Premier David Eby –

“Partnership with First Nations means increased prosperity for all British Columbians. More homes, more jobs, more wealth, more protected wild spaces, safer communities and less time, money and uncertainty wasted on lawsuits. The work we are doing at this conference, together, will benefit everyone in the province.”

Regional Chief Terry Teegee, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations –

“This gathering between First Nations and representatives of the provincial government has become increasingly critical. We have seen a troubling rise in anti-Indigenous rhetoric inside and outside of the legislature, including residential school denialism and attempts to repeal B.C.’s commitment to the universal human rights of Indigenous Peoples as articulated by the UN Declaration. This surge in bigoted and harmful rhetoric risks setting back reconciliation and the achievements and successes that First Nations have achieved in partnership with B.C. by decades. In the context of recent legislation, such as Bill C-5 and Bills 14 and 15, it is imperative that the principles of free, prior and informed consent, as well as First Nations’ self-determination and sovereignty, are fully respected and upheld. These principles are foundational to meaningful reconciliation and the establishment of true partnerships based on respect and mutual recognition. The gathering is an opportunity for the Premier and provincial leaders to reaffirm their commitment to reconciliation and explore how they can work together to address these concerning trends. I look forward to working with the B.C. government as we assess recent political and economic challenges and begin to discuss and develop strategies that will benefit all British Columbians.”

Huy’wu’qw (Chief) Shana Thomas, political executive, First Nations Summit –

“Reconciliation is hard work. It demands commitment, courage, innovation and openness to new ways of thinking and doing. It also requires honouring legal principles and commitments that have taken decades to affirm. The First Nations Leaders’ Gathering is a vital space for dialogue on transforming colonial systems, advancing reconciliation and upholding inherent, constitutional and human rights. If we do this right, our collective legacy will be an enduring relationship and shared prosperity, even amid uncertainty and global challenges.”

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs –

“In an increasingly tense political and fiscal climate, we are grateful for the opportunity to bring together First Nations leadership and youth with the provincial government. Over the next two days, we will have deeply important conversations about the Province’s role in upholding and advancing our inherent and constitutionally protected title and rights, proactively combatting anti-Indigenous racism, including residential school denialism, and ensuring that all legislation is consistent with the UN Declaration, as required by the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. We need to have honest dialogue about the Province’s obligations to obtain First Nations free, prior and informed consent before proceeding with legislation and projects that directly impact them. Reconciliation is complex, emotional and very difficult and we need to stand together.”

Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

“We build a brighter and more prosperous future when we do it together with First Nations across B.C. The First Nations Leaders’ Gathering is a huge opportunity to listen, learn and take action together for that brighter and more hopeful future. With over 1,300 delegates and over 200 First Nations represented, this will be an intense couple of days, which will help lead us on a better path together for the years ahead.”