Charter provisions, Section 90 (1) (a) and (m) and 90 (2) (b) as follows: “90 (1) A part of the meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (a) personal information about an identifiable individual who holds or is being considered for a position as an officer, employee or agent of the regional district or another position appointed by the regional district; (m) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting.
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90 (2) A part of the meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to one or more of the following: (b) the consideration of information received and held in confidence relating to negotiations between the municipality and a provincial government or the federal government or both, or between a provincial government or the federal government or both and a third party.”
10. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION That the Indigenous Relations Committee adjourn/conclude its regular meeting of February 4, 2021.
Membership: Booth, Mary-Ann (C) - West Vancouver Hocking, David - Bowen Island Non-Voting Members: Baird, Ken (VC) - Tsawwassen First Nation Kanakos, Jeannie - Delta To be determined - Fraser Valley Regional Annis, Linda - City of Surrey McLaughlin, Ron - Lions Bay District Boyle, Christine - Vancouver Meadus, Chelsa - Maple Ridge Rainbow, Tony - Squamish-Lillooet Regional Ferguson, Steve - Langley Township Zarrillo, Bonita - Coquitlam District Hanson, Jim - North Vancouver District Andreas Tize - Sunshine Coast Regional District
Indigenous Relations Committee 2.1
METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT INDIGENOUS RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) Indigenous Relations Committee held at 1:01 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2020 in the 28th Floor Boardroom, 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Mayor Mary-Ann Booth, West Vancouver Vice Chair, Chief Ken Baird, Tsawwassen (arrived at 1:12 p.m.) Councillor Linda Annis, Surrey (arrived at 1:07 p.m.) Councillor Steve Ferguson, Langley Township Councillor Jim Hanson, North Vancouver District Councillor David Hocking, Bowen Island Councillor Jeannie Kanakos, Delta Mayor Ron McLaughlin, Lions Bay Councillor Chelsa Meadus, Maple Ridge Councillor Bonita Zarrillo, Coquitlam (arrived at 1:03 p.m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councillor Christine Boyle, Vancouver
OTHERS PRESENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Beverley, Corporate Solicitor/General Manager, Legal Services and Indigenous Relations Jerry W. Dobrovolny, Chief Administrative Officer Klara Kutakova, Deputy Corporate Officer
1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
1.1 October 8, 2020 Regular Meeting Agenda
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Indigenous Relations Committee: a) amend the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for October 8, 2020 by adding under Other Business Item 7.1 Reconciliation Discussion; and b) adopt the agenda as amended. CARRIED
*denotes electronic meeting participation as authorized by Section 3.6.2 of the Procedure Bylaw † Non-voting members from Fraser Valley, Squamish-Lillooet and Sunshine Coast Regional Districts do not constitute quorum.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the MVRD Indigenous Relations Committee held on Thursday, October 8, 2020 Page 1 of 5 Indigenous Relations Committee 2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES
2.1 May 28, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
1:03 p.m. Councillor Zarrillo arrived at the meeting.
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Indigenous Relations Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held May 28, 2020 as circulated. CARRIED
3. DELEGATIONS No items presented.
4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS No items presented.
5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF
5.1 2021 – 2025 Financial Plan Overview Jerry W. Dobrovolny, Chief Administrative Officer, and Dean Rear, General Manager of Financial Services / Chief Financial Officer, provided the Committee with an overview of the 2021-2025 Financial Plan, including the strengths and opportunities for improvement of the budget process; Board direction from the June 2020 budget workshop; realization of new opportunities and continuous improvements in the 2021 budget; projects review; financial tools proposed to provide short-term relief; proposed 2021 budget adjustments; the 2022 budget cycle process; and an overview of Metro Vancouver operating and capital budget expenditures, revenues and drivers.
1:07 a.m. Councillor Annis arrived at the meeting. 1:12 p.m. Chief Baird arrived at the meeting
A member inquired about Metro Vancouver’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Indigenous Relations Committee receive for information the October 8, 2020 verbal update from Jerry W. Dobrovolny, Chief Administrative Officer, and Dean Rear, General Manager of Financial Services / Chief Financial Officer regarding the 2021 – 2025 Financial Plan. CARRIED
5.2 2021 – 2025 Financial Plan – Indigenous Relations Report dated September 30, 2020 from Jessica Beverley, Corporate Solicitor/General Manager, Legal Services and Indigenous Relations, presenting the 2021 - 2025 Financial Plan for Indigenous Relations for consideration by the Committee.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the MVRD Indigenous Relations Committee held on Thursday, October 8, 2020 Page 2 of 5 Indigenous Relations Committee Members were provided with a presentation on the 2021 – 2025 Financial Plan for Indigenous Relations, highlighting an overview of the Indigenous Relations services; key performance metrics, 2021 continuous improvement initiatives and outcomes, 2021 overall budget, 2021 -2025 operating expenditures and key initiatives, and financial plan summary.
Members inquired about the following • The composition of Metro Vancouver’s centralized support program • Distribution of administration costs between Indigenous Relations and other Metro Vancouver departments
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Indigenous Relations Committee endorse the 2021 - 2025 Financial Plan for Indigenous Relations as presented in the report dated September 30, 2020, titled “2021 - 2025 Financial Plan – Indigenous Relations”, and forward it to the Metro Vancouver Board Budget Workshop on October 21, 2020 for consideration. CARRIED
5.3 Quarterly Report on Reconciliation Activities Report dated September 4, 2020 from Marino Piombini, Program Manager, Indigenous Relations, Legal Services and Indigenous Relations, providing the Committee with a quarterly report and update on reconciliation activities.
Members were provided a video presentation of Reconciliation Session with Senator Murray Sinclair, hosted by Metro Vancouver on October 1, 2020.
The video presentation is not retained with the agenda
A member inquired about the trends and types of issues being responded to by the Indigenous Relations staff.
Request of Staff Staff was requested to report back to a future Committee meeting with trends and types of issues that Indigenous Relations staff is assisting with.
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Indigenous Relations Committee receive for information the report dated September 4, 2020, titled “Quarterly Report on Reconciliation Activities.” CARRIED
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the MVRD Indigenous Relations Committee held on Thursday, October 8, 2020 Page 3 of 5 Indigenous Relations Committee 5.4 Manager’s Report Report dated September 4, 2020 from Jessica Beverley, Corporate Solicitor/General Manager, Legal Services and Indigenous Relations, providing an update on the 2020 Committee’s workplan, and informing the Committee about the series of First Nations’ Videos to be prepared by Metro Vancouver in collaboration with interested First Nations, and Diversity and Inclusion online discussion forum to be held in November 2020.
