More than 100 First Nations and First Nations organizations in British Columbia have collectively called on Premier David Eby to uphold the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). This significant act was unanimously passed by the provincial legislature in 2019, positioning British Columbia as the first province in Canada to legally implement the United Nations' declaration on indigenous rights. The First Nations are apprehensive about potential amendments to DRIPA, especially following a landmark court ruling that established its legal enforceability rather than merely being a symbolic gesture.

The calls for upholding DRIPA come at a crucial juncture where the provincial government has indicated its intent to make amendments after receiving pressure, particularly from the BC Conservatives, who have urged Eby to reconvene the legislature to repeal the act. Eby, however, has clarified that his goal is to amend rather than eliminate DRIPA, stating that he is not in an immediate rush to summon the legislature back before February 18, raising concerns among First Nations leaders regarding the possible dilution of their rights.

On January 29, First Nations organizations claimed that the province had issued a letter regarding proposed amendments to both the Declaration Act and the Interpretation Act, anticipated for the coming spring legislative session. This notification has intensified their apprehension that changes to these foundational acts could undermine the progress made in recognizing and enshrining the rights of Indigenous peoples, which has been a focal point of reconciliation efforts in British Columbia.