Publications and reports
Considering the Legal and Human Rights Framework for Addressing Mass Graves Connected to Indian Residential Schools
June 2021
This paper proposes some of the legal and policy issues that governments must address, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples, if a proper and serious framework for addressing unmarked burials and mass graves in Canada is to be established.
International human rights and legal considerations in relation to terminology and the discovery of undocumented burials at the Kamloops Indian Residential School
June 2021
This discussion paper looks at the considerations for using various terminology such as “mass grave,” “genocide,” and “cultural genocide,” in relation to the discovery at Kamloops Indian Residential School.
Implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples through Federal Government Legislation
February 2021
The Centre held a virtual dialogue on Bill C-15, the legislation proposed by the federal government to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Dialogue brought together 12 Indigenous, federal, and provincial politicians and leading experts to share a range of views on Bill C-15. This summary report highlights key considerations and themes from the discussions.
Implementing UNDRIP in BC discussion paper series
Read all eight papers in this discussion series which explores the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in B.C.
Primer on practice shifts required with Canada’s Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families
January 2020
On January 1, 2020, new federal legislation came into effect for all provinces and territories in Canada to create a “comprehensive reform of child and family services that are provided in relation to Indigenous children.” This paper is a primer on the new legislation, aimed at those working with First Nations children, youth, families, communities and First Nations governments.
Special Dialogue on Bill 41 Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA)
November 2019
This summary report highlights some of the issues raised at a dialogue session on Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) in British Columbia in November 2019. The session brought together First Nations leaders, lawyers, community members and those working in government to discuss potential challenges in implementing BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), using the UN Declaration as a framework for reconciliation.
Building Indigenous-led Engagement Frameworks
February 2019
This summary report highlights some of the issues raised from a dialogue in the Indigenous Data, Information and Records Dialogue Series. The goal for these dialogues was to collaboratively develop a model of engagement for Indigenous data, information and records housed at UBC, the IRSHDC and beyond. This summary features key conversations and themes from the first dialogue in the series, which took place in January 2019.
Special Dialogue on Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in British Columbia
December 2018
This summary report examines some of the past and current efforts that have been made to transform Crown-Indigenous relations across Canada, along with providing critical considerations for implementing the UN Declaration in British Columbia. The report also focuses on achieving the broad and systemic shifts that are needed in order to support the ongoing work of Indigenous self-determination and self-government.