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Indigenous Relations Committee receive for information the report dated September 4, 2020, titled “Manager’s Report.” CARRIED
6. INFORMATION ITEMS No items presented.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 Reconciliation Discussion The Committee Chair opened the discussion by highlighting the importance of reconciliation and the need to formalize and incorporate what reconciliation activities mean for Metro Vancouver and the role of the Indigenous Relations Committee in bringing forward recommendations for the 2021 Board strategic planning session.
Members commented on the following: • The need for a framework that would guide the reconciliation actions; Metro Vancouver’s support for reconciliation activities, and how such activities will become a part of the Metro Vancouver Board’s strategic plan • Review of the initiatives and actions undertaken on reconciliation • The importance of reconciliation being non-compulsory • Respectful and meaningful consultation with individual First Nations within Metro Vancouver on reconciliation • The importance of educating elected officials
Request of Staff Staff was requested to report back at a future meeting on the role Metro Vancouver could take in terms of education and awareness raising of elected officials within the Metro Vancouver region as it relates to reconciliation.
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the MVRD Board direct staff to review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and report back to the Indigenous Relations Committee with information and recommendations regarding reconciliation for consideration in anticipation of the Board’s upcoming strategic planning session in early 2021. CARRIED
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the MVRD Indigenous Relations Committee held on Thursday, October 8, 2020 Page 4 of 5 Indigenous Relations Committee 8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS No items presented.
9. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Indigenous Relations Committee close its regular meeting scheduled for October 8, 2020 pursuant to the Community Charter provisions, Section 90 (1) (g) and (m) as follows: “90 (1) A part of the meeting may be closed to the public if the subject matter being considered relates to or is one or more of the following: (g) litigation or potential litigation affecting the regional district; (m) a matter that, under another enactment, is such that the public may be excluded from the meeting.” CARRIED
10. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION
It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Indigenous Relations Committee adjourn its regular meeting of October 8, 2020.
CARRIED (Time: 2:35 p.m.)
______Klara Kutakova, Mary-Ann Booth, Chair Deputy Corporate Officer
41617731 FINAL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the MVRD Indigenous Relations Committee held on Thursday, October 8, 2020 Page 5 of 5 Indigenous Relations Committee 5.1
To: Indigenous Relations Committee
From: Jessica Beverley, Corporate Solicitor/General Manager, Legal Services and Indigenous Relations
Date: January 20, 2021 Meeting Date: February 4, 2021
Subject: 2021 Indigenous Relations Committee Priorities and Work Plan
RECOMMENDATION That the Indigenous Relations Committee endorse the work plan as presented in the report dated January 20, 2021 titled “2021 Indigenous Relations Committee Priorities and Work Plan.”
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The work plan presented in this report coveys the priorities and terms of reference for the Indigenous Relations Committee in 2021 and aligns with the 2021 Budget for the function, approved by the MVRD Board.
PURPOSE To provide the Indigenous Relations Committee with the priorities and work plan for the year 2021.
BACKGROUND At its October 8, 2020 meeting, the Indigenous Relations Committee reviewed the 2021 Budget and Annual Work Plans for the Indigenous Relations function, which served as the basis for the 2021 Budget approved by the MVRD Board on October 30, 2020. The 2021 Annual Work Plan included in that budget a list of key actions that has been used to develop the Indigenous Relations Committee’s work plan presented in this report (Attachment 1).
The work plan presented in this report is consistent with the Indigenous Relations Committee’s terms of reference (Attachment 2) and with the Board Strategic Plan and is being brought forward for the Committee’s information, review and endorsement.
2021 WORK PLAN The Indigenous Relations Committee is the standing committee of the Metro Vancouver Board that provides advice and recommendations on policies, bylaws, plans, programs, budgets, and issues related to the Indigenous Relations function.
Key actions in the 2021 Work Plan for the Committee and Indigenous Relations program are described below and listed according to the Committee’s responsibilities in its Terms of Reference:
Complete the video production of the 10 First Nations in the region Create specialized training sessions for Metro Vancouver staff related to the practice of archaeology (e.g. Chance Find Protocols)
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Provide advice to Metro Vancouver staff and elected officials on how Metro Vancouver can pursue reconciliation with First Nations and Indigenous Peoples in the region. Plan for the anticipated Regional Gathering session involving all members of the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors, the Indigenous Relations Committee, and all elected officials from the 10 local First Nations in the region; Organize opportunities to involve staff from member local government jurisdictions to engage in discussions and/or events (e.g. virtual workshop) related to reconciliation; Celebrate reconciliation at Metro Vancouver and in the region on special occasions (e.g., Orange Shirt Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and lunch and learn sessions).
The 2021 Work Plan for the Indigenous Relations Committee is provided in Attachment 1, including the expected time frame for reports to this Committee. The Committee will be updated on the status of the actions and projects in this work plan on a quarterly basis per the Committee’s schedule.
ALTERNATIVES 1. That the Indigenous Relations Committee endorse the work plan as presented in the report dated January 20, 2021, titled “2021 Indigenous Relations Committee Priorities and Work Plan.” 2. That the Indigenous Relations Committee endorse the work plan as presented in the report dated January 20, 2021, titled “2021 Indigenous Relations Committee Priorities and Work Plan” with the amendments provided at the Indigenous Relations Committee’s February 4, 2021 meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The priorities in the 2021 Work Plan of the Indigenous Relations Committee are consistent with the 2021 Budget approved by the MVRD Board on October 30, 2020 and with key actions included in the 2021 Annual Work Plan.
CONCLUSION The work plan presented in this report identifies the priorities for the Indigenous Relations Committee in 2021 and is consistent with its terms of reference and the 2021 Budget approved by the MVRD Board. Staff recommends that Alternative 1 be approved.
