What Is the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA)?
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) was passed by the British Columbia government in 2019. It is the first law in Canada that legally commits a province to align its laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
DRIPA requires the provincial government to:
- Consult and cooperate with Indigenous groups on laws that affect them.
- Take “all necessary measures” to align provincial laws with UNDRIP.
- Create joint decision-making frameworks with Indigenous governing bodies.
Why Was DRIPA Introduced?
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The B.C. government stated that DRIPA was intended to improve relationships with Indigenous peoples and to advance reconciliation. The law aims to recognize and affirm Indigenous rights, cultures, and traditional laws—especially related to land and governance.
While these goals are important, the way DRIPA is being implemented raises serious concerns for many British Columbians.
Photo credit : CBC News
What Does DRIPA Change?
Under DRIPA, government actions—including land development, resource projects, and lawmaking—may now require “free, prior, and informed consent” from Indigenous groups. In practice, this can function as a veto on decisions that impact lands where Indigenous claims exist.
This applies even when land is privately owned or when legal disputes over territory are unresolved.
Why Are People Concerned?
Critics of DRIPA argue that:
- It risks dividing British Columbians into separate legal systems based on ancestry or heritage.
- It bypasses public consultation and democratic debate.
- It creates legal uncertainty for landowners, developers, and businesses.
- It could enable over 200 Indigenous bands to exercise sovereign control within a single province.
Our Mission
We empower British Columbians to voice their concerns about DRIPA implementation.
Our Vision
Advocating for sovereignty
We strive to reclaim BC’s sovereignty through collective action and awareness.
Digital Petition Platform
Advocacy for Sovereignty
Drop Dripa is a digital platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of British Columbians, focusing on the concerns surrounding the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Community Engagement Hub
Our platform fosters community engagement, allowing individuals to express their concerns and support for Indigenous sovereignty while advocating for meaningful dialogue and action regarding the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Empowering Indigenous Voices
We empower Indigenous voices by providing a space for petitions and discussions, ensuring that the perspectives of British Columbians are heard and considered in the ongoing dialogue about sovereignty and rights.
Digital Petition
A platform for British Columbians to voice concerns on Indigenous rights implementation.
