B.C. Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson speaks during a postelection news conference, in Vancouver, on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

By The Canadian Press

B.C. could turn into ‘battleground’ without DRIPA as road map: First Nations leaders

Oct 26, 2026 | 2:26 AM

VICTORIA — The First Nations Leadership Council says British Columbia is at a crossroads with the incoming Conservative government that could result in either a “battleground” or reconciliation.

Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson has said he will repeal DRIPA, or the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, because the legislation has failed but he promised to work with First Nations in the spirit of respect and friendship.

The leadership council, made up of executives from three main First Nations groups in B.C., says in a statement that it’s ready to work with the government to advance reconciliation and uphold rights and title.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs says outgoing Premier David Eby’s loss in Saturday’s election is “hugely disappointing,” and the province faces the choice of becoming “battleground B.C.” or pursuing reconciliation with DRIPA as a framework.

B.C. Assembly of First Nations regional Chief Terry Teegee says in the statement that provincial politicians in the recent past have campaigned on anti-Indigenous racism and they are calling on Doerkson to uphold a zero-tolerance policy.

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First Nations Summit Chief Shana Thomas says no economic projects in the province can happen without involvement of First Nations.

The Conservatives were elected with about two-thirds of the province’s 93 seats in the legislature on Saturday, giving the party its first majority government in nearly a century.

Doerkson said at a postelection news conference on Sunday that he is “completely committed to working with First Nations” but will stick with his election promise to repeal DRIPA.

He said the declaration act brought in by the New Democrat government has caused more problems.

“So, I am committed with working on a great path forward of respect, partnership, friendship and conversation.”

A statement from the office of the clerk of the legislative assembly said swearing in ceremonies can’t take place until the election results are certified and provided by the chief electoral officer, which is expected Nov. 18.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2026

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

B.C. could turn into ‘battleground’ without DRIPA as road map: First Nations leaders

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