Attachment 1. Indigenous Relations Committee 2021 Work Plan 2. Indigenous Relations Committee Terms of Reference
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Indigenous Relations Committee 2021 Indigenous Relations Committee Priorities and Work Plan Indigenous Relations Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 4, 2021 Page 3 of 4 ATTACHMENT 1 Indigenous Relations Committee 2021 Work Plan Report Date: February 4, 2021 Priorities 1st Quarter Status Update on Metro Vancouver’s Guide to First Nations Completed Appoint a Committee representative to the Katzie treaty table for 2021 In Progress Appoint a 2021 Committee representative to the UBCM Indigenous Relations Committee In Progress Appoint a Committee representative as an Observer to the Fraser Valley Regional In Progress Indigenous Relations Committee for 2021 Provide advice on how Metro Vancouver can pursue reconciliation with First Nations In Progress Receive a quarterly update on reconciliation activities In Progress Receive a quarterly update on active treaty negotiations in the region In Progress Receive updates on federal and provincial legislative initiatives of significance to local In Progress governments (as needed) 2nd Quarter Invited presentation from the BC Treaty Commission on its 2020 Annual Report Pending Metro Vancouver staff lunch and learn session on a reconciliation topic Pending Host Metro Vancouver booth at Trout Lake on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) Pending Receive a quarterly update on reconciliation activities Pending Committee appointees report back to Committee Pending Receive a quarterly update on active treaty negotiations in the region Pending Receive updates on federal and provincial legislative initiatives of significance to local Pending governments (as needed) 3rd Quarter Metro Vancouver staff lunch and learn session on a reconciliation topic on or about the Pending time of Orange Shirt Day (September 30) Invited presentation on the status of active treaty negotiations (e.g., provincial Pending negotiation teams) Committee appointees report back to Committee Pending Receive a quarterly update on reconciliation activities Pending Receive a quarterly update on active treaty negotiations in the region Pending 4th Quarter Review the 2022 Indigenous Relations budget and five‐year financial plan Pending Host an event involving members of the MVRD Board, the Indigenous Relations Pending Committee, and elected leaders from First Nation communities across the region (e.g., Regional Gathering or Community to Community Forum) Host a workshop for staff from Metro Vancouver member jurisdictions on a key current Pending topic (e.g., reconciliation) Liaise with the UBCM Indigenous Relations Committee Pending Committee appointees report back to Committee Pending Receive a quarterly update on reconciliation activities Pending Receive a quarterly update on active treaty negotiations in the region Pending Receive updates on federal and provincial legislative initiatives of significance to local Pending governments (as needed)
Indigenous Relations Committee 2021 Indigenous Relations Committee Priorities and Work Plan Indigenous Relations Committee Regular Meeting Date: February 4, 2021 Page 4 of 4 ATTACHMENT 2 Indigenous Relations Committee Terms of Reference
The Indigenous Relations Committee is the standing committee of the Metro Vancouver Board that provides advice and recommendations on policies, plans, programs, budgets and issues related to treaty negotiations and the broader Indigenous Relations function.
Committee Responsibilities Within the scope of the Board Strategic Plan, First Nations Strategy, and Metro Vancouver Financial Plan, the Committee provides guidance and oversight to staff on the implementation of the annual work plans and business plans that govern the Indigenous Relations service. Among its responsibilities, the Committee is responsible for:
Understanding and providing advice on the implications for Metro Vancouver of First Nations’ land claims, interests, and rights and titles, as well as on the implications for Metro Vancouver of decisions taken by the courts, and positions or initiatives taken of other orders of government; Initiating and engaging in programs and activities that strengthen relationships between Metro Vancouver and First Nations within the region, and between member municipalities and First Nations; and Advancing reconciliation strategies.
Over the course of its work, the Indigenous Relations Committee may, from time to time, convene a pan‐municipal discussion to address specific local issues.
Committee Membership and Meetings The Chair, Vice‐Chair and members are appointed annually by the Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board, including representation from jurisdictions outside Metro Vancouver who shall be non‐voting members. The Committee meets quarterly and holds special meetings as required. A quorum of 50% plus one of the Committee membership is required to conduct Committee business.
Committee Management The Committee Chair, or in the absence of the Chair, the Vice‐Chair, is the chief spokesperson on matters of public interest within the Committee’s purview. For high‐profile issues, the role of spokesperson rests with the Metro Vancouver Board Chair or Vice‐Chair. On technical matters or in cases where an initiative is still at the staff proposal level, the Chief Administrative Officer or a senior staff member is the appropriate chief spokesperson. Where necessary and practical, the Board Chair, Committee Chair and Chief Administrative Officer confer to determine the most appropriate representative to speak.
The Chief Administrative Officer assigns a Committee Manager for the Committee. The Committee Manager is responsible for coordinating agendas and serves as the principal point of contact for Committee members.
10595425 December 4, 2020
Indigenous Relations Committee 5.2
To: Indigenous Relations Committee
From: Marino Piombini, Program Manager, Indigenous Relations
Date: January 8, 2021 Meeting Date: February 4, 2021
Subject: Quarterly Report on Reconciliation Activities
RECOMMENDATION That the Indigenous Relations Committee receive for information the report dated January 8, 2021, titled “Quarterly Report on Reconciliation Activities.”
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report provides a summary of reconciliation events and activities undertaken by Metro Vancouver over the past several months as well as information on upcoming events and activities over the next few months.
PURPOSE To provide the committee with a quarterly report and update on reconciliation activities.
BACKGROUND This quarterly report on regional and local reconciliation activities and opportunities is part of the Indigenous Relations Committee’s annual work plan. This information report is intended to identify opportunities for Committee and MVRD Board members to learn about, and engage in, reconciliation activities in the region, and includes: • Reconciliation events and activities that have been undertaken by Metro Vancouver over the past four months (Attachment 1); and • Upcoming opportunities over the next few months for engaging in such activities (Attachment 2).
The charts in Attachment 1 and Attachment 2 are based on the four objectives established by the Metro Vancouver Board in October 2015 in its review of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action: Liaising with the TRC and Reconciliation Canada; Raising Awareness of Indian Residential Schools; Providing Cultural Competency Training; and Strengthening Relationships with First Nations.
ALTERNATIVES This is an information report. No alternatives are presented.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The various Metro Vancouver activities identified in 2021 have been included in the Indigenous Relations budget. There are no additional financial implications with respect to the items identified in this information report.
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ATTACHMENT 1
Reconciliation Activities Undertaken: September 2020 to December 2020
Objectives Activity / Date Notes Strengthening Metro 2050 Overview Indigenous Relations staff, along with Relationships staff from Regional Planning and with First September 8, 2020 on Zoom Housing and External Relations, had a Nations meeting with Musqueam Indian Band staff to present and discuss the First Nation’s interest in becoming involved in the Metro Vancouver Inter- governmental Advisory Committee for the update to the Regional Growth Strategy Providing Municipal Technical Advisory As part of its regular quarterly meeting, Cultural Committee (MTAC) on Indigenous Metro Vancouver’s MTAC Committee Competency Relations Meeting hosted a training session on updates to Training the Heritage Conservation Act September 23, 2020 presented by a City of Vancouver staff archaeologist.
