BC’s Economic Recovery Plans Must Invest in and Restore Indigenous Lives: UBCIC Recommendations

 

Statement
July 16, 2020

BC’s Economic Recovery Plans Must Invest in and Restore Indigenous Lives: UBCIC Recommendations

((Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C. – July 16, 2020) As the Province seeks to mitigate and recover from the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that Indigenous people are able to co-develop and participate in plans to both bolster BC’s economy and resolve the social repercussions of COVID-19. The concerns and insight of Indigenous peoples must inform and shape BC’s road to recovery – a road that should not be just premised on economic windfall and capital gains, but on priority investments made to improve the quality of life of Indigenous and marginalized communities.

UBCIC’s submission is guided by the strong belief that it is unacceptable to put forward an economic recovery plan that does not account for the institutionalized racism and systemic inequalities that make responding to and recovering from COVID-19 more challenging and complex for Indigenous communities. Indigenous communities must have a transparent, equitable way to be notified of opportunities to apply for any funding the Province makes available for recovery. The Province must actively reach out and engage directly with all First Nations to this effect. Ultimately, UBCIC’s recommendations point the way to a recovery plan that invests in uplifting Indigenous people who can contribute a wealth of expertise, talent, and innovative ideas for BC’s future.  

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of UBCIC: (250-490-5314)  
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President of UBCIC: (604-290-6083)
Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer of UBCIC: (250-320-7738)

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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