BC has released its first ‘Reconciliation Action Plan’ in order to work towards incorporating Indigenous customs and heritage in governmental dealings.
The initiative has been planned out and enacted by BC’s Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Raj Chouhan.
He says that as the first person of South Asian heritage to serve as the Speaker of any legislature, he recognizes the value of seeing oneself represented in the institutions that surround him.
“As Speaker, it’s my priority to ensure every person who visits the Parliament Buildings feels they are welcome, and that they belong here,” Chouhan said.
“Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is an essential part of this work.”
Since his appointment, he says he has been making a committed and concerted effort to build relationships with First Nations in Victoria and throughout BC.
In the Reconciliation Action Plan, there are five commitments and seven actions to go along with them in order to achieve them.
Listed below are the commitments outlined in the Reconciliation Action Plan and the corresponding actions that will achieve them:
- BC will foster an understanding of the historical role and actions of the Legislative Assembly and its role in reconciliation
- Chouhan will deliver an official apology on behalf of the Legislative Assembly to First Nations across British Columbia
- The Province will provide educational opportunities and resources to MLAs and staff to enhance their understanding of Indigenous history and contemporary issues
- They will offer learnings on Indigenous histories and cultures, contemporary Indigenous issues as well as how to effectively work with and represent First Nations
- They will include reconciliation resources for the MLAs of the 43rd Parliament which will include the Legislative Assembly’s commitment to reconciliation and how to strengthen relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
- The Legislative Assembly will review their rules, practices and symbols in order to incorporate Indigenous cultures and participation in their sessions
- They will seek opportunities to incorporate Indigenous customs and cultures into the Legislative Assembly
- They will develop and implement consistent practices for the participation of Indigenous representatives in Legislative Assembly ceremonies and proceedings
- BC will ensure Indigenous cultures are reflected in the Parliament Buildings and throughout the Legislative Precinct
- They will initiate a review of all public spaces and visitor programming to determine how and where Indigenous stories can be represented
- Outside the Legislature, they will design and construct a monument in recognition of Indian Residential School survivors and all the children who were lost
- They will develop a Memorial Garden with Indigenous Peoples
Of note, Chouhan’s apology he plans on making will be the first official apology to Indian Residential School survivors and the families of those who lost a loved one in the history of the BC government.
He has not specified when he will be making this official apology.
These actions and commitments are meant to be implemented and completed by 2028, according to the Speaker.