Raising Orange Shirt Day To commemorate Orange Shirt Day, an Awareness Intranet article was prepared on the September 30, 2020 significance of Orange Shirt Day identifying both online and other activities to involve Metro Vancouver staff and their families.
Liaise with the An online discussion on Senator Murray Sinclair, former Chair, Truth and Reconciliation on Zoom for Metro Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Reconciliation Vancouver Board members, provided an online presentation and Commission of Municipal Technical Advisory answered questions on the topic of Canada Committee (MTAC) on Indigenous Reconciliation. Over 250 staff, senior Relations members and regional managers and elected officials attended district staff this session
October 1, 2020 at 11am-12 noon on Zoom Strengthening Metro Vancouver-Katzie First Nation Metro Vancouver’s CAO, some senior Relationships meeting managers and staff met with a Katzie with First First Nation Council member and staff to Nations November 2, 2020 on Zoom discuss issues of mutual interest,
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including engagement opportunities on future plans and projects. Strengthening Training Session for Metro Vancouver Approximately 35 Metro Vancouver Relationships staff from Squamish Nation staff staff, whose work involves engaging with First with First Nations, received a training Nations November 20, 2020 on Zoom session online from Squamish Nation staff involved in reviewing plans and projects from proponents. As part of the training session, Squamish Nation staff and staff from a private company used Squamish Nation’s portal (www.squamishconnect.com) which is used for analyzing referrals. Strengthening Metro Vancouver-Squamish Nation Metro Vancouver’s staff met with Relationships meeting Squamish Nation staff to discuss issues with First of mutual interest, including Nations November 24, 2020 on Zoom engagement opportunities on future plans and projects. Strengthening Metro Vancouver-Kwikwetlem First Metro Vancouver’s Board Chair, Chair of Relationships Nation meeting the Indigenous Relations Committee, with First CAO, and staff met with a Kwikwetlem Nations November 25, 2020 on Zoom First Nation Chief and Council members and staff to discuss issues of mutual interest, including engagement opportunities on future plans and projects. Raising Meeting of the Community of This meeting of staff from various Awareness Practice on Indigenous Relations organizations involved in the Community of Practice on Indigenous November 27, 2021 on Zoom Relations received presentations and discussed the issue of capacity funding. This meeting was hosted by staff from the Port of Vancouver. Strengthening Metro Vancouver-Tsleil-Waututh Metro Vancouver’s CAO, some senior Relationships Nation meeting managers and staff met Tsleil-Waututh with First Nation’s CAO and staff to discuss issues Nations December 3, 2020 on Zoom of mutual interest, including engagement opportunities on future plans and projects. Strengthening Metro Vancouver-Tsawwassen First Metro Vancouver’s Board Chair, Chair of Relationships Nation meeting the Indigenous Relations Committee, with First CAO, a senior manager and staff met Nations December 4, 2020 on Zoom with Tsawwassen First Nation’s Chief, CAO and staff to discuss the topic of
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reconciliation and future opportunities for working together. Strengthening Metro Vancouver-Semiahmoo First Metro Vancouver’s CAO, some senior Relationships Nation meeting managers and staff met Semiahmoo with First First Nation’s Chief and Council Nations December 8, 2020 on Zoom members to discuss issues of mutual interest, including engagement opportunities on future plans and projects. Providing Annual Workshop of the Municipal Indigenous Relations staff hosted the Cultural Technical Advisory Committee annual workshop for MTAC members on Competency (MTAC) on Indigenous Relations the topic of the United Nations Training Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous December 9, 2020 In-Person and/or Peoples (UNDRIP). The firm, Indigenous on Zoom Corporate Training, facilitated this three-hour training session which was attended by 35 local government/Metro Vancouver staff.
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ATTACHMENT 2
Some Upcoming Reconciliation Activities: January 2021 to April 2021
Objectives Activity / Date Notes Strengthening Metro Vancouver-Kwikwetlem First Metro Vancouver staff have a meeting Relationships Nation staff to staff meeting scheduled with Kwikwetlem staff to with First discuss a project of mutual interest Nations January 13, 2021 on Zoom within the First Nation’s territory. Strengthening Metro Vancouver-Kwikwetlem First Metro Vancouver staff have a meeting Relationships Nation staff to staff meeting scheduled with Kwikwetlem staff to with First discuss planning-related issues and Nations January 14, 2021 on Zoom initiatives at Colony Farm Regional Park. Providing Review of Metro Vancouver’s draft Indigenous Relations staff will be Cultural First Nations engagement guide at the hosting a special meeting of its First Competency First Nations Monthly Working Group Nations Monthly Working Group to Training meeting review and discuss a First Nations engagement guide for staff, which January 22, 2021 on Zoom includes opportunities for Metro Vancouver to liaise with local First Nations on various plans, projects and initiatives. Providing Presentation Declaration on the Rights At the first meeting of 2021 of the Cultural of Indigenous Peoples Act at the Indigenous Relations Committee, Competency Indigenous Relations Committee provincial staff are scheduled to present Training meeting on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) February 4, 2021 on Zoom legislation in British Columbia. Providing Building Relations with First Nations Indigenous Relations staff will be Cultural facilitating a 3-hour training session on Competency February 19, 2021 on Zoom building relations with First Nations for Training approximately 50 staff members in Metro Vancouver’s Environmental Regulation and Enforcement (ER&E) division in the Parks and Environment department. Raising Meeting of the Community of Practice The next meeting of staff from various Awareness on Indigenous Relations organizations involved in the Community of Practice on Indigenous February 23, 2021 on Zoom Relations will be discussing Cultural Recognition, related to: territorial acknowledgements; art, signage and naming practices; and other best
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practices. This meeting will be hosted by BC Hydro staff. Providing Local First Nation “101” Sessions for Indigenous Relations staff are currently Cultural Metro Vancouver staff in discussions with a number of local Competency First Nations to host First Nation 101 Training Timing: TBA sessions for Metro Vancouver staff as part of the corporate Lunch and Learn sessions. The sessions will focus on First Nations’ historical timelines, facts, personal stories, and activities.
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Indigenous Relations Committee 5.3
To: Indigenous Relations Committee
From: Jessica Beverley, General Manager, Legal Services and Indigenous Relations/ Corporate Solicitor Marino Piombini, Program Manager, Indigenous Relations
Date: January 22, 2021 Meeting Date: February 4, 2021
Subject: Metro Vancouver’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
RECOMMENDATIONS That the MVRD Board receive for information the report dated January 22, 2021, titled “Metro Vancouver’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.”
