Indigenous Engagement and Resources
The BC Ombudsperson is committed to advancing and supporting reconciliation through our work with Indigenous peoples. We recognize and respect Indigenous rights and histories in delivering our services. Our goal is to strengthen our partnerships with Indigenous service providers, community leaders and individuals to ensure all Indigenous peoples across BC are treated fairly. To achieve this, we are working both externally and internally with a number of initiatives underway.
We are engaging Indigenous Nations, communities and groups in Consultation Circles
The BC Ombudsperson is holding a series of consultation circles with various regions and communities across B.C. If you are interested in attending any of the below sessions, please contact Jolene Andrew.
Indigenous Communities by Region
This includes people who are from First Nations/Indigenous Communities that have traditional territories located within B.C. Hereditary leaders, Chiefs and Council Members, band administrators/managers, and also band and nation community members, including self-identified Indigenous peoples.
- Lower Mainland Southwest First Nations (complete)
- Vancouver Island and Coastal First Nations (complete)
- Okanagan and Kootenay First Nations (cancelled out of respect)*
- Northeast and Cariboo First Nations (cancelled out of respect)*
- North Coast and Nechako First Nations
*We want to be guided by the capacity of communities to respond in their own time and to participate in consultation processes that work for communities. If your community still wishes to attend a consultation circle, please feel welcome to contact Jolene Andrew.
Urban Indigenous Peoples in B.C.
This includes all Indigenous peoples who reside in urban centres in B.C., including those whose traditional territories are located outside of B.C.
- Northern B.C.
- Southern B.C.
Indigenous Youth:
This includes all Indigenous, Métis and Inuit youth (ages 13 to 25) who reside anywhere in B.C.
Métis and Inuit Peoples in B.C.
This includes all Métis peoples who reside anywhere in B.C., including members of the Métis Chartered Communities.
We are planning for what our services to Indigenous Communities will look like into the future
Our office is taking the feedback we hear and developing a comprehensive Indigenous Communities Services Plan. Read our Indigenous Community Services Plan: Phase 1 if you would like to know what we have done to-date. Our plan:
- Ensures Indigenous community leaders, individuals and support organizations are aware of the Ombudsperson’s mandate and services;
- Ensures the BC Ombudsperson conducts its work in a matter that respects Indigenous cultures, traditions, practices and languages; and,
- Supports Indigenous communities in their journey towards self-governance.
We are responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission call to action to provide education to our staff
We are committed to ongoing training for our staff to learn about the history of Indigenous peoples and will continue to strive for continuous improvement as we build our cultural competency.
