Advocacy

The Mainland Coast Salish territories are among the most hazard-exposed and climate-vulnerable regions in Canada — and First Nations are too often left out of the decisions that shape emergency planning, response, and recovery on their own lands.

Guided by the direction of the 31 Mainland Coast Salish First Nations, from Yale to Semiahmoo to Squamish, EPS advocates for increased community capacity, the full realization of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and the full representation of community values in all regional emergency planning, management, response, and decision-making.

HOW OUR ADVOCACY WORKS

Directed by Communities

EPS does not set its own advocacy agenda. We take direction from the 31 Mainland Coast Salish First Nations on what requires support and advocacy — through working group meetings, 1:1 community meetings, and during emergencies — and report back to communities on advocacy activities.

Communities are supported to "define the space": to articulate their own priorities, values, and requirements, which EPS then advocates for at regional, provincial, and federal levels.

EPS consistently advocates for:

The Principles of Hílekw Sq'eq'ó, the Disaster Resilience Regional Action Plan
Free, Prior and Informed Consent
The articles of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA)
The realization of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action
First Nations as full partners in all emergency management strategies, decisions, and initiatives — including the implementation of the BC Flood Strategy

Communities direct — working groups, 1:1s, emergencies

EPS advocates at regional, provincial, federal levels

EPS reports back to
communities

ADVOCACY SUPPORT

Briefing Notes

Policies and initiatives broken down and analyzed — including what proposed legislation means for communities.

Coordinated Letters

Coordinated letters to governments or organizations, as requested by communities, so that shared positions carry regional weight.

Letters of Support

Letters of Support for community applications, projects, and initiatives, provided on request.

REQUEST SUPPORT

CURRENT ADVOCACY PRIORITIES

What we are Working on Now

Actioning the BC Flood Strategy in partnership with First Nations: pushing for implementation that upholds DRIPA and reflects community priorities.

Emergency management legislation and funding: monitoring changes (including Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements) and assessing their implications for communities.

Regional flood resilience for the Lower Fraser through our participation in the Lower Fraser Floodplains Coalition (see below).

Joint Statement for Action on Floodplain Resilience in the Lower Mainland

As a member of the Lower Fraser Floodplains Coalition, EPS supports regional efforts to secure lasting flood resilience for the Lower Fraser. The Joint Statement calls on federal and provincial governments for:

A dedicated, long-term flood resilience program for the Lower Fraser
Stable, committed funding — not project-by-project
Regional coordination
Investment in critical infrastructure and the full flood risk reduction toolbox, including nature-based solutions
Capacity support for First Nations and local government leadership

EPS can provide briefing materials and presentations to support communities in reviewing and considering the Joint Statement.

Read the Full Statement

Supported by:

Community: Metro Vancouver Regional District

Community: Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

Community: City of Port Coquitlam

Community: City of Delta

Upcoming Meetings with:

FVRD
Squamish
Burnaby
Coquitlam
Maple Ridge
New Westminster
Pitt Meadows
Skwah
Tzeachten
Aitchelitz
Skowkale
Kwikwetlem
Matsqui

Advocacy at EPS starts with your community's direction. If there is an issue, policy, or decision your community wants raised, contact us — at a working group meeting, a 1:1 meeting, or any time.