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This information report responds to the Indigenous Relations Committee’s request to examine the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This report also reviews the regional district’s commitment and efforts towards reconciliation with the 10 First Nations in the region since 2015. Given that it has been over five years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released the Calls to Action, this report provides information on some additional objectives that the Board may wish to discuss and consider towards reaffirming its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
PURPOSE To respond to the Indigenous Relations Committee’s request for information regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and recommendations regarding reconciliation.
BACKGROUND The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its final report on December 15, 2015 after six years of hearings and testimony from nearly 7,000 witnesses. With the final 4,000-page report, Honouring the Truth – Reconciling for the Future and Calls to Action, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded its two-fold mandate: to create awareness about, and document, the history of the Indian Residential School system in Canada, which existed from the 1870s to 1996, as well as guide a process of truth, healing and reconciliation.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified “reconciliation” as being about:
“…establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behavior.”
Metro Vancouver has worked to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s findings since late 2015. At its meeting on October 30, 2015, the Metro Vancouver Board endorsed the draft Calls
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to Action and sent letters to both the federal and provincial ministers responsible for Indigenous relations urging them to move forward quickly with report recommendations.
Metro Vancouver’s commitment to reconciliation is further supported by the following strategic direction and goal in the Board Strategic Plan, 2019-2022:
Strategic Direction 4 – Fostering Collaboration & Engagement Enhance relationships between Metro Vancouver and other orders of government, First Nations, adjacent regional districts, and key stakeholders.
4.2 Strengthen relationships with First Nations. • Explore new opportunities to build relationships, including a recurring event involving the Metro Vancouver Board and First Nations in the region.
At its meeting on October 8, 2020, the Indigenous Relations Committee directed staff to review the Calls to Action and report back with information regarding Metro Vancouver’s reconciliation efforts.
THE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION’S CALLS TO ACTION (2015) The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action for Reconciliation are directed towards various audiences: individuals, community institutions and all orders of government, including local government. The Calls to Action are linked as Reference 1 in this report.
The vast majority of the Calls to Action fall under the federal government’s jurisdiction. There are nine calls to action identified by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities as being directed towards local government, and these are listed in Attachment 1. Of those nine listed Calls to Action, only three may be considered applicable to Metro Vancouver:
Call to Action #43: We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation.
Call to Action #47: We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to repudiate concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands, such as the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, and to reform those laws, government policies, and litigation strategies that continue to rely on such concepts.
Call to Action #57: We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism.
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THE BOARD’S RESPONSE AND METRO VANCOUVER’S RECONCILIATION EFFORTS (2015-2021) In October 2015, the Metro Vancouver Board, realizing that many of the Calls to Action identified were beyond the scope of the regional district’s work, such as Calls to Action #43 and #47 which are best addressed by the provincial and federal governments, recommended a framework for reconciliation based upon the following four objectives:
a) Liaise with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (now Reconciliation Canada) b) Raise Awareness about Indian Residential Schools c) Provide Cultural Competency Training d) Strengthen Relationships with First Nations
Attachment 2 provides a listing of activities undertaken by Metro Vancouver since 2015 with respect to each of the above four objectives. In addition, the following is a brief summary of how each objective has been addressed to date.
a) Liaise with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission The Commission ceased to exist once its final report was released at the end of 2015. Metro Vancouver has, by extension, liaised with Reconciliation Canada, based out of North Vancouver, British Columbia on a number of activities. This has included Metro Vancouver staff participation in Reconciliation Canada conferences and workshops as well as the second Reconciliation Walk (2017) in downtown Vancouver. Reconciliation Canada spokespersons have also presented to the Indigenous Relations Committee at its meetings and to Metro Vancouver staff at a lunch and learn session leading up to Orange Shirt Day (2016). For Orange Shirt Day 2020, Metro Vancouver hosted a special online training session for staff, senior managers and elected officials with guest presenter, Senator Murray Sinclair, former Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, on the topic of reconciliation. This session was attended by 250 participants.
b) Raise Awareness about Indian Residential Schools This objective has been primarily addressed by having guest presenters at Metro Vancouver staff lunch and learn sessions over the past few years to mark occasions such as National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) and Orange Shirt Day (September 30). This included a session in 2018 with Phyllis Webstad from Williams Lake, BC, whose orange shirt was taken away on her first day at a residential school in 1973 and who is one of the founders of Orange Shirt Day, now recognized across Canada. More recently, in June 2020, Metro Vancouver hosted a virtual lunch and learn session on the significance of National Indigenous Peoples Day with Chief Ken Baird, Tsawwassen First Nation, and Councillor Dustin Rivers (Khelsilem), Squamish Nation. This session attracted over 150 staff participants online.
c) Provide Cultural Competency Training This objective has led to a multitude of Indigenous half-day awareness training sessions for Metro Vancouver staff and senior managers offered by Indigenous Relations staff, as well as regular full-day training sessions at Metro Vancouver head office to cover topics such as working effectively with Indigenous Peoples, consultation and accommodation, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Canada’s history through an Indigenous lens, and archaeology.
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d) Strengthening Relationships with First Nations This objective has primarily involved Metro Vancouver co-hosting Community to Community Forums with local First Nations. This approach began prior to the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report in 2015 and, given its success in establishing relationships, continued after the Calls to Action were released. Six community to community forums have been held since 2014, each with a different First Nation co-hosting. A Regional Gathering of the Chiefs and Council members from the 10 First Nation communities in the region meeting with members of the Board of Directors and Indigenous Relations Committee, would have been co-hosted with Tsawwassen First Nation but was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Other key initiatives have included:
• An historic Cultural Planning and Co-Operation Agreement for Belcarra Regional Park with Tsleil-Waututh Nation (2020);
• The development of a corporate-wide policy on engaging with First Nations to provide staff with guidelines for sharing information (2017) regarding Metro Vancouver’s plans, projects and other initiatives;
• The Board update of Metro Vancouver’s procurement policy (2017) which now provides more First Nation economic opportunities for archaeological and other services on Metro Vancouver’s capital and infrastructure projects.
Staff report out on a quarterly basis to the Indigenous Relations Committee on reconciliation-related activities undertaken by Metro Vancouver based upon the four objectives noted above. The written reports cover the previous three months of work and identify activities to take place over the subsequent three months.
MOVING FORWARD In order to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of Metro Vancouver’s reconciliation efforts to date, the following questions need to be addressed:
• What does reconciliation mean for Metro Vancouver? • What additional actions can Metro Vancouver take in pursuit of reconciliation?
