# B.C. Indigenous leader calls DRIPA repeal 'declaration of war'

> B.C. Indigenous leader warns repealing DRIPA risks 'declaration of war' on common sense policies.
- Title: B.C. Indigenous leader calls DRIPA repeal 'declaration of war'
- Summary: B.C. Indigenous leader warns repealing DRIPA risks 'declaration of war' on common sense policies. B.C.
- Keywords: b.c. indigenous leader, dripa repeal, stewart phillip, union of b.c. indian chiefs, b.c. conservative government, lorne doerkson, aboriginal rights, section 35 constitution act, National Post
- Source: National Post — https://nationalpost.com/opinion/not-helpful-for-b-c-indigenous-leader-to-declare-war-on-common-sense-policies
- Author: Warren Mirko
- Published: 2026-10-30T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: b.c. indigenous leader, dripa repeal, stewart phillip, union of b.c. indian chiefs, b.c. conservative government, lorne doerkson, aboriginal rights, section 35 constitution act, news, politics
## B.C. Indigenous leader calls DRIPA repeal 'declaration of war'
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, called repealing DRIPA a 'declaration of war' this week.

> a declaration of war
## Incoming B.C. government promises DRIPA repeal
Premier-elect Lorne Doerkson pledged to repeal DRIPA as a top priority while reaffirming commitment to working with First Nations.
## DRIPA repeal concerns
Outgoing premier David Eby acknowledged DRIPA created legal uncertainty, proposing amendments or suspension before facing opposition.
## Indigenous leaders challenge DRIPA rhetoric
Chris Sankey, former elected councillor, told Phillip, B.C. Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee and Heiltsuk Chief Marilyn Slett they do not represent most communities.
## DRIPA repeal legal status
Aboriginal rights are protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 regardless of DRIPA's status.
## Indigenous leaders oppose DRIPA repeal
Chawathil First Nation Chief Aaron Pete called DRIPA repeal rhetoric 'irresponsible, dangerous and not productive'.

> irresponsible, dangerous and not productive
## DRIPA repeal consequences
Repealing DRIPA won't undo existing agreements but requires review of public land and resource arrangements.
## Key takeaway

B.C. Indigenous leader Stewart Phillip says repealing DRIPA is a 'declaration of war' that stunts public debate on Indigenous rights.