BC is on the path towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Last month, British Columbia became not only the first province in Canada, but the first jurisdiction in the Commonwealth to enshrine the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into law.
Premier John Horgan describes the passing of this legislation as one of the proudest moments of his life. I echo that sentiment. Being present to vote for and witness the passing of that historic legislation was a profound honour that I owe to my constituents, who allow me to do this important work for them as their MLA. However, none of this could have happened without all the Indigenous elders, matriarchs, and leaders who have fought so hard for so long to get us here today.
To learn more about our new path forward to true reconciliation for everyone in British Columbia, visit https://declaration.gov.bc.ca/.
As we near the winter holidays and approach the end of another decade, I’m so grateful that we are entering 2020 together in what is commonly described in discussions of reconciliation as moving forward in a good way.
In your service,
Bowinn Ma
MLA, North Vancouver-Lonsdale