In terms of the meaning of reconciliation, the Board has supported the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report and definition of “…establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples…” This is reflected in the Board’s strategic direction in the Board Strategic Plan 2019-2022: “Strengthening relationships with First Nations.” The four objectives established by the Board in 2015 have been intended to create and foster productive relationships with the 10 local First Nations and, from a staff perspective, this approach has been successful for Metro Vancouver thus far. As summarized in the previous section of this report, a large part of the work has centered not only on creating Indigenous awareness through training sessions, workshops, and guest presentations, but also building, maintaining and strengthening relationships with local First Nation governments through community forums and technical project meetings, as well as engagement and procurement policies and practices.
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With respect to what additional actions Metro Vancouver can take in the future, this question merits further discussion by the Board. For example, the Board may, in addition to continuing with the four current objectives that were endorsed in 2015, wish to consider some additional objectives for Metro Vancouver to pursue.
Some of the key issues that have arisen in discussions with First Nations over the past five years that are worthy of discussion as possible future objectives include:
1. Increasing opportunities for capacity building: This objective would respond to First Nations’ requests for funding to meaningfully engage with Metro Vancouver on project referrals.
2. Involving First Nations’ in regional governance: This objective would address some First Nations’ requests to participate in governance and decision-making at Metro Vancouver, including issues or projects that may directly impact Indigenous communities.
3. Providing more employment and training opportunities: Increasing opportunities for Indigenous Peoples not only on Metro Vancouver projects that directly impact their First Nation communities, but also in professional and technical positions, including prospects for mentoring and job shadowing.
4. Engaging in more government-to-government agreements: Negotiating more protocol agreements and memoranda of understanding with individual First Nations regarding better communications, decision-making opportunities, and specific project-based impacts. (Examples of such agreements are included under the References section of this report).
5. Expanding procurement opportunities: Providing more opportunities for First Nations and their preferred entities to compete on any Metro Vancouver projects located anywhere in the region instead the current approach of involving First Nations in proximity to the project sites.
6. Acknowledging, respecting and promoting local First Nations: Ensuring that local First Nations’ histories, traditions, cultures, protocols, values, beliefs, lands, territories, rights and governments are considered, acknowledged, respected and promoted, as appropriate for the occasions, in meetings and presentation material, including but not limited to formal and informal meetings as well as publications, training sessions, and videos.
From a staff perspective, Metro Vancouver’s reconciliation efforts and engagement opportunities over the past five years have led to new and improved relationships with local First Nations. However, with the emergence of British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (November 2019), recent introduction of a similar federal bill on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (December 3, 2020), resulting changes to provincial and federal legislation (e.g. BC Environmental Assessment Act and federal Impact Assessment Act), and increasing demands for Indigenous sovereignty, more engagement with First Nations along with additional opportunities to involve Indigenous communities in project-based, decision-making processes are expected. The additional objectives identified in this report are intended to address these increasing
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expectations. In addition, each of the objectives identified, including both the existing and suggested additional ones, could be measured and with performance indicators established so that progress can be tracked and monitored over time.
ALTERNATIVES This is an information report. No alternatives are presented.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The types of reconciliation-related activities undertaken by Metro Vancouver and identified in this report are accounted for in the annual budget. Any new objectives pursued by the Board will need to be added to the Indigenous Relations Committee’s Work Plan. Additional staff may be required depending on the nature of additional work requested by the Board. As such, the Indigenous Relations budget may be impacted by additional activities related to reconciliation.
CONCLUSION At its meeting in October 2020, the Indigenous Relations Committee recommended that the MVRD Board direct staff to review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and report back to the Committee. This information report provides an overview of the Calls to Action applicable to Metro Vancouver, identifies Metro Vancouver’s reconciliation efforts to date since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s release of its final report in December 2015, and identifies some additional objectives for the Board’s consideration. Given that over five years have passed since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action were endorsed and a series of objectives were developed for Metro Vancouver, the Board may now wish to consider some additional objectives for reaffirming and strengthening its commitment towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in this region.
Attachments 1. Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action Directed at Local Governments as Identified by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). 2. Examples of Metro Vancouver’s Reconciliation Efforts.
References 1. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Calls to Action. Final report released December 15, 2015. 2. United Nations. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 13 September 2007. 3. Government of British Columbia. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Legislation passed on November 26, 2019. 4. Protocol Agreement for Communication and Collaboration between Squamish Nation and School District No. 44 (North Vancouver). Signed January 17, 2019. 5. Belcarra Regional Park Cultural Planning and Co-operation Agreement. Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Metro Vancouver. Signed February 18, 2020. 43463669
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ATTACHMENT 1
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action Directed at Local Governments as Identified by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Nine of the Calls to Action directed at local governments identified by number by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM):
#40 We call on all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal people, to create adequately funded and accessible Aboriginal-specific victim programs and services with appropriate evaluation mechanisms.
#43 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation.
#47 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to repudiate concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands, such as the Doctrine of Discovery and terra nullius, and to reform those laws, government policies, and litigation strategies that continue to rely on such concepts.
#57 We call upon federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism.
#64 We call upon all levels of government that provide public funds to denominational schools to require such schools to provide an education on comparative religious studies, which must include a segment on Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Aboriginal spiritual beliefs and practices developed in collaboration with Aboriginal Elders.
#75 We call upon the federal government to work with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, churches, Aboriginal communities, former residential school students, and current landowners to develop and implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration and protection of residential school cemeteries or other sites at which residential school children were buried. This is to include the provision of appropriate memorial ceremonies and commemorative markers to honour the deceased children.
#77 We call upon provincial, territorial, municipal and community archives to work collaboratively with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to identify and collect copies of all records relevant to the history and legacy of the residential school system, and to provide these to the NCTR.
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#87 We call upon all levels of government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, sports halls of fame, and other relevant organizations, to provide public education that tells the national story of Aboriginal athletes in history.
#88 We call upon all levels of government to take action to ensure long-term Aboriginal athlete development and growth, and continued support for the North American Indigenous Games, including funding to host the games and for provincial and territorial team preparation and travel.
Reference: Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Pathways to Reconciliation: Cities respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, 2016. Page 11.
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ATTACHMENT 2
Examples of Metro Vancouver’s Reconciliation Efforts
In October 2015, the MVRD Board endorsed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action as well as the following objectives: a) liaise with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Reconciliation Canada); b) raise awareness about Indian Residential Schools; c) provide cultural competency training; and d) strengthen relationships with First Nations.
