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Plain language version

DRIPA explained simply

The actual law is 10 sections long. Here’s what each one says, in plain language. No legal jargon.

1

Definitions

This section defines what words mean in the law. The 'Declaration' means the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 'Indigenous peoples' means the same as 'aboriginal peoples' in the Constitution.

Key point

Section 1(3) is critical: it says nothing in this law takes away any rights protected by Section 35 of the Constitution. The law cannot override the Constitution.
2

What the law is for

The law has three goals: (1) apply the UN Declaration to BC law, (2) help implement the Declaration, and (3) build relationships with Indigenous governments.

Key point

These are the only purposes. The law does not mention transferring land, creating a veto, or changing property ownership.
3

BC must align its laws

The government must work with Indigenous peoples to make sure BC's laws are consistent with the Declaration. This is a process — not a one-time event.

Key point

This is a process obligation. It means the government has to work toward alignment over time, not that all laws changed overnight.
4

Make a plan

The government must create an action plan to achieve the Declaration's goals, developed with Indigenous peoples. The plan must be presented to the Legislature and reviewed regularly.

Key point

The 2022-2027 Action Plan contains 89 specific actions. It’s a public document: Read the Action Plan (PDF)
5

Report every year

The government must write a yearly report on what it's done under this law. The report covers the fiscal year ending March 31. It must be presented to the Legislature by June 30.

Key point

This creates accountability. The public can see what progress has been made. All annual reports are published online: declaration.gov.bc.ca/annual-report
6

The government can make agreements

Cabinet ministers can negotiate agreements with Indigenous governments. These agreements are subject to Section 7's rules.

Key point

This doesn't create automatic agreements. It authorizes negotiation.
7

Decision-making agreements

Cabinet can authorize ministers to negotiate two kinds of agreements with Indigenous governments: (a) joint decision-making on specific projects, or (b) requiring Indigenous consent before certain government decisions.

Key point

This is the most debated section. Here’s what it actually requires:
  • Cabinet must authorize each agreement individually
  • The minister must publicly disclose what consultations they plan to do — within 15 days
  • Each agreement must be published in the BC Gazette before it takes effect
  • Agreements are voluntary, project-specific, and negotiated — not automatic or universal

As of April 2026, only a handful of Section 7 agreements exist (Eskay Creek, Red Chris, Galore Creek, ’Namgis forestry). None gives blanket authority over an entire territory.

8

No criminal penalties

The Offence Act doesn't apply to this law. You can't be charged with a crime for anything under DRIPA.

Key point

There are no fines or jail time associated with this law.
9

The government can make regulations

Cabinet can create regulations (detailed rules) to implement the law, following the standard process in BC's Interpretation Act.

Key point

Standard government procedure — nothing unusual.
10

When it started

The law took effect the day it received Royal Assent: November 28, 2019.

Key point

It passed unanimously. 87 votes in favour. Zero against.

What’s NOT in this law:

  • No transfer of private property
  • No veto power (the word “consent” doesn’t appear in the operative sections)
  • No new constitutional rights (Section 1(3) says so explicitly)
  • No blanket authority over all projects in any territory
  • No criminal penalties
  • No automatic agreements — every one requires Cabinet approval and public disclosure

Want to read the original legal text?

Read the full text·View on BC Laws