Examples of actions undertaken by Metro Vancouver with respect to each of the four objectives listed are summarized below.
a) Liaise with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Reconciliation Canada) • Metro Vancouver staff participation in Reconciliation Canada conferences and workshops as well as the second Reconciliation Walk (2017) in downtown Vancouver. • A Lunch and Learn session was held with Chief Ernie Crey, Cheam First Nation from the Fraser Valley, on First Nations and Sustainability Initiatives (72 participants attended on November 30, 2015). • Chief Dr. Robert Joseph presented to the Indigenous Relations Committee on the status of Reconciliation efforts in February 2016. • A Lunch and Learn session was held with Reconciliation Canada representatives to mark Orange Shirt Day (36 people attended on September 26, 2016). • A Special Training Session with Senator Murray Sinclair was held for staff and elected officials on the MV Board and Indigenous Relations Committee (over 250 participants attended on October 1, 2020). b) Raise Awareness about Indian Residential Schools: • Orange Shirt Day (September 30) has been celebrated at Metro Vancouver in Lunch and Learn Sessions with special guest speakers, such as Phyllis Webstad (72 people attended on September 12, 2018) whose orange shirt was taken away from her when she attended Indian Residential School in 1973. Linda Gray, author of the book First Nations 101, also presented to staff (71 participants attended on September 30, 2019). • Orange Shirt Day lapel buttons have been provided to elected officials, senior management and staff over the past five years. • Articles to inform staff about Indian Residential Schools have been prepared and posted on Metro Vancouver’s intranet site from time to time. • National Indigenous Peoples Day was celebrated at Metro Vancouver with a special morning performance for staff from Squamish Nation’s Eagle Song Dancers (June 21, 2019). • Metro Vancouver staff and municipal staff who are on the Municipal Technical Advisory Committee on Indigenous Relations (MTAC) have received several training sessions including one from the Raven Institute on “Canada’s History Through an Indigenous Lens.”
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c) Providing Cultural Competency Training: • Indigenous awareness training sessions have been held for staff with presentations from Indigenous Relations staff. Since 2018, 6 training sessions have been held, involving over 200 staff. • In addition, over 20 presentations have been made to department and division staff, involving approximately 300 staff, since 2018. • Staff have also received full-day Indigenous awareness training sessions from external trainers such as Bob Joseph (Indigenous Corporate Training) and Teara Fraser (Raven Institute) as well as Archaeological training from Andrew Mason (Golder Associates). Since 2018, over 10 sessions have been held involving over 200 staff. • The Municipal Technical Advisory Committee on Indigenous Relations (municipal staff) and Metro interested Vancouver staff received a half-day training session on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Indigenous Corporate Training) on December 9, 2020. This online session was attended by 35 participants. • Furthermore, presentations have been requested by and provided to municipal committees, including RAAC, REAC and their technical subcommittees. Over 10 presentations or workshops have been held since 2018 involving close to 300 participants. • In total, Metro Vancouver staff has facilitated or organized training sessions for over 1,500 participants, including Metro Vancouver staff, municipal staff, and Metro Vancouver’s elected officials. d) Strengthening Relationships with First Nations: • Metro Vancouver has taken steps to increase its understanding of First Nation communities and Indigenous Peoples through initiatives such as the annual Community to Community Forums. Six such Forums with six First Nations have been held to date over the past 7 years including: Katzie (2014); Tsleil-Waututh (2015); Squamish (2016); Tsawwassen (2017); Kwantlen (2018); and Musqueam (2019). • In 2020, a Regional Gathering of the Chiefs and Council members from the 10 First Nation communities in the region, meeting with members of the Board of Directors and Indigenous Relations Committee, would have been co-hosted by Tsawwassen First Nation but, due to COVID- 19 restrictions, has been postponed to 2021. • Metro Vancouver has had display booths and staff present to answer questions at the large National Indigenous Peoples’ Day event at Trout Lake on June 21 (in both 2018 and 2019). • In 2020, and with COVID-19 restrictions in place, National Indigenous Peoples Day was celebrated with a Zoom interview session with both Chief Ken Baird, Tsawwassen First Nation, and Councillor Dustin Rivers (“Khelsilem”), Squamish Nation (155 participants attended on June 15, 2020). • Metro Vancouver also developed a corporate policy on engaging with First Nations which provides staff with guidelines for sharing information and (2017). • The Metro Vancouver Board updated its Procurement policy (2017) to provide more First Nation Economic Opportunities for both archaeological services provided by First Nations or their preferred archaeologists as well as First Nation construction and other services for Metro Vancouver projects.
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• Diverse types of meeting formats (e.g. leadership, bilateral, technical working groups, tripartite meetings, etc.) are offered to First Nations to meet, engage present, and discuss various issues, plans and projects. • An historic Cultural Planning and Co-Operation Agreement for Belcarra Regional Park was signed and celebrated by Metro Vancouver and Tsleil-Waututh Nation (60 people attended on February 18, 2020). • Metro Vancouver staff received a training session from Squamish Nation staff on the First Nation’s new referrals portal, Squamish Connect, on November 20, 2020. The session was attended by 35 staff who are involved in various aspects of project engagement with First Nations. • Metro Vancouver organizes and facilitates bilateral meetings with First Nations at both the leadership level as well as at the staff-to-staff level. • Where possible, Metro Vancouver has facilitated First Nations’ requests to conduct cultural activities (e.g. berry-picking, cedar bark stripping, archaeological field reconnaissance, and ceremonies conducted in the closed watersheds) with Metro Vancouver staff involvement.
Indigenous Relations Committee 5.4
To: Indigenous Relations Committee
From: Jessica Beverley, Corporate Solicitor/General Manager, Legal Services and Indigenous Relations
Date: January 14, 2021 Meeting Date: February 4, 2021
Subject: Manager’s Report
RECOMMENDATION That the Indigenous Relations Committee receive for information the report dated January 14, 2021, titled “Manager’s Report.”
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report includes a chronological summary of events and activities of interest to the Indigenous Relations Committee since the date of the previous Committee meeting on October 8, 2020.
2020 Annual Report Released by the BC Treaty Commission On November 24, 2020, the BC Treaty Commission released its 2020 Annual Report. The release states that “Indigenous sovereignty is a foundational principle of Indigenous rights and is fundamental to reconciliation. The constitutional imperative of modern treaties represents a sharing of power – a sharing of sovereignty - between Indigenous Nations and the Crown. This year’s annual report highlights this aspect of treaty negotiations.” The BC Treaty Commission is the independent body responsible for overseeing treaty negotiations among the governments of Canada, BC and First Nations in BC. It has three roles: facilitation, funding, and public information and education. Chief Commissioner Celeste Haldane will be invited to a future meeting of this Committee to provide a presentation on the 2020 Annual Report and status of treaty negotiations in British Columbia.
New Provincial Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Premier’s Mandate Letter to the Minister Following the BC election on October 24, 2020, the provincial government has a new Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation as of November 26, 2020: The Honourable Murray Rankin. Minister Rankin, from the Vancouver Island riding of Oak Bay-Gordon Head, is a lawyer with expertise in environmental, Indigenous, and public law. He holds law degrees from the University of Toronto and Harvard Law School. He served as a Member of Parliament for Victoria from 2012 to 2019, following which he was the Chair of Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Review Agency. He also previously taught environmental and administrative law at the University of Victoria. Minister Rankin succeeds former Minister Scott Fraser in this role. Former Minister Fraser did not seek re- election in 2020.
Minister Rankin received a mandate letter, dated November 26, 2020, from Premier John Horgan which emphasizes the development of lasting and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous communities in BC. The letter states: “Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for us all. The unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a
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significant step forward in this journey. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous peoples as they move toward self-determination. Our government – and every ministry – must remain focused on creating opportunities for Indigenous peoples to be full partners in our economy and providing a clear and sustainable path for everyone to work toward lasting reconciliation.”
In this regard, one of the Premier’s objectives for this Ministry is to bring forward a plan to create a dedicated Secretariat by the end of 2021 to coordinate government’s reconciliation efforts and to ensure new legislation and policies are consistent with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Minister Rankin’s responsibilities also include the following objectives from the Premier: • Address the needs of Indigenous communities through BC’s COVID-19 recovery efforts; • Create an action plan under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act for building strong relationships based on recognition and implementation of the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples protected in Canada’s constitution. • Create long-term agreements that recognize and support reconciliation, self-determination and economic independence. • Facilitate partnerships with First Nations around key decisions on regional and resource use allocation through evolving shared decision making. • Support the retention and revitalization of First Nations languages, including putting more Indigenous languages into BC’s curriculum. • Expanding the provincial government’s support for Aboriginal Friendship Centres. • Encourage the federal government to match BC’s funding to build housing for Indigenous peoples both on and off reserves. • Support the work of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to reflect Indigenous peoples’ history and cultures in provincial parks and wilderness areas.
Musqueam Election Results On November 30, 2020, the Musqueam Indian Band held its election for Chief and 10 Council members. Chief Wayne Sparrow was re-elected to his fourth term. Seven incumbents were also re-elected to Musqueam Council for a four-year term, along with three newly-elected Councillors. Metro Vancouver’s Board Chair and the Chair of the Indigenous Relations Committee will be sending a co-signed letter of congratulations to Musqueam Council.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Legislation Introduced in the House of Commons On December 3, 2020, the federal government introduced Bill C-15, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (the ‘Declaration’). If adopted, Bill C-15 would affirm the Declaration as having application in Canadian law and provide a framework for Canada’s implementation of the Declaration, but leaves virtually all of the details of the real legal impacts to be addressed in subsequent plans, reports and legislation. Bill C-15 was developed with input from, and was positively received by, Indigenous communities across Canada, and is substantially similar to the previous Bill C-262 that died in the Senate prior to the last federal election in 2019. In addition, the primary provisions are similar to the equivalent provisions in BC’s Declaration on the Rights of
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Indigenous Peoples Act which was adopted in November 2019. Unlike BC’s legislation, however, Bill C-15 does not include a mechanism for the federal government to enter into joint decision-making agreements with Indigenous governments and does not include the power to make regulations. Nonetheless, federal Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller stated that Bill C-15 is of “immense real and symbolic value” to Indigenous peoples in Canada. Once passed, Minister Miller predicts that there will be “an immense amount of work” to be done to harmonize federal laws with principles regarding what inherent rights Indigenous peoples have and the federal government’s corresponding responsibilities.
Semiahmoo Election Results On December 22, 2020, Semiahmoo First Nation held its election for Chief and two Council members. Chief Harley Chappell was re-elected to his third term. The two Council incumbents, Joanne Charles and Jennine Cook, were also re-elected to Semiahmoo First Nation Council for another two-year term. Metro Vancouver’s Board Chair and the Chair of the Indigenous Relations Committee will be sending a co-signed letter of congratulations to Semiahmoo Council.
Attendance at 2021 Standing Committee Events Participation at external events provides important learning and networking opportunities. The following event that falls under the purview of the Indigenous Relations Committee has been included in the 2021 Leadership and Engagement budget: • 2021 Annual Conference of the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice (CIAJ): “Indigenous Peoples and the Law”: Date and Place: November 17-19, 2021 (3 conference days), to be held in Vancouver, B.C. (Venue: TBA). Number of attendee(s): 2
CIAJ’s 45th Annual Conference will focus on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples living in Canada. Reconciliation, as defined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, is an “ongoing process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships,” by rebuilding trust, making reparations, and forging social change. This conference will provide continuation of active education and facilitate discussions regarding Indigenous issues and laws by bringing together contributors to the development of Indigenous law in Canada. Presenters will share their experiences, successes, challenges, and lessons learned for future efforts in expanding Indigenous government and self- government in Canada and toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
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Indigenous Relations Committee THE CORPORATION OF THE DISTRICT OF WEST VANCOUVER OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
File:
December 23, 2020
Via email: [email protected]
The Honourable Marc Miller Minister of indigenous Services House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Dear Minister Miller:
Re: Support for recognizing September 30 as National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
On behalf of council for the District of West Vancouver, I am writing you to give our support to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action # 80 which seeks to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation for federally regulated workers, and be observed as a statutory holiday on September 30.
This day would honour the survivors, and their families and communities that endured the tragic history of residential schools. While we have taken steps towards reconciliation, we recognize that there is still much work to do. The residential school system is a national tragedy that has had a lasting and damaging impact on Aboriginal culture, heritage and language.
By establishing a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we will ensure that each year, we reflect and honour the survivors of residential schools, as we move forward on our path to reconciliation, and continue to work towards a relationship between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians based on the knowledge of our shared history, and a respect for each other, as equals.
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We also recognize that there is much we can do at the municipal level and we hope to strengthen the work being done federally by continuing to work collaboratively with our local Indigenous communities.
Thank you for considering our support.
Sincerely,
Mary-Ann Booth cc: District of West Vancouver Council Robert Bartlett, CAO, District of West Vancouver Patrick Weiler, MP, West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country Chief Ian Campbell, Squamish Nation Chief Leah George-Wilson, Tsleil-Waututh Nation Karin Kirkpatrick, MLA, West Vancouver-Capilano Jordan Sturdy, MLA, West Vancouver – Sea to Sky
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